LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

hi, I'd like to replace my current Canon HS 50 SX with another camera but cannot decide which would be the best option. Here is what I'm looking for:
1. definitely a bridge camera
2. must take photos at 16 mp or higher (preferably higher)- the best IQ possible without breaking the bank.
3. the ability to shoot in raw
4. REALLY GOOD IMAGE STABILIZATION (which is the one thing I like about my Canon)...I have slightly shaky hands and can't always use a tripod
5. some degree of zoom - right now I have one with 42x and one with 50x - I rarely push either that far but would like something higher than 10x if possible. (does anyone know if you can add a telephoto extension to the Lumix FZ1000?). I do a lot of outdoor photography and would like to be able to catch things that are 100 feet away.
6. the ability to add a UV filter (just to protect the screen) or hood.
7. automatic options/settings that actually work -- my Nikon has great options that do exactly what they say. The Canon has been a disappointment.
8. The ability to do good macro
9. controls that you don't need to be an IT genius to understand, LOL.
10. I don't care about the movie function - I don't shoot movies often and usually with my iPhone!

Looking at the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 but it's twice the price I paid for my Canon. Is it worth it? would I notice that big a difference.

all suggestions welcome.....plain English please - I've been using SLRs and DSLRs for years but have to admit I use them pretty much as point and shoots except when some kind person shows me how to set them up in P mode.

thanks.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

That you have 10 decision-making criteria suggests you construct a 10-column table and then for each possible bridge camera fill-in the spaces from the specifications listed in places such as the B&H store. This can be done on line. And if you do this you will possess more bridge camera data than anyone. It is a prodigous task but you will become THE expert.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Please disregard. I was going to suggest the Nikon P900, but it doesn't shoot RAW. I personally like the much older Fuji X-S1 which DOES shoot in RAW and has a hefty zoom and feels good in the hand but it's getting pretty long in the tooth.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Photoshop Elements 14 has a very good camera shake filter

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

LOL, John, good idea!!

Lynne

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Panasonic DMC s40. 20 mp. The zoom isn't as long as Nikon or Canon but the image quality more than makes up for it.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

A marvelous idea. I suggest you also include lines to compare ratings between Snapsort, DxO, DPP, and any other comparative program. Maybe you could convert each rating to a 10 versus X number by placing the top camera in each comparison at 10 and prorating the other camera. That way a 60 point camera compared to a 54 point camera would be as fairly shown (10-9) as another company rating of the identical cameras as 30 point to 27 points.

cspear42 Loc: New Mexico

I used to have a Nikon D7000 and loved it but I really got tired of lugging that around with extra lens, etc.
I just purchased the Lumix DMC FZ-1000 and it is freaking awesome. It does everything you listed. I have read nearly every review on this before purchasing and there are a couple that are almost comparable but more expensive. Check out the reviews on youtube and elsewhere. You will be very happy with this camera.

jcwall396 Loc: Roswell, GA

I regularly shoot with a Nikon D750 but purchased the Panasonic FZ1000 to use on a bike trip in Europe. I couldn't see riding a bike and trying to shoot one-handed with that expensive equipment. Not to mention it was too heavy.

I absolutely love the FZ1000. The image quality is excellent, it's light enough to shoot one-handed while riding a bike, it shoots RAW, and you can bracket photos. It's expensive, yes, but I think it's worth it.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

"Looking at the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 but it's twice the price I paid for my Canon. Is it worth it? would I notice that big a difference."


www.visualsciencelab.blogspot.com


look no futher the FZ1000 is the one. Check out a working pro's site photographer Kirk Tuck out of Austin, Tx says about he 1000 you'll have to skim through the site to find it but it is very informative.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

I have the Leica type 114 which is the Leica version of the Panasonic DMC FZ1000. I got it for the three year warranty and the Lightroom 6 2X download. They are essentially the same and it is a very capable camera and easily meets all of your criteria.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Nikon Coolpix P/900: 2000 mm telephoto lens

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Oh, great. You throw out an idea and within moments offers improvements. It is stuff like this that makes the Hog the place to go for help. The Hog is populated by exceptional people.

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

Thanks sounds like I'm on the right track. Are you satisfied with it's zoom? dropping from a 50x to a 16x is one thing that has me worried.

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

thanks you.