What camera ?

[Chef_uk]

My Flickr profile > Fluidr / chef_uk's photos and videos You'll pretty much be able to guess what my subject of choice is from the first couple of pics

£500 should get you a very nice set up to start with. Like others have said, a macro lens will get you the close ups of tiny subjects. My Sony severely lacks in the Macro department and i've often been annoyed with it when it fails to deliver when i spot something that would take a great picture so definitely make sure your £500 is spent on the right setup.

Finally, ask 20 people which DSLR should i get and you will get nearly as many different responses. Go in to Jessops and spend a good 30 minutes trying different ones out. They won't mind one bit as it could lead to a potential sale in the £100's (or even £1000's with some lenses). Taking your own memory card is a great idea as it means you can bring it home and check out the quality on your pc close up as the little LCD screen can only give so much info although make sure its got enough memory as DSLR photo's take up a lot of space

[lettucegrow!]

This is all really helpful hearing your views everyone. I have to say I did disregard the tip about Photoshop, it seems to be cheating to me and the idea of upgrading is to really learn and understand how it all works.I have only had a Nikon coolpix 540 and have outgrown it. I'm leaning towards the Canon eos 5ooD, there are some bargains online, new. But still looking!

[dogsbody]

Don't forget to check out on-line competitions (sites such as Loquax list them) - you never know you may be lucky enough to get one for free.

[Piggle]

I' say go into a proper camera shop - my hubby is a wildlife photgrapher and he reckons jessops don't know they're A**e from their e****w although maybe that is just the one up here. Calumet are good if there is one near you.

I would steer clear from lumix as the zoom on mine has broken twice and now the lens has let an insect inside it ...... that was 300 quid and is yet again on it's way back to the shop.

[lettucegrow!]

Thanks piggle(love your avatar) was thnking about where to go as all the camera shops have gone online. Theres something to be said about actually holding what you want to spend your hard earned cash on. There must be one around here.

[Piggle]

Thanks - he's my beloved kitty and takes a better piccy than me.

I think the nearest to you are in London - if you are feeling very flash then Greys of Westminster is the place to go.

[lettucegrow!]

Well, after lots of researching I've been bought for my b'day a canon eos 500d . Bought second hand and hardly used and very careful owner for£330. Really love it and very happy eith first pics of cat and grandson! Going to love using it.

[dogsbody]

Well done, you will have hours / days / years of fun, enjoy (and happy birthday!!)

[piskieinboots]

I've just bought this - did I waste my dosh? Whilst not in the legal of you clever bods, I'd hoped it would be sufficient for me as a recording tool.

[its hilly]

Now you just have to post some of the results for us
I've recently bought the eos 450d and love the results.

[Chef_uk]

It will take pictures like any camera but point&click compacts lose a lot of detail so don't get to het up in lining up the shots, just point and click and then upload for all to see

[keepitgreen]

Nikon! I used to work in Jessop's and I part exchanged the first D70 camera into the company and then sold it to myself within about five minutes. Still use it now and it's great. If you're thinking of Canon I would go for a 2nd hand 10D. Ebay is a good place to look.

[piskieinboots]

Now you just have to post some of the results for us

...just point and click and then upload for all to see

Click on my Piskie's Patch in the signature - that shows pictures that I've been taking with a point 'n shoot - I have a lot to learn

[Capsid]

I've just bought this - did I waste my dosh? Whilst not in the legal of you clever bods, I'd hoped it would be sufficient for me as a recording tool.

Not at all, my son has a Lumix too (he's 14) and got to grips with it in no time. The pictures he gets are extremely good and I often borrow it for ease of use rather than lugging an SLR around.