is this an OK camera?

WTFH

30x optical zoom? Avoid it!
On cameras with good optics, I'd suggest never going above 3x zoom.
On a compact, maybe go to 5x, but accept the quality limitations.
If that lens is 3cm diameter, then at full zoom, you are using the equivalent of a lens 1mm in diameter.

Sensor size: bigger = better
Pixel density: lower = better
Optical speed: faster = better
Optical zoom: lower = better

...and if you are going on safari, you don't need a big zoom, but you will need plenty of fast memory cards and spare batteries. Last time I went I took 2 cameras, each with 3x zoom lenses (f/2.8), and shot roughly 3000 images in 12 days.

Anne_Marie_2

ukcarper wrote: »

The advantage some bridge cameras have is they have a viewfinder all be it electronic. I've got a Panasonic compact and there have been times when it's been aim camera in right direction and press shutter release as I couldn't see LCD screen.

Totally agree with you regarding viewfinder, which is why I love my bridge camera. However, as you already know, the newer cheaper bridge cameras don't seem to have them any more, which is a great pity. Which had a campaign a while back for manufacturers to bring them back.
http://www.which.co.uk/news/2011/03/bring-back-viewfinders-on-cameras-says-which-249135/

OP doesn't say if they want a viewfinder or not. If that is the case then suggest a further check to see what's available, if any, within the price range, and also consider 2nd hand models.

[Deleted User]

At this budget, the best Bridge camera would be the Pentax X-5 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00911YEAQ/ref=asc_df_B00911YEAQ17184940

AND.. it's got a viewfinder. BUT... it takes AA batteries

Personally.. I avoid bridge cameras, for the very reasons WTFH said. Unless you're doing sports or nature photography; there is usually very little benefit in a 'big zoom'.

However, this will be a very capable camera.

Edit: I agree with those other posters too... the Panasonic camera will be very good too (although i'm not so impressed by the aperture on it - f3.3 isn't brilliant so I wouldn't expect good performance in low light)

Twisted_Cherry

I find the photo quality on Bridge Camera tends to be poor, especially Fuji.

However as someone else suggested this would be a good buy...

Anne_Marie wrote: »

What about this one for the same price?
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/compact-digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-tz35-advanced-compact-digital-camera-black-21312106-pdt.html

Panasonic camera are excellent and the above one has an excellent spec for the price!

ukcarper

ringo_24601 wrote: »

At this budget, the best Bridge camera would be the Pentax X-5 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00911YEAQ/ref=asc_df_B00911YEAQ17184940

AND.. it's got a viewfinder. BUT... it takes AA batteries

Personally.. I avoid bridge cameras, for the very reasons WTFH said. Unless you're doing sports or nature photography; there is usually very little benefit in a 'big zoom'.

However, this will be a very capable camera.

That looks a nice camera although I agree with WTFH it is possible to get good results with big zoom compact/bridge cameras if you know the limitations. The trouble is they need a lot of light and if they haven't got it they push up ISO this can be very apparent in flash photography where the long zoom encourages people to take pictures which are outside the range of small built in flashes.

[Deleted User]

ukcarper wrote: »

That looks a nice camera although I agree with WTFH it is possible to get good results with big zoom compact/bridge cameras if you know the limitations. The trouble is they need a lot of light and if they haven't got it they push up ISO this can be very apparent in flash photography where the long zoom encourages people to take pictures which are outside the range of small built in flashes.

If we were playing 'choose a budget camera from PC World', this would be my choice (with it's f1.8 lens and big sensor) - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/compact-digital-cameras/fujifilm-xf1-high-performance-compact-digital-camera-black-19140074-pdt.html. That's a very good camera for £130. That price is even good, as it's £163 at Amazon.

I'm now a bit miffed that it's got a larger sensor than my Panny LX7

ukcarper

ringo_24601 wrote: »

If we were playing 'choose a budget camera from PC World', this would be my choice (with it's f1.8 lens and big sensor) - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/compact-digital-cameras/fujifilm-xf1-high-performance-compact-digital-camera-black-19140074-pdt.html. That's a very good camera for £130. That price is even good, as it's £163 at Amazon.

I'm now a bit miffed that it's got a larger sensor than my Panny LX7

No viewfinder but as you say fast lens, larger sensor and manual zoom ring if I was in the market for a compact I certainly have a look at it.

[Deleted User]

Why use zoom when you can walk closer to stuff?

lemontart

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Why use zoom when you can walk closer to stuff?

Zoom lens are very useful for wildlife, so you do not disturb, trains so they do not hit you etc etc lots of reasons and of course not to catch celebs at a distance to sell to the tabloids

d12345

I am looking for a new camera as well but why are most opposed to using AA batteries.

I have an Olympus C765 which uses special lithium batteries of which I have 3 and even fully charged I am lucky if I can take a couple of photos before the camera shuts down with no battery.

I don't know if it is the charger, the batteries or the camera but it would be more economic for me to buy a new camera than replace the batteries and charger.

At least with AA batteries you can always get them easily when you can't charge up your battery.