Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

I am considering buying a bridge camera. I'd like one to carry around in a backpack that I would keep in the car. I have DSLR and long zooms, but that requires planning. I searched bridge cameras in the archives and there are no newer posts. I am considering the Sony Rx10 IV or Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 or FZ2500. I've done the technical comparisons, but would like some real life reviews. Could you share your experiences with any of these (or any other bridge that you like)?
Thanks in advance
Fran

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I used a Canon SX50 extensively from spring 2013 to spring 2017. It was comfortable from the outset, I think because it was similar in design and shape as my T3i dslr, though smaller of course. I didn't care for a Nikon P510 at all, so if you can, be sure to hold a model before you purchase to see how it feels.

Smaller, lighter weight can also mean harder to hold steady. A long zoom can be very challenging. I noticed that by 2016 I was becoming a bit "wobbly" and my photos were not as sharp as in 2013, so I usually increased shutter speed to compensate. I did love the convenience of an extensive focal length range without having to change lenses

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

I did also run across good reviews on the canon SX60. Did you feel that the smaller sensor was a real issue?
Fran

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I have never been too hung up on "perfect" image quality. What the sx50 did for me was allow me to have fantastic wildlife viewing experiences - and even get a few photos in the process I mostly photographed animals or birds at great distances, then used my dslr for landscapes and such. Following a bald eagle nest for five seasons, watching baby bighorn sheep (or mule deer fawns) frolic, or American White Pelicans far below me on a river...those were priceless moments and far outweighed (no pun intended) any consideration of larger, heavier, more costly just to have a bigger sensor

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

IMO Linda’s assessment is spot on. I also owned and enjoyed a Canon SX50. My decision was based on the advice of many here on UHH including Linda. I owned it for about 3 years before I decided I wanted more megapixels. The SX50 has 12. Very recently, I replaced my trusty SX50 with the SX60 (16MP plus a bit more reach). My SX50 sold on Ebay very quickly. So far, I am happy with the SX60, and it will be heading for Africa with me in 5 days. The SX50 has been to 4 continents and performed beautifully in all sorts of difficult conditions - think shooting from a pitching Zodiak in a snow storm. One caveat with the SX50 and the SX60 is that low light performance is problematic, but that is true of most bridge cameras in that price range that have small sensors. If your budget will handle it, I’d suggest taking a look at the Sony RX10 iv. It has gotten some good reviews here on UHH as was also the case with its immediate predecessor. I had considered the Sony, but just didn’t want to spend that much. My DSLR’s get the heaviest use and the bridge camera is used much less frequently.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Crikey, I only had to worry about ticks and heatstroke while I stood beside the road waiting for the eagles to serve breakfast

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Bigger sensor is better. Using support/stabilization of some kind is better - to keep lower ISO's and improve framing/composing and AF placement accuracies......these are some of the realities.

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bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Sony Rx10 IV if you are more interested in stills. Panasonic FZ2500 if you have some video interest. The FZ2500 has things like mic in and headphone out.

Still image quality? It is really hard to find flaws these days that ruin a print to around 13x19. Flaws in screen viewing are even harder to find.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have the Sony RX10-iii. It's only shortcoming is low light focusing.

That has been resolved in the RX10- IV. I don't think you can go wrong with this version.

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susankroupa Loc: Southwest Virginia

I got the Rx10 M4 about a month ago to try out for an upcoming trip to Alaska. I've been disappointed in various point and shoot cameras in the past, and didn't know if I'd like the M4 well enough to keep. I was prepared to be disappointed with the IQ on the M4--after all, it only has a one inch sensor, right? But I turned out to love it. Love the huge zoom and the fact that the images are quite sharp at the long end. I tested it against my Nikon D5500 with a kit 18-140mm lens and it came out favorably. I'm developing a whole new relationship with birds because, hey, I can zoom in and see them. :) I'd recommend it if it's not too big (or pricey) for what you're looking for.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I have been a Canon shooter for the past 60 years or so. I recently bought a Sony RX10 IV. It is so good, I have sold all but one of my Canon DSLR's. I spend a lot of time shooting stage plays. Low light and no flash and the camera performs better than any of the Canon's I had including the 5D Mark II and 7D Mark II. I am very pleased. Having said all that, it is expensive, $1,695, but since it replaces a DSLR and several lenses, it will pay for itself. Good luck!

11bravo

I enjoy my FZ-1000. Travel extensively with it, have used it for 2.5 years. Lightweight, easy to handle. I use a Lowepro Apex AW-140 case (out of production, but still sold by B&H at a discount). Camera fits in sideways; easy to grab. The 400mm zoom range enough for me for the most part. I've taken 25,000 + photos with it (unlike film, digital is so easy to fire away). I find the auto focus quick and accurate - certainly better than my old eyes. By default, I have it set to shutter priority. It has a lot of capability and I really appreciate the RAW, and I like the ability to assign functions to the buttons. I like the burst mode; I think the panorama scene is very good in its automatic stitching, and the "hand-held night shot" scene mode is good for that and inside museums (takes several shots, picking the best, eliminates the tripod at least for my use). I don't miss carrying several lens, and having to switch lenses (last time I had that setup was a Canon T90 shooting slides a decade+ ago). I rarely use the video capability, but it is there. I wish it was weatherproof, but I've not had any troubles with inclement weather, with either an umbrella or a camera rain coat sufficient. One of the smaller capabilities that I appreciate more and more is the ability to set a "travel" location AND dates, given I ALWAYS forget to change the camera clock for a day or two while traveling.

On my last trip, managed to drop it lens extended on FROZEN ground in China. Lost the 200-400 zoom range. I like it so much, just bought another. I looked at the FZ-2500, but couldn't justify the price difference given I rarely shoot video (seems I lucked out, prices have gone up as I got it from Adorama for $600).

My partner likes her FZ300 as she enjoys the 600mm zoom capability. She shoots video more often than I, but is a relative newcomer to photography (stepping up from a mobile phone), so currently mainly shoots in auto mode. If it's something that you'll keep in a bag in the car, either would work, IMHO.

See here for more:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=8935846&t=525953

Chris Hall Loc: Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK

The Nikon Coolpix P900 is brilliant and not too expensive.

ctsteps5

Pentax X-5 All day long!!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Agree and the SX50 has so many features. Once post processed and if needed resolution increased with Photozoom then it is great as many large cameras.

Wobbly!! No, not you it is the soft rubber in the hiking shoes. Any way... Increase the inertia of the camera and give a better grip with
https://lifehacker.com/5383615/diy-tennis-ball-photography-stabilization-unit
I increased the ball camera distance to allow index and middle finger to give and eagle claw grip of the ball ... every thing you need is at the local Ace Hardware....the firm to camera nut is on ebay. $1 and 59 C shipping... you can get the Tennis ball by going to a court and grabbing one and run to beat hell.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-20Cold-Foot-Screw-Adapter-for-Camera-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Double-Nut-Flash-Holder/263080884957?hash=item3d40d7badd:g:EfkAAOSwRvdZYyOH