Bridge Cameras
Oct 14, 2014 20:02:19 #
My two cents worth. I bought a Nikon Coolpix P520 this last spring. Liked it so well I bought another one this summer.
Articulating LCD screen, viewfinder, and 42X zoom capability, as well as 18.1 megapixels. They have Wi-Fi capability, and a full range of manual settings. A very good book written by a reviewer indicated things this camera can do that gives you a vast amount of variety in shooting modes using various tricks. Written by Alexander White and easy to digest. I believe he has reviewed other brand cameras as well. I know there are other brand cameras just as good, but, for the price, I went with these. Under $250 apiece refurbished, but with a 1 year warranty which is usually only on a new camera.
Only drawback with bridge cameras, by and large, are the inability to use many filters or lens hoods. However, this past weekend I took a class wherein the instructor told me that there are places that do sell these accessories and they do work well. Will be checking with him further to find out where to find them. I aqm not one who believes that the cameras I own are automatically the best, and have used other brands a well, but I found that these did what I wanted. Again, my 2c worth.
Articulating LCD screen, viewfinder, and 42X zoom capability, as well as 18.1 megapixels. They have Wi-Fi capability, and a full range of manual settings. A very good book written by a reviewer indicated things this camera can do that gives you a vast amount of variety in shooting modes using various tricks. Written by Alexander White and easy to digest. I believe he has reviewed other brand cameras as well. I know there are other brand cameras just as good, but, for the price, I went with these. Under $250 apiece refurbished, but with a 1 year warranty which is usually only on a new camera.
Only drawback with bridge cameras, by and large, are the inability to use many filters or lens hoods. However, this past weekend I took a class wherein the instructor told me that there are places that do sell these accessories and they do work well. Will be checking with him further to find out where to find them. I aqm not one who believes that the cameras I own are automatically the best, and have used other brands a well, but I found that these did what I wanted. Again, my 2c worth.
Oct 14, 2014 22:03:00 #
Since you have time take a look at the SONY HX400V very nice camera and will fit your needs.I love mine and Ive tryed them all.
Oct 14, 2014 22:17:48 #
My first choice in a bridge camera would be a Panasonic FZ200 because of the f/2.8 maximum aperture at all focal lengths. Bridge cameras do not do well at high iso's because of their small sensors. The f/2.8 max. aperture allows you to use lower iso's especially at longer focal lengths where most other bridge cameras drop down to f/5.6.
The trade-off for the f/2.8 aperture is a max focal length of 600mm. If you need the longer focal length offered by other bridge camera, the Panasonic FZ70 would be my choice because in addition to the longer focal length it has a 20mm wide end which is the widest of any bridge camera. The wide end is often more important than the long end.
The trade-off for the f/2.8 aperture is a max focal length of 600mm. If you need the longer focal length offered by other bridge camera, the Panasonic FZ70 would be my choice because in addition to the longer focal length it has a 20mm wide end which is the widest of any bridge camera. The wide end is often more important than the long end.
Oct 18, 2014 15:10:15 #
13oct1931
Loc: Lebanon, Indiana
Before you buy anything else, look at an Olympus SP 820 UZ---or any other Olympus.
1. It does not have a "squinty" eye piece, but a fair-sized view screen.
2. It has a 40X zoom; you will like taking pix of the moon, birds in trees and close-ups of folks across the room.
3. It has a plethora of automatic programs for special situations.
4. It is light weight.
5. It is totally automatic, no f/stops or shutter speeds; who needs'em.
6. It is--or can be-- less than $500 factory direct. Check out refurbished models.
1. It does not have a "squinty" eye piece, but a fair-sized view screen.
2. It has a 40X zoom; you will like taking pix of the moon, birds in trees and close-ups of folks across the room.
3. It has a plethora of automatic programs for special situations.
4. It is light weight.
5. It is totally automatic, no f/stops or shutter speeds; who needs'em.
6. It is--or can be-- less than $500 factory direct. Check out refurbished models.
Oct 18, 2014 15:58:58 #
Thanks for your recommendation. I researched it and was disappointed to find that it does not have a view finder...I must have a view finder---Phyl
Oct 18, 2014 17:15:11 #
azphotobug
Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona
The FZ200 has both an articulating screen and an EVF (electronic view finder).
Oct 19, 2014 09:37:29 #
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