Recommendations for a Bridge Camera
May 3, 2014 07:18:14 #
My 75 Years young aunt is looking for a camera and has asked for my advise. She wants something with reach for backyard birding. She will also be using it for landscapes and snapshots of family gatherings.
Raw capabilities probably not key as I suspect the only PP she would do is cropping. I think something in the $250 - $300 price range would be doable.
She has a bad back so needs something smallish and lightweight that could use a sling to carry across her chest. I know many folks here love the Canon SX50. Anything else out there that we should consider for her?
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Raw capabilities probably not key as I suspect the only PP she would do is cropping. I think something in the $250 - $300 price range would be doable.
She has a bad back so needs something smallish and lightweight that could use a sling to carry across her chest. I know many folks here love the Canon SX50. Anything else out there that we should consider for her?
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
May 3, 2014 07:27:19 #
Saleavitt10 wrote:
My 75 Years young aunt is looking for a camera and... (show quote)
SX50 would not be my choice for quality photos. A good point and shoot would probably be a better choice.
May 3, 2014 07:27:27 #
ottopj
Loc: Annapolis, MD USA
Check this out first: http://bridge-cameras-review.toptenreviews.com/
Then, go someplace that has several to choose from and see which one "fits" her well.
Then, go someplace that has several to choose from and see which one "fits" her well.
May 3, 2014 07:35:24 #
Couple of alternate options come to mind...although I suspect you'll end up with a sx50 due to peer pressure at the uhh :-)
Not a super zoom, but has a very bright lens 1.8. Great for family photos. I had the xz1 until I replaced it with my second option (see recommendation 2)
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/xz-2-reconditoned.html
Not a bridge, and just a fuzz over 300. But you get a larger sensor. I use this as my backup. It's really light.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-pm2-white-with-m-14-42mm-m-40-150mm-r-lenses-reconditioned.html
Not a super zoom, but has a very bright lens 1.8. Great for family photos. I had the xz1 until I replaced it with my second option (see recommendation 2)
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/xz-2-reconditoned.html
Not a bridge, and just a fuzz over 300. But you get a larger sensor. I use this as my backup. It's really light.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-pm2-white-with-m-14-42mm-m-40-150mm-r-lenses-reconditioned.html
May 3, 2014 07:49:38 #
I have the sx50 and really enjoy photographing the birds in my backyard. The zoom makes it possible to get those far away, high in the trees shots. I am also a senior and find I get the best shots when I use my monopod with this camera. It helps eliminate camera shake when the camera is zoomed out. Good luck.
May 3, 2014 08:00:53 #
ottopj wrote:
Check this out first: http://bridge-cameras-review.toptenreviews.com/
Then, go someplace that has several to choose from and see which one "fits" her well.
Then, go someplace that has several to choose from and see which one "fits" her well.
SX50 did not make it in the top 11 list. Capturing color with an SX50 is horrible.
May 3, 2014 09:17:18 #
The SX50 is closer to $400, I think. It's also hard to hold steady for long zooming.
However, I don't think there are any camera with digital viewfinders that are in the $200 - $300 range and I'd sure hate to battle an LCD screen in bright sun + not having a viewfinder requires holding the camera awkwardly (for those not used to it).
She should hold the camera and see whether the fit is comfortable. I was surprised at different the Nikon P510 felt from the Canon SX50 when right hand hangs onto the grip areas.
However, I don't think there are any camera with digital viewfinders that are in the $200 - $300 range and I'd sure hate to battle an LCD screen in bright sun + not having a viewfinder requires holding the camera awkwardly (for those not used to it).
She should hold the camera and see whether the fit is comfortable. I was surprised at different the Nikon P510 felt from the Canon SX50 when right hand hangs onto the grip areas.
May 3, 2014 16:24:04 #
Thanks for the responses. I am going to try to get her to a store where she can actually handle some.
May 3, 2014 18:20:59 #
I have a friend who shoot the Panasonic Lumix and gets outstanding results. It has a Leica lens which may help. Look up her images in Carol Snow Milne Photography on fb.
May 3, 2014 20:28:39 #
SteveR wrote:
I have a friend who shoot the Panasonic Lumix and gets outstanding results. It has a Leica lens which may help. Look up her images in Carol Snow Milne Photography on fb.
Thanks SteveR, we'll check it out.
May 4, 2014 06:09:51 #
I have a Nikon P510 that I use daily. It is a pretty good camera and I get good results. It isn't heavy and it does have a viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen. Once you get the hang of it is easy to use and switch between different shooting modes. I like the grip and it is easy to hang on to and shoot if you have arthritis. Outdoor pictures, quick moving birds, and close up pictures come out well with a little tweaking of the internal settings. Indoor pictures are a little grainy for my taste, but I have no idea what I am doing so, someone who does may be able to get better results.
May 4, 2014 06:32:00 #
allan catt
Loc: gillingham,kent,uk
Take a good look at the Lumix range I have a pas a fz48 bridge,my wife has a pas. all excellent cameras
May 4, 2014 14:13:28 #
Thanks Firtree and Allan Catt. I will check them out. Appreciate the suggestions.
May 5, 2014 00:21:03 #
venturer9
Loc: Newton, Il.
Linda From Maine wrote:
The SX50 is closer to $400, I think. It's also har... (show quote)
Fuji FinePix SL1000 50X and Digital Viewfinder.... Nice reviews and in some cases Better than Canon... $284.00 at AMAZON on 5/4..... better buy it, it fluctuates from a low of 249 to this one today....
Mike
May 5, 2014 06:38:56 #
venturer9 wrote:
Fuji FinePix SL1000 50X and Digital Viewfinder.... Nice reviews and in some cases Better than Canon... $284.00 at AMAZON on 5/4..... better buy it, it fluctuates from a low of 249 to this one today....
Mike
Mike
Thanks, we'll put that on the list to look at.
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