Bridge Cameras
Jul 4, 2012 17:55:33 #
Hello, I have just joined Ugly Hedgehog. I used to have a SLR camera - Pentax 1000 with a macro, wide angle lens and a zoom. I still have it but do not use it anymore (film). 5 years ago I purchased the IXUS 960 compact, which has been great and I still use but am thinking of getting the bridge camera Fujifilm X S1, (the IXUS lets me down with the flash and zoom), instead of an entry DSLR mainly because I want to shoot wildlife and skies and not have to lug multiple lenses around. Does anyone have any comments please?
Jul 4, 2012 18:18:22 #
I just purchased a Nikon P 510 on the advice of a couple of pro photographers. I really like it so far for a hiking camera or any situation where weight and changing lenses rapidly is an issue. Negative is that it does not shoot in RAW, but I don't see that as a huge issue. It's light enough and easy enough to use that I pretty much take it with me everywhere without all the hoopla that goes with my Nikon D7000 and multiple lenses. Check out the reviews. I also like that the LCD pulls out and tilts.
Jul 4, 2012 18:33:18 #
Thank you; I will check out the reviews. The fujifilm X S1 has RAW and although I have never used RAW I thought it would be a good thing to have, just in case. I am hoping the next camera will be with me for a while. What are your thoughts on RAW please?
Jul 4, 2012 19:12:21 #
Welcome to UHH to both of you. Looking forward to seeing some of your pictures.
Jul 4, 2012 20:18:26 #
Raw is something you will need if you really want to get into post processing. That way you can take an image and then do whatever kind of adjustments to it to make it the way you want it to look. Raw makes it a lot easier to make adjustments because there is no compression on the photo like there is with a jpeg. I have a P500 and even if I move up to a DSLR I don't plan on starting off in raw right away, but it may be something I want to explore later. Like you all I have ever had has been jpeg because I have only had small p&s cameras. So if you think it is something you might want to do then I would suggest getting a bridge camera that does allow you to shoot raw if you want.
Jul 4, 2012 20:18:39 #
Thank you. I am busy packing up and moving to Tasmania but once there I hope to be posting some photos and getting chatting to you all :)
Jul 4, 2012 20:21:01 #
Thank you - that's what I thought. May as well include RAW ....just in case! Not sure which direction I will be going in until I start playing around.
Jul 4, 2012 20:25:06 #
Janice1453 wrote:
Thank you - that's what I thought. May as well include RAW ....just in case! Not sure which direction I will be going in until I start playing around.
Right. When I bought my bridge camera I did it for all the wrong reasons. I thought because I was getting a better camera I would be a better photographer. I knew I wasn't getting the shots I wanted to and I thought a better camera would get that for me. I didn't even know there was such a thing as raw on a camera or what it was. I soon learned and if I had it on my camera I might give it a go. Since you have are looking to purchase a camera that you can have for awhile and you think you might want to shoot raw I really think it is best to consider going ahead with a camera that has it.
Jul 4, 2012 21:29:08 #
Jul 4, 2012 23:16:42 #
Have been using a Fuji S100fs for 3+ years. The early of XS-1. XS-1 has same size sensor (presumably more refined), much better viewfinder, longer zoom, otherwise . . .
Bought it knowingly as a bridge camera, haven't felt the need to cross that bridge yet. (Well, maybe a Fuji X-Pro 1).
I make beautiful prints with minimal/basic post processing.
I have been more than satisfied.
Would gladly go more into depth with you, but don't have time right now.
Let me know if you want more info.
Have heard the S100fs called the 'legend' by Fuji bridge camera enthusiasts.
Bought it knowingly as a bridge camera, haven't felt the need to cross that bridge yet. (Well, maybe a Fuji X-Pro 1).
I make beautiful prints with minimal/basic post processing.
I have been more than satisfied.
Would gladly go more into depth with you, but don't have time right now.
Let me know if you want more info.
Have heard the S100fs called the 'legend' by Fuji bridge camera enthusiasts.
Jul 4, 2012 23:22:38 #
May as well get that camera as it has jpeg and raw on it so you can use it either way. Fuji makes some great bridge cameras as that is what I use. I do have a Kodak p&s but that is for my bike riding or back up camera. Good luck and welcome to UHH.
Jul 4, 2012 23:35:58 #
Thank you. When you have time that would be great. I was also looking at the Canon SX40 first but then decided this one might be better. I am happy with my IXUS 960 IS as a back up as I do get some nice shots with it. We are relocating to Tasmania and thought I would need a better zoom but I don't want a big camera to lug around. I think I may also need a tripod and I maybe a flash unit? As it is quite an investment I am trying to make sure I will be buying exactly what I want. My camera goes just about everywhere with me and I like to take shots of all things, animals, flowers, moss, rain drops, sunsets, sunrises, mist, water, boats, architecture, gates, fences, road signs, cars, boats - all things; I like to capture life. I am busy atm too; hope to purchase in early August and start experimenting with it mid August. Thank you once again for your time
Jul 4, 2012 23:38:32 #
Thank you. So far all the replies seem to indicate I am on the right track. I just wanted to check as most people here tell me I shoul d purchase an entry DSLR (ie Canon 550D) instead and why go for a bridge; so I started to question my reasoning.....
Jul 4, 2012 23:48:42 #
Janice1453 wrote:
Thank you. So far all the replies seem to indicate I am on the right track. I just wanted to check as most people here tell me I shoul d purchase an entry DSLR (ie Canon 550D) instead and why go for a bridge; so I started to question my reasoning.....
People are always going to tell you things. Like me, I play the guitar left handed. Yep left handed. When I started looking for a guitar people kept telling me that all I had to due was turn a guitar over and play right handed, that it wouldn't be that different. Guess what my brain doesn't work that way.
In the end you will figure out what is best for you. Maybe if it would help go to a store that has a few out on display, preferably the ones you are thinking of buying, and test them out. If you like bridge camera better get it. If you find the DSLR to be more comfortable get it. Again though, in the end you will figure out which one is the best fit for you, and if you are already pretty confident about the one you want your mind probably isn't going to be changed that easily.
Jul 5, 2012 00:32:22 #
Thanks - I have already done the store and camera thing! Pretty sure this is the camera I want - just making sure I have not overlooked anything or if any one has one and something doesn't work well for them - which may not be an issue for me anyway.
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