bgberlin Loc: On the Delaware River

Need an opinion...I'm looking at buying either a bridge cameras with large zooms. Either the Canon G3X (600mm zoom), of the Lumix FZ2500 (480 zoom). Just a good walking around camera when I don't want to take my backpack with my D800, lenses, filters....etc. G3X now on a special that includes the EVF, so the price difference between the 2 cameras about $100. Both seem really nice. I shoot mostly landscape, but a large zoom right now seems like it would be fun as well. Thanks all.....

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

If your budget is up to it, and you don't feel you need the extra range of the G3X's zoom, I'd rcommend the FZ2500. It has a very good built in EVF, which, for many makes the deal for it and breaks the deal for the G3X. Both are 1" type sensors, but the FZ2500 is a newer camera with newer technology. On the other hand, the Panasonic ia hardly compact, being nearly the size of some DSLR's. While the G3X isn't one you can slip into a pocket, it's pretty compact and has the longer zoom. It doesn't have an EVF, but for an extra hundred buck, you can get the kit with the EVF that mounts to the hot shoe on the top of the camera.

When it comes right down to it, your choice may be the one that feels the best in your hands. If it's possible, you should go to a camera store or a Best Buy and handle both cameras before deciding. Both of them deliver nice images, so either way you can't go wrong. I think the G3X makes a nice addition to your DSLR set up.

bikerguy

I have the G3x and find that it is a terrific travel camera. It is relatively small and a great range. Until you have a long zoom you do not realize how much fun it can be to isolate items either in nature or in buildings. The one thing is you should also buy the EVF. The live view and the touch screen are great when using a tripod. It is light and easy to pack and carry.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Comparison sites -

http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Arca

bgberlin

Last August I chose the Panasonic FZ1000 over the FZ2500 for a couple of reasons. The FZ2500 was brand new, was more expensive because of some additional features (which I researched as being ones I would not use) and it appeared to be more geared for individuals who wanted to take movies. Thus, it had some additional 'movie-oriented' features. I know you did not have the FZ1000 in your list of two camera choices, but I just wanted to point out the fact that it may be available at a lower cost, now that it is somewhat older. Perhaps a used or refurbished one is available.

I would imagine the ease of use of the FZ2500 would be about the same as the FZ1000. That camera is an absolute DREAM to use (at least for me.) I took about 100 pictures a day for two weeks in Italy last October, for a total of 1526 pictures. I missed only two or three pictures, coming out too dark, in the 'Uffizi Gallery', due to me thinking that I could take pictures with only one of the three bars of the battery being illuminated. Thus, that was operator error, not camera error. The darn thing is that I had a fully charged spare with me and just thought that I could make the battery stretch for a few more pictures. I did switch batteries when the camera indicated a message to me, something like, 'No battery power left dummie'. From now on, I will change the battery when I see only one of the three bars being illuminated.

Hope this helps and I apologize if I droned on too much.

Arca

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

FZ1000 is a great workhorse for a traveller. You need both - the EVF and the articulated screen.

Lee Roman Loc: Lavalette, West Virginia

I have the FZ2500 and I love the Camera! It takes great Pictures! I’ve had it now a year and a half or longer and took thousands of pictures both in doors and out! It Zooms great!

bgberlin Loc: On the Delaware River

Thanks everyone for your replies - all useful information. I've done more research online and I'll probably go for the FZ2500. I like the fact that it can do Focus Stacking in camera as well as panoramas. As for it's video capabilities,
half of which I don't fully understand, it gives me an opportunity to learn another aspect of photography. Thanks again --enjoy the summer.