Camera Bridge
Oct 22, 2014 21:27:51 #
Hello UH members. Newbie Sunnybuck here. I've been told many times throughout my lifetime that there is no such thing as a dumb question! So here goes... If someone new to the world and works of photography were to think about adding a bridge camera to the camera bag, with the apparent conclusion (according to the threads posted here) that a bridge will never produce the photo quality of the DSLR, why would one add it to the camera bag in the first place? Am I missing something here? Humor welcome....
Oct 22, 2014 21:46:22 #
For flexibility. Most bridge cameras have substantial zoom capability, image stabilization, exposure bracketing, burst mode, video, built in flash, view finders, LCD screens, remote control, take filters, shoot RAW and have reasonable image quality with good light. And are smaller, weigh less, and cost less.
I take my Panasonic FZ200 out often, it's fun to use. I rarely use my compact cameras because they don't have viewfinders and don't shoot RAW.
I take my Panasonic FZ200 out often, it's fun to use. I rarely use my compact cameras because they don't have viewfinders and don't shoot RAW.
Oct 22, 2014 21:50:13 #
Speed. You can miss a shot putting on a different lens while the bridge camera has it all together. Many of the same capabilities, not all, but much faster to use.
Oct 22, 2014 21:50:37 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Sunnybuck wrote:
Hello UH members. Newbie Sunnybuck here. I've bee... (show quote)
I'm not sure it generally fits in the camera bag. But it may make sense to sometimes have it instead of the camera bag with a DSLR in it.
Oct 22, 2014 21:51:24 #
Some of today's bridge cameras are better image wish than the pro DSLRs of a few years back. Used properly they produce excellent pictures. Most of them, from major names, are very good. They make a somewhat smaller load with a large coverage area in one fixed lens. You don't need two mules and a safari crew to carry lenses. Many people can live just fine with one as their only camera. Or keep one in the car for "in case". Then add a small pocket size zoom in case you aren't in the car.
My wife is not into cameras, she owns a Panasonic videocam and when she goes somewhere she might need a backup or more reach she takes my somewhat elderly Fuji HS10 (only 30X). She has brought back a lot of very good shots.
My wife is not into cameras, she owns a Panasonic videocam and when she goes somewhere she might need a backup or more reach she takes my somewhat elderly Fuji HS10 (only 30X). She has brought back a lot of very good shots.
Oct 22, 2014 21:55:48 #
First and foremost, a bridge camera (especially for those starting out) is a great place to start if you want something better than the 'all auto' pocket P&S cameras. Plus, what dSLR can you buy with all the lenses necessary to cover the approx range of 24mm to 1200mm for less than $600??
And once you learn to use these camera, the results many times are sufficient for prints up to 11x14 and possibly even 16x20. And people don't have to waste a TON of money to find out just how serious they want to be about photography.
And once you learn to use these camera, the results many times are sufficient for prints up to 11x14 and possibly even 16x20. And people don't have to waste a TON of money to find out just how serious they want to be about photography.
Oct 22, 2014 22:03:27 #
For me it's strictly cost. And not knowing how much camera I do and will need. To get my feet wet I spent $110 on ebay for a Fuji Finepix HS-10 bridge camera. I've taken a lot of pird pics this summer with the 720mm 35 equiv 30x zoom lens. An autofocus 500mm zoom lens with a 750mm 35mm equiv for my Nikon D3100 will cost $450 used and $900 new. At some point I probably will go for a used AFS VR 500mm or 600mm zoom lens.
Bob
Bob
Oct 22, 2014 22:04:48 #
I used to use one on the days where I didn't want to lug around a dslr, even though the IQ wasn't as good. Then I switched to m4/3...no need for the bridge camera anymore.
Oct 22, 2014 22:04:51 #
For me it's strictly price. And not knowing how much camera I do and will need. To get my feet wet I spent $110 on ebay for a Fuji Finepix HS-10 bridge camera. I've taken a lot of pird pics this summer with the 720mm 35 equiv 30x zoom lens. An autofocus 500mm zoom lens with a 750mm 35mm equiv for my Nikon D3100 will cost $450 used and $900 new. At some point I probably will go for a used AFS VR 500mm or 600mm zoom lens for the D3100.
Bob
Bob
Oct 22, 2014 22:42:45 #
Sunnybuck wrote:
Hello UH members. Newbie Sunnybuck here. I've bee... (show quote)
In the right hands, a bridge can come real close to a dslr - do a search for James56 here on UHH. He shoots a Sony HX300 bridge camera. He has slideshow of pictures he took with the HX300 that will blow you away. Today's bridge cameras are not to be scuffed at. They're main drawback (I have two, a Fuji S8300 and a Sony HX300) is the time it takes to write the image to the card, they're a little slow compared to my dslr. If you're not shooting birds in flight or any other fast moving object, you'll never notice it.
Oct 22, 2014 22:50:47 #
Well, if you run across a creek, a bridge can get you over. Whereas, I would be getting wet with my DSLR.
And although there is no dumb questions, there can be stupid answers.
Like the one you just stepped in.... :lol: ;)
And although there is no dumb questions, there can be stupid answers.
Like the one you just stepped in.... :lol: ;)
Oct 22, 2014 23:02:04 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
cntry wrote:
In the right hands, a bridge can come real close to a dslr...
But put the DSLR in those same hands, and it often pulls away.
Oct 23, 2014 06:16:00 #
I have an Olympus Stylus 1 bridge camera, and it does a good job with most situations. It's main limitation is that it doesn't get shallow depth of field (to isolate the subject in a portrait), but otherwise it hasn't failed me yet. I even got some great shots at a boat race recently with the fast autofocus.
What convinced me to purchase it was an exhibit of photos taken by a local newspaper photographer that was just outstanding. When I inquired as to what camera he had used, he said that it was an older Canon bridge camera!
--Beagleman
What convinced me to purchase it was an exhibit of photos taken by a local newspaper photographer that was just outstanding. When I inquired as to what camera he had used, he said that it was an older Canon bridge camera!
--Beagleman
Oct 23, 2014 07:39:04 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Beagleman wrote:
I have an Olympus Stylus 1 bridge camera, and it d... (show quote)
The only concern with deciding a camera based on the results in an exhibition is that you do not get a sense of the shots which were "missed", especially if the camera did not operate as quickly as another camera like a DSLR.
Oct 23, 2014 09:13:49 #
In my case, I do photo safaris in east Africa when I'm taking a break from the medical mission work I'm there for in the first place. I usually have my 55-300 Nikkor on my DSLR and don't want to be changing lenses in very dusty conditions. I also don't want to miss some wider angle shots of the incredible landscapes, so a Canon bridge camera is around my neck at the ready. As someone said above, I have a great zoom range, a decent burst mode and it takes pictures on a par with the DSLRs of only a few years ago. So flexibility is the main reason and not carrying more than one body halfway around the world is the other major benefit. It works for me...
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