larryhav Loc: Charlotte, NC

I searched the forums and could not find posts on Bridge cameras for several years. I am looking to purchase a new bridge camera (cost is not a concern). I will be using it mostly for travel but do want to be able to shoot in raw and occasionally some wildlife so I would like it to have a long reach. I would also prefer a large sensor with high megapixel count. I am currently considering the The Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX10 IV, Panasonic Lumix FZ 1000 II, and the Leica V-Lux 5 but open to others. I am also not concerned about the weight as it would still be much lighter than my current Cannon 5D IV with several heavy lenses which I will most likely sell if I like the results of the bridge camera. I plan to rent some bridge cameras based on your suggestions and compare the results to my 5DIV to see if I can get to just a bridge camera for my photography needs. Note, I am an experienced, non professional photographer. I don't sell my photos and mostly use the photos to create Photo books and share online with family and friends. I value the recommendations from the UHH community. Thanks in advance for any recommendations you have.

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I have a Leica V-LUX (typ114), and it is excellent! The V-LUX (typ114) and the V-LUX 5 are very similar in specifications. I can highly recommens either of them.

banjoboy Loc: Austin, TX

This may not work for you but I have tried several smaller cameras, e.g. Sony RX100 series only to find they don’t fit my hands well. Finally I switched to an Olympus Pen-F which is smaller/lighter than my E-M1.3 and I use either a 17mm prime or a 14-42mm pancake lens. I have my other M43 lenses available if needed, but I tend to stick with the two I mentioned. It has worked well for me so far.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I went through the same process a while back when trying to lighten my load for a trip to Europe. The Sony RX10M4 was the best of the bunch, and may very well still be. However, it will never replace a full frame camera. If you only want the camera for smaller prints and sharing on social media it is more than adequate.

When I looked at the Lumix FZ1000 II (virtually the same as the V-Lux 5) I found the Lumix to handle sluggishly while the Sony was stunningly fast with things that mattered - frame rate, buffer size, CDAF right on the sensor (blindly fast and accurate autofocus acquisition and tracking), faster and better quality lens and I liked the extra focal length at the extremes. It was clearly worth the extra $700 (at the time) to get the Sony over the Lumix.

I don't regret getting the Sony at all, but I would never consider it a complete replacement for the Nikon FX cameras I own.

Here are some examples of Sony RX10 images:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157708803907866
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157708793788371
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157705234321622
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157678751378818
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157705352997741
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157678751186148
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157697217633732
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157696606493264
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157667029395028
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157689083645890
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157694805547345
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665487054018
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157693140571925
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665486900208
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157690214837382

bikerguy

I used the Canon G-3x and for the most part was very happy with it. The exception being BIF and continuous shooting in RAW. Prior to that camera I shot with Canon DSL and SLR for about 50 years. Two years ago I switched to the Olympus EM-1 Mark II. For travel I take two of three lenses. Always the 14-150 and, if there is wildlife the 75-300. For cities I replace the 75-300 with the 9-18. I use the 14-150 probably 85%+ of the time. It is a light setup and I can enlarge the shots up to 20 x 30. As much as I liked the one lens for all, two for all is much better. The EM-1 series has some great features that aren't available elsewhere.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I vote for the Lumix. When our then-Secretary of State announced that only cell phone cameras were to be allowed inside the cabin of both incoming and outgoing flights to Europe, I had to leave my 5DII camera home. After some research, I purchased the Lumix, and was more than pleased. Our travels were to include the Hermitage. Like your expectations of RAW, high pixel count, and even a dual view (LED screen, fine for low level environment, but horrible in sunlight), this included an eye-view option which just happens to turn off the LED screen as your eye approaches the eye view. I shot all in RAW, and made many wonderful prints when I returned home. That even included a 3x4 foot wrap canvas. I'm so very pleased with the Lumix, and think you will also.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I just purchased the Sony RX10IV and am perfectly happy with it. For the money and for a camera that can be carried in lieu of several other cameras and lenses my opinion is it would be hard to beat. Pictures are sharp.

Dennis

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some suggestions -

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-bridge-camera
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-bridge-cameras/
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/348745/the-best-bridge-cameras
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-bridge-cameras,review-2212.html (You will have to copy and paste this URL. The comma near the end confuses it.)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Robert Kinkaid used a Nikon F.
--Bob

V2volk Loc: St. Louis area

I have considered one for a while however the newest model is rumored to be released soon and I am curious what it ha to offer before I buy the M4

Lastcastmike

I’ve had my M4 for about 3 years now and it’s great. It’s always with me because it’s light. You would get used to the handling of just about any camera after a while.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I, too, considered waiting for the newest model. But nobody has any idea when that might be and in some cases IF that might be. Of course the price would probably be higher and for what added gimmicks that may or may not be useful? I like things NOW and am not a patient person waiting for the next new whatever.

Not putting you down at all, just saying I was unwilling to wait.

Dennis

Johnnyt Loc: keizer Oregon

I have the sony m3. love it.I tried the fz1000. Being en experienced amateur The fz1000 was (at least to me) limited in it’s capabilities. The f stop range was f 2.8-11. Limited if you want to do anything about depth of field. Plus it didn’t feel right. So I bought the Sony RX10 m3. I have never looked back. The reason I bought the Sony was that I was tired of lugging around a nikon dslr with 2 lenses.It got to be a pain to mess with, travel, pack etc.It does everything I need. It was worth the high price! Good luck! Have a great adventure!

V2volk Loc: St. Louis area

Oh I totally get that, I am not in a hurry and honestly I keep my eye open all the time at M4 pricing in fact saw some open box pricing just yesterday.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I agree completely with Gene here. While the Lumix and Leica are both capable of nice shots, when it comes to action and wildlife the fall far behind the RX10MIV. I got mine specifically to shoot from a kayak and its focus speed and burst rate equal or exceed every other camera I have. I get BIF shots from a kayak I could never get when I was shooting a Lumix G9. I do have to work harder on the 1” sensor raw files, (especially since I’m often pushing ISO to 1600 or even 3200). The Zeiss lens that gives you 24-600 full frame equivalent at f/2.4-4 is amazing. It is truly a major cut above the other bridge cameras. Does it compare with what I get with my Nikon Z7 or D500? No, not my Olympus E-M1X either. It is more expensive than other bridge cameras but is truly in its own class.