elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I'm enjoying this dialogue. As a lifelong photographer, I continue using my 5DII with four L series lenses.

That said, I want to contribute this unusual experience. On the eve of our planned Baltic cruise, our then-Secretary of State (?) made the announcement that no camera larger than a cell phone would be permitted in the cabin of any aircraft, including international flights. And that decision would soon be applied to incoming flights from other countries. So, what in the world do I do? I won't permit my camera and lens to be tossed in the cargo hold.

I bought my first Lumix TZ80. I noticed that it not only shot RAW, but it had an 'eye' view window in addition to the typical led screen. Amazingly enough, the led screen automatically shut off when your eye would approach the eye-view window. Okay, enough with the interesting characteristics. I took this camera around the Baltic, to include an afternoon at the Hermitage museum. Will I be disappointed when returning home? Pleasantly surprised, I've made 11x14 prints that are clean and sharp. Will I stop using my 5DII with L-series lenses? No! But I now take the Lumix camera around regularly as my 'pocket camera'. If you were considering such a small camera as a back up, I don't think you would be disappointed.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Yeh the camera makes an impression. You could walk in with the best Leica and small might be smart.
I shot a video in their office for an industrial company early last year. My good friend wanted me to
do this for him. When we walked around scouting with one of the executives I took the Sony RX10 3 bridge camera.
When I came back for the one day shoot I brought a Sony Camcorder
with mic's etc. He said Tom you brought the pro stuff great. This man technical. Worked at Kodak. is amazing full size camcorder make his day.

I recently started building a Fuji kit. Selling my other Sony FF gear funded it. So far amazed by the 2 bodies I bought and lens the images and video. And the pricing aps-c is great. Bought into leaving FF.

The best bridge ever is the Sony RX10 24-600. Used it for everything. Great Soccer on field level. Long shots
i never would have tried. Covering an college event my son one of the speakers all from my seat in the first row.
Cut a video for him. No lighting. This camera has always been great. I was a guest at NASCAR. And parachuter jumped from a plane to land on the track. I thought I am never getting this shot straight up. Got video and stills.
Good luck you bought a good camera.

JBRIII

When was this? About cameras I mean? I see you are in St. Louis so I assume we are talking USA???

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

This brings to mind the story of the heart surgeon who rode a big motorcycle. The surgeon had a mechanical problem and took his bike into the shop where a mechanic was working on rebuilding an engine for more power. Recognizing the surgeon, the mechanic said, "How about this Doc? Here I am rebuilding the engine of this bike, sort of it's heart. Makes us rather alike, don't you think?" The surgeon replied, "Not quite. Try doing it while the engine is still running."

Tools and condtions have an affect on the outcome in many situations.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

I am talking 2018, when cameras were forbidden in the cabin of planes. It's history now, thank heavens.

Yes, I'm in St. Louis, MO USA. (and also miss London greatly)

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

I recommended the RX10 IV to a 73 yr old friend who was going on safari and had never used a "real" camera in his life. Seldom even shot iPhone pics. I processed his photos in PS for him and he printed these 3 as 20x30 metal prints. Incredible IQ. Remember, he was a photo noobie who used the sophisticated bridge camera in auto mode all the time. I wouldn't hesitate to display these had I taken them. In fact, at my age, if I go on a safari, I would borrow his RX10 IV, rather than drag along all of my pro gear. If this camera can produce these results while in auto mode, imagine what can be achieved by someone who actually knows how to shoot.
First was at ISO 400 at 220mm. Next 2 at max 600mm focal length

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Robert Kincaid's bridge camera was a Nikon. That's good enough for me. I've been using a Nikon since 1971.
--Bob

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Hi Tim,
Well, when it's all said and done, my opinion is it's (almost) all about the 'image', and I don't mean the picture. We're living in a 'show' culture where one must LOOK the part. Therefore to 'be' a Pro, you must look like a Pro, so you don't dare carry a small, unobscure camera like that. The folks might not think you're a Pro. No doubt, good quality photos could be deliveres by the camera person using the camera you speak of, but as I said.... it's the 'image'.
I've been on both ends of this rainbow... Pro and 'just shooter'. These days I'm much more satisfied just being a shooter. Of course most are convinced the full frame camera will deliver the 'better' results, so that's why we use (used) them. On the other side of the coin, I've seen Salon quality work done using a 'bridge'. Maybe just our present day culture or mentality, who knows?
God Bless,
Papa Joe

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Perception.....

reverendray

"If it makes you happy, they why the hell are you so sad....."

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

While the LUMIX FZ300 is a fine little camera for many situations, it has limitations the bigger DSLR or mirrorless do not. The 1/2.3" sensor is only 12 MP limiting detail and print size. It also limits how dimly lit a subject can be and still be able to auto-focus. Furthermore, in dim light it will show much more noise than the bigger cameras. Depth of field (the range of near to far that is in focus) is also affected. The minimum aperture is only f/8, limiting creativity.

Those are just a few reasons.

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

Res ipsa loquitur! I just got myself to the right place and the right time and pressed the shutter button. The camera did the rest!

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

One does not need to be a pro to get a camera tax write off. An interior designer or real estate agent taking pics of their own work can justify the expense against income for a tax write off. Just sayin'

The other two statements are similarly questionable.

sudamar Loc: Southern Indiana

The best camera you can have is the one you have with you when you need it. That is why I always have a small bridge camera with me.