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Amateur looking to take good photos with a bridge camera (really!)
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Feb 16, 2018 12:28:43   #
csmith4math
 
I discovered "Ugly Hedgehog" while investigating bridge cameras. I bought a Miranda SLR while in Vietnam in the late 60's, then got away from anything other than simple point-and-shoot cameras for years until I bought a Nikon D60 some years ago. I like the idea of the extended zoom range of the bridge cameras, and have narrowed my thoughts down to the Panasonic Lumix FZ 300 for the articulated touch screen (but am concernted about the minimum f8 aperture), or Nikon Quickpix 700 or Canon Powershop SX60. I'm strictly an amateur enjoying my retirement so the lower cost and single lens are good trade-offs for the limitations of a bridge camera, but if anyone has any comments about the three I've mentioned, I'll appreciate hearing them!

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Feb 16, 2018 12:40:15   #
Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.
 
I believe that some can be satisfied with a bridge camera to start out with, but as we progress we want one with more capabilities. I know that was my experience. About ten years ago I like you wanted to step up and bought one of Canons first bridge camera, the sx10. After some time I was wanting more features. I made the move and bought my first dslr and and it has never stopped upgrading. It would depend on how far you want to go with your hobby. The F8 aperture would be a no no for me. I do not like be restricted as you are with point and shoot or a bridge. I have no experience with cameras you mentioned as I am sure that some are satisfied with them. That depends on the person and what you want out your set up.

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Feb 16, 2018 13:23:32   #
csmith4math
 
Thanks for your comments. I've not paid a great deal of attention to aperture settings with my Nikon SLR (but plan to use the A setting a lot in the future), but I cannot envision being limited to f/8. I think this rules that camera out, and I think I could toss a coin between the Canon and Nikon and be happy with either one. I may literally do that soon!

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Feb 16, 2018 13:30:19   #
df61743 Loc: Corpus Christi, TX
 
I had a Canon SX20, then SX50 (now my wife's travel camera), and now an SX60... my travel camera. IMO, the SX60 is the best all around bridge camera right now, but Panasonic Lumix models are worth looking at, too. Personally, I demand an articulated screen. I can instantly shoot at ground level without having to lie down, or over the heads of a crowd. I also demand super zoom capability for wildlife shots. A person just can't travel like I do with a DSLR, tripod, Wimberley Gimbal, and a 500mm lens, and an assortment of other lenses.

Dick

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Feb 16, 2018 13:52:48   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
Although I own several DSLR'S , I also have several bridge cameras.
My two favorite are the Canon G1X III, which I carry all the time, and the SX60HS.
The G1X III produces fantastic quality images, and is pretty darn good at video, and is loaded with features, but it has a much shorter focal length than the SX60HS.
The SX60 produces very good image quality and
is quite versatile and a fantastic camera for the price, but it's not as good as the G1X III.

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Feb 16, 2018 15:18:57   #
jdub82 Loc: California
 
I am also a bridge camera fan. I own both the Canon SX20 and SX50. They have served me well for travel, landscape, wildlife and family pictures. The zoom reach of the SX50 (and now the SX60) is truly remarkable. I also own a Canon DSLR which does better for low light and fast action pictures. The Canon SX50 & SX60 make for a great travel camera, and are likely all you need, unless you take a lot of low light photos (Indoor or night shots).

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Feb 16, 2018 19:04:09   #
csmith4math
 
Thanks for all the quick responses, which confirmed my leaning toward the Canon. I agree with the importance of an articulated display, and also want to be able to use external microphones and flash units, as well as a cable shutter release, which Canon has but Nikon does not. I liked the touch screen of the Panasonic, but the FZ300 only has an f/2.8-f/8 aperture, which I don't find acceptable, and the FZ80 does not have an articulated monitor. The Canon came out ahead on features that I want, so that will be my next camera.

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Feb 17, 2018 07:41:33   #
gnadeau80 Loc: Rowley,MA
 
csmith4math wrote:
I discovered "Ugly Hedgehog" while investigating bridge cameras. I bought a Miranda SLR while in Vietnam in the late 60's, then got away from anything other than simple point-and-shoot cameras for years until I bought a Nikon D60 some years ago. I like the idea of the extended zoom range of the bridge cameras, and have narrowed my thoughts down to the Panasonic Lumix FZ 300 for the articulated touch screen (but am concernted about the minimum f8 aperture), or Nikon Quickpix 700 or Canon Powershop SX60. I'm strictly an amateur enjoying my retirement so the lower cost and single lens are good trade-offs for the limitations of a bridge camera, but if anyone has any comments about the three I've mentioned, I'll appreciate hearing them!
I discovered "Ugly Hedgehog" while inves... (show quote)


I have a nikon coolpix B700 and think it takes great photos. Only drawback is the small sensor, but no complaints as being a great camera for me as a beginner. My goal is a D500 by end of year as my passion is birds.

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Feb 17, 2018 07:57:37   #
hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama
 
What you seem to not realize the f/8 on that small sensor is going to give you the depth of field of f/16 or lower compared to dslr. The constant f/2.8 is much more important to me since it would help with the bridge cameras main problem which is shooting in low light.

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Feb 17, 2018 08:07:10   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
I have seen plenty of terrific pics on UHH shot with bridge cameras. Don't limit yourself the A mode. The other settings are there for a reason. You won't become a compitant (spelling?) shooter only in auto. Get Brian Peterson's Understanding Exposure. Best resource on the subject

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Feb 17, 2018 08:19:43   #
gnadeau80 Loc: Rowley,MA
 
boberic wrote:
I have seen plenty of terrific pics on UHH shot with bridge cameras. Don't limit yourself the A mode. The other settings are there for a reason. You won't become a compitant (spelling?) shooter only in auto. Get Brian Peterson's Understanding Exposure. Best resource on the subject


I VERY rarely use auto. Shutter priority for in flight and custom mode I have set up for stationary birds. Always making adjustments to fine tune. I agree with reading about exposure it's a huge help.

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Feb 17, 2018 08:36:55   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
For others still following this thread: hangman45 explains the OP's f/8 "issue" is actually a non-issue because that is how small sensored cameras work: they offer tremendous depth of field at shorter focal lengths. In fact, it can be hard to throw a background out of focus at many of the focal lengths.

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Feb 17, 2018 09:10:59   #
insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida
 
Hey, smithy, you didn't share what your usual picture taking is all about. If nature, for example, you might appreciate the greater lens reach of the 60 or the 700. What is the subject matter, primarily, you will be using the camera for? Also do you use RAW?

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Feb 17, 2018 09:17:21   #
BebuLamar
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
For others still following this thread: hangman45 explains the OP's f/8 "issue" is actually a non-issue because that is how small sensored cameras work: they offer tremendous depth of field at shorter focal lengths. In fact, it can be hard to throw a background out of focus at many of the focal lengths.


While the smallest aperture of f/8 isn't an issue for those cameras with tiny sensor. I think hangman meant the the largest aperture at the long end of the zoom is only f/8 and not sufficient.

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Feb 17, 2018 09:21:13   #
hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama
 
BebuLamar wrote:
While the smallest aperture of f/8 isn't an issue for those cameras with tiny sensor. I think hangman meant the the largest aperture at the long end of the zoom is only f/8 and not sufficient.


No I meant what I said the FZ300 has a constant aperture of F/2.8 so it helps with the issue of low light shooting which is a problem on smaller sensor cameras.

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