From the A80, upgrade?

[Reflection]

I've had the A80 since June 2004 and it's still in use.

Although I am nowhere near ready, what kind of 'next level' stuff could I look at? More features or options and better quality?

Also, how do lenses affect the shots? What are the different numbers used in reference lenses? Should I look at getting a camera with which I can change the lense?

I'm a general photographer, still life, macro, people, landscape, animals, live music..I try it all!

Thanks in advance.

[Raj]

Move up to a DSLR :-)

[COKE CAN]

Move up to a DSLR :-)
A95, G6, or 300D

[Reflection]

Thanks Raj and Coke can.

Can anyone still enlighten me about the lenses?

[Jon]

Different lenses will let you extend what your camera's capable of capturing. But whether they're important depends on what you prefer to photograph. For instance, if you like to photograph wildlife, you'll want something longer than the A80's telephoto. For landscapes or interiors, you'd want a wide angle lens. For action sports, you'd want something long and fast (large aperture). Working indoors, you'd want a fast lens. The A80 lens is equivalent to a 35 mm. 38-114 mm lens. 38 mm is almost a wide angle on a 35 mm. camera (and about a "normal" lens on a Digital Rebel or 20D), while 114 is a mild telephoto, good for portraits, but not long enough for wildlife unless you're a good stalker.