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Bridge Camera Help
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Nov 1, 2015 08:25:06   #
Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota
 
A friend of mine asked for help in getting a new camera. It sounds like a bridge camera is the way to go for him as he does not do very much photography. Can you please give me some recommendations on a good bridge camera..one that would have a fairly decent zoom on it also. He wants to do some wildlife photography besides people, etc. He has never had a dlsr camera and I don't think at his age he is interested in that much of a camera. I don't know anything about bridge cameras so I'm asking for your help. I'll be gone until this evening so I can't respond until then.
Thanks..Marsha

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Nov 1, 2015 08:32:27   #
BebuLamar
 
inexperience person with a bridge camera that has a long zoom usually doesn't work too well. It takes a lot of skill to use those long zoom successfully. I would recommend a 3x or so zoom.

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Nov 1, 2015 08:34:02   #
TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX
 
Depending on budget - I like the Sony RX10 - but that is a pricey guy @ $1200ish...There are lots of other nice options out there, BUT please just take this advice... If big zoom is important just make sure you find one with a viewfinder! It is impossible to hold those cameras all zoomed out... if you have the view finder - your face will hold it still.

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Nov 1, 2015 08:34:57   #
sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL
 
My bridge camera experience has been limited to the Nikon P510 and the Nikon P900.

Both are very good with a longer telephoto on the P900 at 2000mm which requires a tripod for best results.

The P900, my current bridge camera does everything you want with special effects and scene settings that are automatic. Portrait, landscapes etc are great.

Sarge69

Flower with P900
Flower with P900...
(Download)

Food Close Up
Food Close Up...
(Download)

Normal Photos
Normal Photos...
(Download)

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Nov 1, 2015 08:37:40   #
MBW66 Loc: NH, USA
 
I am very pleased with my LUMIX (Panasonic) DMC-FZ1000 purchased July 2015. It has a 25-400mm range, good for wildlife and takes great macro closeups as well. There may be a newer model and a web search will show less expensive bridge cameras. It is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. I generally use it on the M function and set the speed and aperture manually. It has a helpful tilt LCD screen as well as a viewfinder. I have not used its video or wi-fi functions. The automatic focus is very good. It has a 21 pixel sensor. I was advised to use a high-end SD card: 80 MB/sec 32 GB Extreme PLUS SanDisk which is very fast.

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Nov 1, 2015 08:42:03   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
I love my Canon sx50, as do many sx50 users on this site. As mentioned, it can be difficult to hold camera steady, but I use a "burst" mode that helps with that.

But don't discount the difference in how the camera feels in one's hands too. I didn't care for the Nikon P510 at all, but the Canon felt perfect. Might be because closer in design to my SLR, but I still urge your friend to "test drive" them.

Images 4 through 6 in this link are with the sx50. Note the distance to nest.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-346682-1.html

Bighorn sheep, with one shot giving an idea of distance (not nearly as far as usual, however!):

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-343232-1.html

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Nov 1, 2015 09:16:51   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
Panasonic fz1000 or Nikon P900

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Nov 1, 2015 09:30:56   #
tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ
 
I purchased the Canon SX50 a couple of weeks ago from Canon, refurbished with warranty, for $149! It is a terrific all around camera for just everyday use. Image quality OK, reasonably fast to focus, small, and a huge zoom. Many amateur "birders" choose this camera and get amazing shots. For $150 it is a no brainer...on Ebay they sell used for more than that. By the way, I think my camera was brand new..not a mark on it.

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Nov 1, 2015 13:21:39   #
Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan
 
For the casual birder and wildlife shooter on a budget, the Canon SX50 is a good choice and I have been happy with it. Linda and others are doing some beautiful landscape and general photography work with it, too.

However, if I were choosing a bridge camera as my primary camera and could justify spending a little more, the Nikon P900 looks awfully good and comes recommended by people I trust here.

Mike

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Nov 1, 2015 13:58:41   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
Blenheim Orange wrote:
... Linda and others are doing some beautiful landscape and general photography work with it, too...


Thanks, Mike, but most of my landscapes are with Canon T3i. One sx50 user who posts landscapes is Lorima. I'll check for some others; having brain freeze right now :)

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Nov 1, 2015 14:14:16   #
Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
Thanks, Mike, but most of my landscapes are with Canon T3i. One sx50 user who posts landscapes is Lorima. I'll check for some others; having brain freeze right now :)


Ah, sorry. My mistake. Great work in any case. Just goes to show ya, the photographer creates the image, not the equipment.

Mike

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Nov 1, 2015 15:06:50   #
James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee
 
Keep it simple...Sony offers the HX300 and HX400 both very easy to use. Both DSLR like in use and function with manual focus available with the lens barrel. I wouldn't focus just on distance (a big mistake) many with high zoom cameras make. Most time images at maximum zoom aren't that great. Look for features, build quality, image quality and ease of use for a beginner. Feel free to browse my images (links are below in my signature line) for sample images if your curious about the HX300. Good luck with your search. No matter what you come up with...it will take some time to learn the camera and photography in general. Most of all...have fun!

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Nov 1, 2015 15:38:59   #
Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan
 
James56 wrote:
Keep it simple...Sony offers the HX300 and HX400 both very easy to use. Both DSLR like in use and function with manual focus available with the lens barrel. I wouldn't focus just on distance (a big mistake) many with high zoom cameras make. Most time images at maximum zoom aren't that great. Look for features, build quality, image quality and ease of use for a beginner. Feel free to browse my images (links are below in my signature line) for sample images if your curious about the HX300. Good luck with your search. No matter what you come up with...it will take some time to learn the camera and photography in general. Most of all...have fun!
Keep it simple...Sony offers the HX300 and HX400 b... (show quote)


Your images make a good case for the HX300.

Mike

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Nov 1, 2015 16:16:51   #
insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida
 
Did I miss this question?? What is his price range?

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Nov 1, 2015 17:07:29   #
medavis43 Loc: Folkston, GA
 
I love my Panasonic FZ200 with 24x zoom and Panasonic FZ70 with 60x zoom.

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