ABCD: A Bridge Camera Dilemma
Mar 17, 2014 09:05:07 #
I want to upgrade my old P&S, a Canon S3IS. At first, my search leaned towards a mirrorless camera plus a telephoto lens. But then the price hit home...ouch! Then a friend suggested a Canon SX50 super zoom...neat camera with which I would probably be more than satisfied. However, after spending the past month reviewing similar cameras, I became quite attracted to the Panasonic FZ200. It's constant f2.8 Leica lens, higher resolution EVF and higher shutter speeds at low ISO levels is most appealing. I'm sure the 600mm zoom will be more than adequate. After all, Im not a birder, just a grandfather.
I've read many of the UHH posts already so I guess I don't have to ask for opinions. After much hand-wringing, the decision has been made. Im ordering the FZ200.
I've read many of the UHH posts already so I guess I don't have to ask for opinions. After much hand-wringing, the decision has been made. Im ordering the FZ200.
Mar 17, 2014 09:06:42 #
I always feel relieved when I finally come to a decision about something important :)
Hope you have a great time with the camera, and we'll look forward to seeing your first shots.
Hope you have a great time with the camera, and we'll look forward to seeing your first shots.
Mar 17, 2014 09:06:44 #
Great. Review all similar and pick the one you want according to features and also price.
Did you get a chance to put each camera in your hand to check it out ? That's a big factor also.
Good Luck with your choice.
Sarge69
Did you get a chance to put each camera in your hand to check it out ? That's a big factor also.
Good Luck with your choice.
Sarge69
Mar 17, 2014 09:15:11 #
jjbrenner
Loc: San Angelo, TX
Grampy wrote:
I want to upgrade my old P&S, a Canon S3IS. A... (show quote)
Grampy, I bought a Panasonic FZ150 a couple of years ago for the same reasons you decided on the FZ 200. No regrets--it camera does a terrific job, and I know you will enjoy your new FZ200. The Leica lenses are amazing. Happy shooting!
jjbrenner
Mar 17, 2014 09:19:33 #
sarge69 wrote:
Great. Review all similar and pick the one you want according to features and also price.
Did you get a chance to put each camera in your hand to check it out ? That's a big factor also.
Good Luck with your choice.
Sarge69
Did you get a chance to put each camera in your hand to check it out ? That's a big factor also.
Good Luck with your choice.
Sarge69
Sarge, I Googled and reviewed every compatible one I could find. Couldn't find an FZ in a store, but noted comments on the feel and comparisons to the SX50, etc. Thanks.
Mar 17, 2014 09:20:54 #
jjbrenner wrote:
Grampy, I bought a Panasonic FZ150 a couple of years ago for the same reasons you decided on the FZ 200. No regrets--it camera does a terrific job, and I know you will enjoy your new FZ200. The Leica lenses are amazing. Happy shooting!
jjbrenner
jjbrenner
Thanks, JJ. Looking forward to it.
Mar 17, 2014 09:21:51 #
lalezo
Loc: Gainesville, FL
Might I suggest the Canon G12 ... that is my "bridge camera ... which I carry with me all the time ... it's also great for candid portraiture. Good Luck and the Luck of the Irish to you !
Lloyd
Lloyd
Mar 17, 2014 09:30:06 #
lalezo wrote:
Might I suggest the Canon G12 ... that is my "bridge camera ... which I carry with me all the time ... it's also great for candid portraiture. Good Luck and the Luck of the Irish to you !
Lloyd
Lloyd
Lloyd, I had a quick look at it, but preferred the 24x FZ as I'll be vacationing in Alaska next year and wanted the zoom capability. It was a tough choice between it and the Canon SX50 and prior experience with my Canon S3IS. Thanks for the suggestion, however.
Mar 17, 2014 10:56:45 #
I recently purchased a Fuji HS50EX. I posted some pictures of a guinea pig and a pheasant a couple days ago taken with it. It's a very nice camera but is quite a bit larger than the Canon SX50. If size is not an object, you might check it out.
Mar 17, 2014 13:11:09 #
Dianakkb wrote:
I recently purchased a Fuji HS50EX. I posted some pictures of a guinea pig and a pheasant a couple days ago taken with it. It's a very nice camera but is quite a bit larger than the Canon SX50. If size is not an object, you might check it out.
Hi Diana, the Fuji HS50EXR was one of my considerations, so I appreciate your suggestion. And I looked at some of your photos...very nice. However, as I stated above, I'm going with the FZ200.
Mar 17, 2014 13:14:54 #
Mar 18, 2014 06:32:23 #
The new Olympus Stylus 1 is a great little camera. Constant f2.8 throughout also.
--Beagleman
--Beagleman
Mar 18, 2014 06:59:50 #
Grampy wrote:
I want to upgrade my old P&S, a Canon S3IS. A... (show quote)
Probably a good choice. The constant f/2.8 should give you more options for OOF backgrounds over the SX50.
Make sure you check out the YouTube entries for this camera. There are reviews and demos. This one presents a small gallery of photos taken with the Lumix:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-xLjKqrrnA
Another shows wide range of accessories to consider.
For me: always buy a Circular Polarizing Filter to fit your camera/lens configuration. The FZ may require an adapter for the filter.
Additionally! There is a great video showing its macro capability in "Makro mit Lumix FZ200." Just fantastic work presented. No actually German language to deal with, so don't feel threatened by the title.
Mar 18, 2014 10:49:48 #
FZ200 is quite nice, take a look at Fuji X-S1 I think it is one step up, but little larger and much better image quality.
Mar 18, 2014 12:16:36 #
jjbrenner
Loc: San Angelo, TX
Scoutman wrote:
Probably a good choice. The constant f/2.8 should ... (show quote)
Thank you, Scoutman. The YouTube videos will be very helpful as I explore the possibilities using my FZ150.
jjbrenner
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