Bridge Camera For £150

WolvesAreStayinUp

Hi all I'm looking to buy a new camera, My budget is £150 I but need a bit of help deciding which one is best. I've found a few which seem pretty decent to me for the price.

The L120 seems best to me, but I've also read somewhere that it's not actually a bridge camera even though it states it is on argos, can someone explain this?

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5596007/Trail/searchtext%3EBRIDGE+CAMERA.htm#promotion_4

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5594580/Trail/searchtext%3EBRIDGE+CAMERA.htm

http://www.tesco.com/direct/fuji-s4240-bridge-camera-14mp-24x-optical-zoom/215-0921.prd?skuId=215-0921&pageLevel=


Can anyone reccommend one of these or maybe a different/better one? Good/bad points about each?

Also which batteries would be best to use in camera like these?

Thank you in advance

cootuk

Any reason for a bridge camera? - they have the same size sensors as a compact camera. Is it the style you like?
Any particular functions you need in terms of cntinuous shoot, zoom, or manual control?

cracklepop

Hi WolvesAreStayinUp,

Firstly, the term bridge camera doesn't really officially mean anything. It's just a generic term used to describe a camera with a long zoom in a sort of DSLR shaped body. L120 is a bridge camera as far as I'm concerned.

The main difference between the three models you’ve highlighted is the optical zoom (ignore digital zoom, means nothing.)

The Fuji S4240 has a 24x zoom
The Fuji S2950 has an 18x zoom (but it’s £20 cheaper on Amazon!)
The Nikon L120 has a 21x zoom

So if you just want zoom then the Fuji S4250 is your best bet. It’s also marginally wider angle than the others.

Beyond the zoom, in my eyes you’re looking at three reasonably similar cameras. They both have the same type of sensor (CCD) same number of megapixels (not that that matters!) same size LCD for viewing etc. I think the Fuji models give you an element of control over aperture and shutter settings. Don’t think the Nikon does.

Ultimately it boils down to what sort of photos do you want to take, but my guess is if you bought any of the three above you’d get pretty similar results.

Regarding batteries. They all take AA batteries. Just make sure you get a decent set of rechargeable batteries (look for a higher “mAh number” - it's normally on the battery) and then get a couple of sets of spares to stick in your camera bag for emergencies.

Farway

If looking at Fuji bridge cameras, check out the Fuji refurbed , just click on refurbed
I have bought two from them, and you really could not tell them from new. I "think" they are customer returns from catalogues etc, but may be wrong here, but mine were unmarked and unblemished

The advantage, to me, is a real viewfinder, although not DSLR it is does show what CCD is seeing, plus option to have grid in view

---

, and if you have ever tried using LCD screen in bright sunlight, the viewer is a God send

The Fujis do give control over settings, which you could need for more advanced work, sunsets etc

PS the Fuji guarantee is a good buy, even covers accidental breakage. But you would have to factor in your own costs here.

bleepandbooster

Hello fellow Wolf !
I like Panasonic cameras. I own a DMC FZ7 which I got from Fleabay 2nd hand. But I am currently looking for either a FZ38 or FZ45. The FZ38 is selling for about £150 ish.

Up the Wolves
David