Bridge camera advice: I have a Sony RX10 III and because of the weight get the shakes hand held. I don’t like carrying the tripod around with me. I want a superzoom with long range. A...

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

I have a Sony RX10 III and because of the weight get the shakes hand held. I don’t like carrying the tripod around with me. I want a superzoom with long range. A fellow on YouTube states they are only good for video and not good in low light conditions and I enjoy evenings. I also heard this elsewhere. Would appreciate some personal advice on those that own a superzoom. I am just getting the bug of interest again. My interests are flowers, birds, wildlife, and landscape. I am a novice, so shoot in auto most all the time. My best attribute is picking what I consider a great view. Greg

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Gregger wrote:

I have a Sony RX10 III and because of the weight g... (show quote)

In Phoenix you should have many brick and mortar stores where you can get your hands on the feel and weight of many options. That would be my suggestion.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Following Stan's advice, Tempe Camera would be the place I'd recommend. Their staff is very knowledgeable and will work with you to get your best choice. Be aware that masks are required to enter the store at present.
--Bob

Gregger wrote:

I have a Sony RX10 III and because of the weight g... (show quote)

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

The RX10 may not be the best low light camera but it is no slouch. I have the HX400 and RX100v . The RX100 is very good in low light but does not have the zoom reach that the HX400 has. Sounds like most of our shots are in pretty good daylight. I would not be too concerned about the RX10 low light abilities. No camera does everything well. The RX10 is just about the best bridge camera out there. It is tough to beat it's Zeiss lens. If you want to be sure befor you plunk down the $$$. Rent one for a week. Most rental stores like Lens Rental will re-emburse your rental fee if you purchase the camera. https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/sony-cyber-shot-rx10-iv. enjoy.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I should add, my usual response to bridge camera questions is Robert Kincaid used a Nikon F.
-Bob

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

PixelStan77 wrote:

In Phoenix you should have many brick and mortar stores where you can get your hands on the feel and weight of many options. That would be my suggestion.

Thank you for your response, but presently because of the virus, age, and a health condition keeps me fairly centered around home and our nice backyard. I get out, but wear mask and maintain distance.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Gregger wrote:

Thank you for your response, but presently because of the virus, age, and a health condition keeps me fairly centered around home and our nice backyard. I get out, but wear mask and maintain distance.

Call them and speak with them on the phone to get their suggestions.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Gregger wrote:

Thank you for your response, but presently because of the virus, age, and a health condition keeps me fairly centered around home and our nice backyard. I get out, but wear mask and maintain distance.

Gregger,

One of my favorite ways to reduce personal shake is with a short, light monopod with the foot near my waist, not on the ground. There are at least three ways to do it. 1) I have zip tied a metal hook on the foot that I hook on my belt. 2) I have a (made by Manfrotto) monopod pocket that can be worn on my belt. 3) I stuff the monopod foot into a front pocket on my jeans.

Keeping the extension of the monopod short makes easy to move around as you shoot.

This can also relieve the stress on your arms caused by the weight of the camera.

Bill

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

rmalarz wrote:

Following Stan's advice, Tempe Camera would be the place I'd recommend. Their staff is very knowledgeable and will work with you to get your best choice. Be aware that masks are required to enter the store at present.
--Bob

Thank you Bob. Excellent recommendation. I live around over an hour from there. If not for the virus and presently our present heat conditions I would drive down today. I will say I enjoy the UH members advice. So much experience and knowledge.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

ORpilot wrote:

The RX10 may not be the best low light camera but ... (show quote)

Thank you OR, but remember the RX10 is so heavy I get the shakes. This is my primary reason for my quest.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

Bill,
I sure wish you could post a photo/video showing your setup. I am having a difficult time envisioning what you are saying. This sounds like the answer to my problem and I can use my Sony with little investment. Could you place a video on YouTube or send one to me. This has really sparked my enthusiasm. This could help not only me, but those having the same problem. Genius idea! Greg

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

ORpilot wrote:

The RX10 may not be the best low light camera but ... (show quote)

Sony stores will let you borrow any Sony camera gear in their loaner inventory for free for a day, no strings attached.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

Gregger wrote:

Thank you OR, but remember the RX10 is so heavy I get the shakes. This is my primary reason for my quest.

Sorry, I read you post wrong. I thought you were looking to go lighter by switching to the RX10. The RX100 series (10.7oz) some are 24-70mm and some are 24-200mm and have Zeiss lenses and the Sony HX99 (8.6oz) is similar but longer Zoom and smaller sensor. Your RX 10 is aprox 2lb 6.7oz. The use of a Mono pod is another choice too. The mono pod I have doubles as a walking stick. I think this is how the other UHH photographer uses his mono pod. My HX400 on a mono pod. Sorry about the quality. It was shot into a mirror.

Gregger Loc: Phoenix area

Thanks OK! This looks like it will do the job. I appreciate it! Greg

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Actually, heavy helps reduce shake. If the weight makes you shake, that is different.

Any bridge camera will be less sensitive in low light than bigger cameras (DSLRs and Wireless). That is the compromise of great zoom range in (relatively) small size.

There are cameras that are smaller. They do NOT have the same great zoom range. I own a Panasonic DMC-ZS100 which has a 1" sensor and 25-250mm zoom. The Panasonic DC-ZS200 has a 1" and a 24-360mm sensor. The Sony DSC-RX100 has a 1" and 24-200mm sensor.