Bridge Cameras: Bridge cameras are great for the advantage of small size and long zoom but don't have the image quality of DSLR. What is your experience with bridge cameras and have...

Hoosier Guy

Bridge cameras are great for the advantage of small size and long zoom but don't have the image quality of DSLR. What is your experience with bridge cameras and have you found one you really like? I'm looking at the Panasonic LUMIX FZ200 which has many features but I'm not sure about the image quality. Have you used this camera?

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I've been very happy with the Nikon 1. I own the original J1; Nikon has just announced the J5: http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Nikon1/Nikon-1-J5.htm

Not only is the quality of the photography excellent, Nikon boasts this camera has the fastest continuous shooting frame rate (approx. 20fps with AF) among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses.

cneajna Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Hoosier Guy wrote:

Bridge cameras are great for the advantage of small size and long zoom but don't have the image quality of DSLR. What is your experience with bridge cameras and have you found one you really like? I'm looking at the Panasonic LUMIX FZ200 which has many features but I'm not sure about the image quality. Have you used this camera?

I haven't used that model, but I have an FZ35 that takes excellent pictures and I'm familiar with Panasonic's line of cameras. For a time I considered the FZ200, but since I already have the FZ35 and there isn't much difference in features I decided not to get the FZ200. I've had no qualms re: image quality with either one.

vince730 Loc: Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Suggest you look at a Sony, I have one and the shots are fantastic, color out of this world and mine is two generations old!!! Biggest DRAWBACK is not worth a damn, my opinion, for any type of action shots incl. anything that is moving!! Write time back to camera is like pouring cold molasses out of a bottle. For scenes, flora/fauna,portraits camera is great. Mine is Cybershot HX200V.
Just bought another DSLR for motion use

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Welcome to the forum!

You'll find endless discussion on this topic in the search function at top of page. Many happy bridge camera users on UHH :)

A lot of us have the Canon SX50. I have sung its praises as a wonderful alternative to heavy, expensive equipment for those who are on a budget, or with physical limitations, or who just like the ease of use.

I also have a DSLR (Canon T3i with quite decent lenses), but still very much enjoy dusting off the SX50 for a walk around a pond with my dog, or zooming far away to an eagle's nest or bighorn sheep in the canyon.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

There seem to be many people that have this, and most seem to love it:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search.jsp?q=FZ200&u=&s=0

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

That is a good pick, as bridge cameras go. Check it out on www.dpreview.com.

NeilL Loc: British-born Canadian

Hoosier Guy wrote:

Bridge cameras are great for the advantage of small size and long zoom but don't have the image quality of DSLR. What is your experience with bridge cameras and have you found one you really like? I'm looking at the Panasonic LUMIX FZ200 which has many features but I'm not sure about the image quality. Have you used this camera?

Make a list from what is suggested here and then check dpreview.com. 2 to add. Sony RX10, Panasonic FZ1000.

Tom Kelley Loc: Roanoke, Virginia

Linda From Maine wrote:

Welcome to the forum! br br You'll find endless d... (show quote)

I have the same cameras and love both. I use my SX 50 the same as you, with my T3i, 100mm Macro and Sigma 150-600. I find the SX 50 gives me everything i need up to about 35-40 feet plus some decent macros.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

[quote=Hoosier Guy].... but don't have the image quality of DSLR...../quote]IMHO, the image quality of DSLRs can be illusive unless you do significant cropping or make larger prints. When you goal is computer viewing, on line photo sharing, slideshows on HD TVs or moderate prints to around 11x14, bridge cameras are very suitable and cost effective.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Welcome to the Hog, HoosierGuy. You'll find lots of friends & plenty of good advice here. You might want to check the following link: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-297833-1.html. It's a comparison of 8 bridge cameras with superzoom capability. I have a Sony HX400v which, despite what the results of the comparison show, produces a very nice picture.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I've used a few bridge cameras. The last and best was a Fujifilm HS20EXR. They are good when used within their limits. Their main limit is their small sensor which limits their usefulness at high iso's. On the other hand they are a lot of camera for the price.

On the down side I've found that you can get a relatively small DSLR with an all-in-one lens and have better image quality for not much more size, weight, and money. For example a D3300 or D5300 body with a Sigma 18-250 Macro or Tamron 18-270 VC PZD only weigh around two pounds.

rogerl Loc: UK (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)

Hoosier Guy wrote:

Bridge cameras are great for the advantage of small size and long zoom but don't have the image quality of DSLR. What is your experience with bridge cameras and have you found one you really like? I'm looking at the Panasonic LUMIX FZ200 which has many features but I'm not sure about the image quality. Have you used this camera?

My daughter has this camera & loves it. She bought it for the constant f2.8 which came into its own last week at the school play where light was low & she didn't have to use flash. The zoom is good, too

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

I own the FZ200 and have been carrying it around for the past year or more while the Canon 60D & 300mm f/4 L sits home. Impressive camera. Any other source for a 600mm f/2.8 equivalent lens? My daughters have the Sony HX300 & 400. I tried them and they don't suit me as well. Viewfinder blacks out after each shot! I find that distracting, FZ200 doesn't do that. Image quality at full zoom was also lower. Image qaulity comparison is not the final note however as I am more familiar with the FZ200 and may have been able to set the Sony to a higher result. Next, planning to pick up the FZ1000 when $$ work out.

lemontart Loc: uk

I have a fuki hs30exr and love it as a mid range option between my compact and dslr