Trying to decide between compact and entry DSLR?

[gz5ztg]

I was looking at a Canon A710 IS but see that Jessops have the EOS 350D on offer at the moment, now I know it costs a bit more but not all that much. I am always impressed by the photos my brother and my friend take with their DSLRs, they always seem to be a lot more "real" than ones I took with my old Pentax compact.

You can probably tell I am a complete novice but I want to get more into photography. So is it better to just spend the extra now on the 350D? Will the supplied lens be okay to start with I won't have much money for a while afterwards to spend on anything else.

Interested in anyone's opinion..

Thanks.

[Pheonix]

Probably best yes, if you actually want to do it properly as a hobby. Having said this I used a bridge camera for a year before recently buying a Pentax K10D. Still in the learning curve for the latter, but my main advantage now is I can shoot in more difficult conditions easier (plus having more wideangle on the kit lens). For example lower noise high ISO.

Other cameras to consider as well as the 350D, include the NIkon D50 (also D40, although lots here don't like it as much as the D50, Pentax K100D, and Olympus 4/3rds DSLRs.

[RPG]

If I were buying a new camera now in your position I'd go for the Pentax K100D. Certainly well worth going up to an SLR though, you just need to put in the time really. But, it's very rewarding after the jump even over a short time!

[jec]

You might be interested in a thread from last year on Downgrading from DSLR (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407546). I'm pretty sure it will help answer some of your questions and doubts.