Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Help

[majimikate]

Okay, I've been reading this board for a while as an amateur photographer, and you guys all seem to know so much you scare me!!! I just got (as a gift from my husband) a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. I like the camera so far, especially the 12x optical zoom, the lack thereof being the biggest complaint I had about my Sony Cybershot (my last camera). My question is this...I am really hoping to upgrade to a dSLR within the next couple of years, preferably a Canon EOS Digital Rebel. Is this a good start for an amateur? All opinions appreciated, thanks!!!!!!!!

Chris

 

[Kelly Grannell]

At the current US price of $350-ish, I'd rather beg, borrow or steal another $150 to get a Pentax ist*DL and get an actual dSLR. Why spend $350 now and then spend $500 later (totalling $850).

For that price ($850) you'll get a Pentax ist*DL body + Sigma 18-200 lens and you WILL get better picture, better shutter response, better high ISO performance from ISO 400 to ISO 3200 (don't get me started with Panasonic ISO 400 and 800 that looks like water colour, no option for ISO 1600 or 3200), better auto-focus, faster auto focus... and so on... and so forth.

Just my 2 Canadian cents (which now come real close to 2 US cents)

 

[Anewman]

Congrats.

I really do like the panasonic FZ line.

 

[manning]

I think you will enjoy it. I'm enjoying my TZ1. Keep an open mind on what brand DSLR you want to get. Things will change in a couple years. Other brands are coming out with new DSLR cameras and things could change with P&S. Who knows where it is all going.

The top camera today may not be the top one tomorrow, or may.