Bridge cameras

soulandy

I've been on the lookout for a new camera for a bit now, mainly to take on holiday to OZ for those special pictures. Anyway, I've been looking at these bridge cameras as I like the idea of a large zoom without going into the LSR range. Two i have come acros are this Nikon http://www.crazycameras.co.uk/nikon-coolpix-l100-10mp-digital-camera-with-15x-optical-vibration-reduction-vr-zoom-product_26809.html
and this Fujifilm http://www.crazycameras.co.uk/fujifilm-finepix-s1500-10mp-digital-camera-with-12x-wide-angle-dual-image-stabilized-optical-zoom-product_64326.html
Anyone own on of these or similar and any tips? The prices are a lot cheaper than the shops for the same models plus you can get the option of a nice little bundle.
Cheers

Pamperedlady

Have had some great results with Fuji bridge cameras. Main drawback though is that you have to use AA batteries. Have a look at the refurbished cameras on Fuji's website - some real bargains.

Marty_J

Do yourself a favour and get one with a manual zoom ring.

soulandy

Pamperedlady wrote: »

Have had some great results with Fuji bridge cameras. Main drawback though is that you have to use AA batteries. Have a look at the refurbished cameras on Fuji's website - some real bargains.

Cheers. just looked on the website and the refurb is tempting

ManAtHome

I like Fujis as well - currently have S5600 and S9600 (both more than a few years old now). I prefer the 9600 as it has a wider lens (28-300) and manual zoom (most of the smaller Fujis have buttons to zoom in/out). Neither option really has that much effect in 'real life' - maybe the odd shot here and there - depends what you're used to (I had manual SLRs before going digital).

Both of mine have the lens threaded for filters - something I look for as you can't photoshop a polariser (AFAIK), and a broken UV or Skylight filter is heaps cheaper than a broken lens (although I haven't broken either over the last 20 odd years...).

Lotus-eater

Marty_J wrote: »

Do yourself a favour and get one with a manual zoom ring.

Does this mean you change the zoom manually around the lens, rather than use an electric button on the body?
I'm looking at maybe an SLR for wildlife pictures, so I'd like a large zoom, but not being an expert (and not having that much cash) I'm a bit confused about the whole thing.

Leopard

soulandy,

If you like "bridge" cameras (and I do, too) you should most definitely check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38.

It tops the chart in most comparisons - and rightly so. It's a truly superb camera for - amazingly, considering how much it offers - just £250 or so.

Check all the reviews. Here's a good non-geeky one.

Who wants all the weight and bulk (never mind the expense) of a DSLR when a "bridge" can produce results as outstandingly good as an FZ38? Only a professional. And yours will be for a holiday to Australia. You'll love the pictures it takes and bless it every day for its small size and light weight.

isofa

Personally I don't think the Fujis are that good. The Pannys and Canons are much better. (I come from a professional photographer perspective, happy to spend thousands on a single lens!)

The Canon Powershot G9/G10 (I think the G11 is out too) are fantastic bridge cameras - image quality is stunning, but so are the Panny Lumix, so compare. Personally I like the Canon design and interface, but each to their own.

(I've got large framed enlargements of night shots from New York taken with an earlier Canon Powershot when DSLRs were only just coming onto the market, and the quality was superb even back then)

Else go straight for an DSLR if you don't mind the weight. Any of the good consumer Canons and Nikons will do a fantastic job.

(Forget messing around with AA batteries in cheaper cameras, a good LiIon battery in a Canon or Nikon will last at least 500 shots on a charge. I've just done a wedding today, taken 690 shots, and the battery in my canon is still showing a full charge, I suspect I'll get another 600 out of it before a charge is needed.)

If you are really into photography and want to learn more SLR is the way to go.

I suggest you read the reviews here: www.dpreview.com and check out the best prices here: www.camerapricebuster.co.uk

Also read www.cameralabs.com and www.stevesdigicams.com for more reviews!

soulandy

thanks for all the replies. Think I may be tempted to go for the Panasonic Lumix FZ38 or the FZ28. Not really bothered about the HD, then again whats £40 when its a treat and HD will come in handy down the line. Not going to get it from Crazy Cameras after what I've been reading about them http://www.avforums.com/forums/digital-photography-general-chat/1000218-crazy-cameras.html