I take photos on my phone too, for snaps. And then if I want better photos, I use my D3100. But I don't count photography as one of my hobbies. I just want quality shots of things that are interesting to me and that I'd want preserved as memories. I don't want 300 pix of seagulls in an attempt to get the perfect seagull pic.
Nothing wrong with an iphone, 4s and above. My 5S has very impressive dynamic range. Not so good for seagulls I admit, unless they're 3 feet from you
I'm with redsail and Air Duck The big compromise on "cheap" lenses, particularly zoom lenses, are small aperture, distortion and variation in quality across the field of view. Getting this right is why professional lenses cost thousands and weigh a ton. The OP will enjoy snapping with an entry level DSLR but once you start enlarging the limitations will quickly become apparent. However the best DSLR in the world will pixelate if you enlarge it's images far enough; even the best has limits. The key is to understand, work within and be satisfied with the limitations of what you have got. Remember it's not what you have but what you do with it that matters.
OFC it is all irrelevant as the OP has a budget, My comments were the generalisation of peoples views of DSLR's, for what the OP wants to shoot. DSLR are very good building blocks, even the cheapest DSLR with a very good lens will take better images than any thing sub DSLR Body. I would have said generally for your budget you are never going to get any great images, unless the weather conditions are perfect, and they are fairly close, and slow moving, though practice makes perfect and timing again is essential I would invest in a monopod as well, a small compact at 60X zoom will needed to be steadied, it is actually harder to hold them steady than a nice lens to grab hold of, and if taking prop planes you would shoot at a far slower shutter speed, so need a steady hand.
Good point about propellers needing longer shutter speed. Generally you're absolutely right of course and I agree 100% - great pics are far more to do with planning (and experience) than they are to do with kit.
I'd find a little used 7D (for focussing and shutter speed options) and add a used 70-300L/100-400L lens plus necessary filters and a sling strap. That should be ok for starting with planes and motorsport.
Well Jen it looks like you don't need me. More than enough in this thread to make your head spin. I don't want to proffer an opinion and get dragged into a brawl. What I will say is that the Fuji's I have would not suit your needs, fast moving images are not their strong point.
I think I shall be going for the Panasonic Lumix FZ72 EB-K,it seems a slightly older model but has had some great reviews,and I think it would really suit my needs,plus it's just under£200 so hubby can get a spare battery,A HUGE SD card and a bag for it as well Thank you very much,for all your input.....it's been interesting!
Three year warranty included £174 delivered: http://m.valuebasket.com/en_GB/Pana...-BK?AF=GOOGB&gclid=COif4cf-nsgCFWmc2wodNMEEqw
Whilst your about it, tuck this on your Xmas list, it'll come in handy for those slightly longer airshow shots - you know , the airshow is in another hemisphere... I've just ordered one..... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...mm_f_5_6l.html
Never underestimate the power of a good seagull shot........triangular bit of dirt on the sensor just below the seagull though.... no seagulls were harmed in the taking of this picture- but you can't beat a bit of quick fried seagull leg... i quite like the quicksilver effect on this one
