Wife is after a “proper” digital camera, and I don’t know the first thing about them.
I don’t even know the diff between a DSLR and a Bridge 
Is there an idiot’s guide anywhere? Anything I should avoid or be looking for ?
The wife wants .raw format images - I assume this is uncompressed image storing and sounds good ?
Any advice much appreciated. Budget like to be up to £400 or so but obviously if a £200 camera can do 90% then we’ll probably compromise
Panasonic Lumix whatever model mine is :lol:
Point & shoot, but also has all the manual controls as well. HD video, two days worth of shooting on a battery charge. My only negative would be that I don’t get out enough to enjoy it 
DT.
In short:
DSLR - can change lenses. You can throw as much money as you like at these. Throwing little money is more challenging but possible with entry level models from Canon/Nikon/Sony scraping into budget.
Bridge - looks kinda like a mini-DSLR but the performance and quality is more like a compact. Some higher end compacts do have raw output. Not really looked closely at those.
Also consider the new breed of compact-ish interchangeable lens cameras, but lacking the mirror and stuff of a DSLR. e.g. Olympus E-P1 or E-PL1, Sony NEX, Panasonic GF1…
Turning it around, what are the intended applications/subjects? Is size going to be a possible issue? Or other possible considerations on functionality beyond wanting raw? SLR main strength is autofocus speed. Other types are now about as good for stationary targets, but don’t really cut it if you want to track moving targets.
Coincidently today I picked up a used Canon 450D. Once I’ve checked it is fine I’ll get it professionally converted to cover near infra-red in additional to visible too.
If you are looking for a semi-compact, non interchangeable lens jobbie, the Canon G11 or the soon to be released G12 takes some beating. All the stuff you would find on an SLR from full Manual, AV, TV etc through to programme mode. Shoots raw and 720p video too. The low light mode is gob smacking. Oh and it’s got a viewfinder (of sorts)
I think it will be outside your budget, but I have a Nikon D200 with a 18-70mm lens that I am willing to sell. it would come with 3 batteries, a couple of Compact Flash cards, camera case and bits and bobs.
It is a “Pro” DSLR camera… cost over £1000 when new.
But I am looking for £500 for it.
Thanks for the advice all We’ve pretty much decided on the Canon 1000D - even went in to Jessop’s to have a physical look at it earlier Can get them at a shade over £300, or nearer £350 with bundled lense.
Thanks for the offer fiend, but if we’re spending that much on a camera we’d want to buy it new 
Should have some fun with it I’m deep in the Canon system so feel free to throw any questions this way…
No problemo… Haven’t actually decided if I want to get rid of it… But should I be able to get what I want for it if I sell it on eBay… Although the D200 is a older model, it is still a very desirable camera and there is a good market for them.
[QUOTE=DoubleTop;456464]Panasonic Lumix whatever model mine is :lol:
Point & shoot, but also has all the manual controls as well. HD video, two days worth of shooting on a battery charge. My only negative would be that I don’t get out enough to enjoy it
DT.[/QUOTE]
I’ve a Panny DMC-TZ7 - think yours is a bit newer DT. Wish I could get out a bit more too to put it through it’s paces. My arty brothers have got much more expensive Canons with interchangeable lenses and myriads of manual options, but y’know, I’m well impresses with the little beasty.
Set myself a little challenge. On 4th November, Comet Harley 2, which will be in the North West, about 65 degrees above the horizon, near constellation Auriga (the archer) will be visible. I don’t have a telescope (yet) and no GPS. If I remember correctly, it’s around every 65 years.
I’m hoping to get at least a little green dot. Oh, and plug for a freebie astronomy prog. Stellerium.
Ooh, shall have to have a go at that, weather allowing. Is it this one? Shouldn’t be too hard to find, Capella is pretty bright so should serve as a handy reference point in the area to navigate from. Weather reports showing some chance for this weekend but rain again next week.