Bridge camera wanted

Guardsman

When I bought my bridge camera I invested in three sets of AA rechargeable but realised later that it was overkill.
One set will last me all day and more and that includes doing some videoing.
I can understand why people would be reluctant to use AA batteries I thought the same due to my old camera draining them very quickly.
The cameras these days seem to be less power hungry so AA's are not a issue.
This is the camera I carry around with me for everyday use it does all I ask of it and it has all you asked in a camera,
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-S4500-Digital-Optical/dp/B006Q8VAR2

zzzLazyDaisy

The panasonics have a LiON battery and charger. The battery lasts ages, and normally I just need to charge it in the evening. But you can also get spare batteries for emergencies.

cajef

Guardsman wrote: »

The cameras these days seem to be less power hungry so AA's are not a issue.

Have to agree though I found it worth investing a bit extra for decent quality rechargeables.

I found Sanyo XX eneloops last far longer and don't loose their charge when not in use.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanyo-Rechargeable-Battery-eneloop-F734S1187/dp/B004DW7S06/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354631712&sr=8-2

Sue-UU

wadewade wrote: »

I'm getting slightly baffled by the number of bridge cameras available (very high zoom ranges). Has anyone knowledge of one that fits the following spec please?

At least 20 x zoom
Has a look through viewfinder as well as a screen
Li batteries in preference to AAs
Good reviews
oh - and not too expensive!!

Thanks

My DH bought the latest Canon one (can't think of the name and he's out) off Wex cameras (formerly Warehouse Express). It is a marvellous camera for everything and zooms in amazingly, far greater than the Canon 4oo with L range lens. Macro is just as you'd wish it to be too. The video is perfect! Great colour and IS.

In my mind and DH's you could NOT do better. By the way, buying cameras lenses etc from HDEW camera is fine, great company and customer help!

[Edit] Name of camera is Canon SX50 price approx £450 but previous one about £300 - £350

Sue x

jaydeeuk1

Could do worse than the fuji hs30EXR for £212

http://www.digitalrev.com/product/fujifilm-finepix-hs30exr/MTAwMDIxMA_A_A?gclid=CP-41qqWgbQCFe7MtAodLQkAvw

30x zoom and extremely usable. Bought the wife the hs20 and setup correctly, its nearly as good as some budget SLRs for image quality

Good reviews (most importantly from users, not just the 'pros')
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/compact-digital-cameras/fujifilm-finepix-hs30-exr-review-50007695/

Anne_Marie_2

I've had my Panasonic FZ38 for around 3 years now and absolutely love it. The viewfinder was a must for me too, as no matter what anyone says, trying to take a photo in bright sunlight is a bit of a hit and miss on a screen viewer, albeit they are getting better. I went a bit on the overkill side and bought a couple of compatible LiON batteries on eBay, which have been great. One would have been enough, as the battery lasts absolutely ages. It is good to have a spare though.
Obviously there are newer Panasonic models on the market now, but if your budget won't stretch to that, I would strongly consider a 2nd hand one.

Only thing about a bridge camera is, that it won't fit in your pocket or handbag. Of course, in these days with mobile phones having pretty decent cameras to take snaps with, this is maybe not worthy of consideration for some. Just something to think about. Might be worth your while having a look at travel zoom cameras too, which are much smaller than a bridge camera, if zoom is an important thing to you. Suppose it all depends on what you would mainly be using the camera for.

Main thing is, not to rush into it. Take your time deciding what you want to use your camera for. Once you then have that, you can do your research into what cameras would be best for you...yes, it will nip your head. Whittle down the list by reading reviews, and then physically try out each camera, to see what sits best in your hands, and as another poster said, try out with an sd card to see what you think yourself.

zzzLazyDaisy

Anne_Marie wrote: »

Only thing about a bridge camera is, that it won't fit in your pocket or handbag. Might be worth your while having a look at travel zoom cameras too, .

I agree. I have a panasonic compact zoom which fits easily in my pocket or handbag. But I didn't want to complicate the issue (it also has a leica lens and takes amazing photos). Mine is a few years old now, but the most recent model is the panasonic TZ30EB-K compact camera, 14.1 mp,, 20x optical zoom, 3" LCD available at Amazon for £224.99

Technical Details

• 20x Powerful Optical Zoom LEICA DC Lens from 24mm Ultra Wide-angle
• Newly Developed 14.1-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
• Full HD Video Recording in AVCHD Progressive / MP4 Format
• Advanced GPS System with World Map Information
• 10 fps Burst Shooting in Full Resolution and 0.1 sec Light Speed AF
• POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) with Active Mode to Suppress Blur

› See more technical details

Anne_Marie_2

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

I agree. I have a panasonic compact zoom which fits easily in my pocket or handbag. But I didn't want to complicate the issue (it also has a leica lens and takes amazing photos). Mine is a few years old now, but the most recent model is the panasonic TZ30EB-K compact camera

Actually didn't want to complicate the issue either, but thought it worth mentioning, as I found myself not being able to use my great camera at our daughter's wedding. Was far too big for a bride's mother to be carrying around in a teeny weeny little bag which went with the outfit.

I confess that I did buy the TZ30, which is an absolutely fantastic camera, but it does not have a viewfinder, which is what the OP wants. Just wish that the camera companies would realize that viewfinders are still important, and include it in some of their compact cameras.

sandsy

Another Panasomic Lumix FZ38 fan here. And Panasonic Lumix before that too!

doublesilver

Could try this camera chooser...http://www.whichonehowmuch.co.uk/photography/digital-cameras