First DSLR suggestions?

If what you are trying to acheive is telephoto compression then Yes. As long as the focal length is long enough.

Telephoto compression is due to the ratios of the distance between the lens, the subject and the background. The composition would be the same if you shot with a Bridge or DSLR from the same position and the same angle of view.


I am assuming you are asking about optical zoom rather than digital zoom. The quality will depend on the lens rather than the type of camera. Where a bridge may fall down is in low light as the smaller sensor will not handle the high ISO as well.

All things considered I think you are looking for a Bridge Camera with a large zoom capability.

From what you wrote there, it sounds more like you feel you are somehow missing out on something by not buying a DSLR. That is a common symptom of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) that many photographers suffer from. While it is true that the main strength of the GH4 lies in it's video performance, it is no slouch as a stills camera.

When it comes to considering an upgrade, I feel it is best to consider a camera to be a tool with a well defined performance envelope. Most photographers never exceed the limits of the performance envelope of their camera. If you are thinking of replacing your existing camera, you should first understand your needs as a photographer. Is your current camera limiting you in any way? What exactly do you think the GH4 does not do for you that an 80D will do? Cameras are expensive, so if you are going to part with your cash, make sure it is for a good reason, otherwise that money might be better spent on better lenses for your existing camera.

As an example, I replaced my own camera last year. I started with a Canon 400D back in 2007 with a few decent lenses, upgrades from the kit lenses, but no "L" glass. In decent light the camera takes spectacular images and the quality really stands out on the images I've printed. I had 2 main problems with the camera, though. It does not capture shadow detail to my liking, they would often appear muddy to me. Also the low light performance was not great. So right there I needed a camera with higher dynamic range and better low light capability. Additionally, I was not taking the camera around with me as much as I would have liked because it was quite large and feels heavy after a full day of it on my shoulder.

For a few years I had been thinking of buying the 80D when it would eventually materialise, but ultimately switched brands to buy a Sony 6300 last year, because it ticked all of the boxes on my wishlist.

When you're buying your first camera, the world is your oyster. There is so much choice, and it's hard to make a wrong choice. When you are upgrading from an existing camera, it is more important to understand your needs, be brutally honest when determining if your existing gear is not meeting those needs, then decide what does meet them.