Seeking Bridge Camera Recommendation: I have an old DSLR (Nikon D-70) that I almost never use because it's too big and heavy. I like to carry my camera with me at all times. So, for...

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Seeking Bridge Camera Recommendation

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Nov 4, 2012 10:57:37 #

dadamia Loc: Portland, OR

I have an old DSLR (Nikon D-70) that I almost never use because it's too big and heavy. I like to carry my camera with me at all times. So, for the past few years I have use compact cameras, currently a Canon SX230 HS. These little cameras are great, but I really miss having an optical viewfinder. I don't like holding the camera away from my eye to compose a photo and I don't like using the LCD screen in bright light.

Any suggestions for a small camera that has a viewfinder? It doesn't have to be as tiny as my SX230, but it can't be as big as an SLR. Also, it doesn't necessarily have to have a through the lens SLR type viewfinder. Something like the old rangefinder cameras might be okay.

Nov 4, 2012 11:19:34 #

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Bridge cameras I have used lately.

Canon SX40HS - Very good - controls difficult - zoom outstanding - Returned it after a month

Sony HX200V - Very good - controls easy - In possession

Nikon P510 - Exceptional - Outstanding zoom - In possession

Sarge69 :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nov 4, 2012 11:42:06 #

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

I have a SX40 which I really, really like... There are some new feactures on the SX50 but haven't checked that one out yet...

Nov 4, 2012 12:35:59 #

Carolina Wings Loc: Flew from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

dadamia wrote:

I have an old DSLR (Nikon D-70) that I almost neve... (show quote)

Canon SX40 or SX50 would be my suggestion...I love my SX40!
Here are a few of my photos to give you an idea of what the SX40 is capable of doing:

Nov 4, 2012 12:53:58 #

spphoto Loc: Long Island,N.Y.

I own the Nikon P510 which I like very much .Canon Sx40 or 50 is also good but I do not like the screen for viewing,much prefer Nikon articulating screen if I sometimes need to focus or view

black crown night heron
black crown night heron...

Nov 4, 2012 13:42:29 #

farmerjim Loc: Rugby, England

Hi Dadamia, have you looked at the micro 4/3 system? It's suited to people like you who don't want a bulky DSLR. I've used both Oly Pen and Panasonic Lumix versions and they're excellent although don't bother with any version without a VF for the reasons you mention. The Sony Nex cameras are also very good.

Nov 5, 2012 05:41:45 #

BlokeOzz Loc: Morphett Vale South Australia

Hi dadamia,
I am using a Panasonic lumix FZ150 Bridge camera ( They are fitted with Leica Lenses ), 12 mp, wide angle ,24x zoom and an excellent camera, This has just been superseded by the FZ200 which I believe is an even better Camera, it has all the features of a DSLR but smaller, and 24 times zoom, so not being weighed down by a ton of gear. Will shoot Raw as well as JPG. They are made in Japan, so the quality is there.
P.S. There is a mile of reading and viewing articles on google including videos on setup by Graham Haughton Best of luck
BlokeOzz

Nov 5, 2012 05:53:15 #

Neville Loc: Melbourne Australia

The fuji finepix100 is great to take in a shoulder-bag
and is aps-c frame, exp bracketing, viewfinder and close-up...I also have a canon sx500 for every thing else including 30 optical to 120x digital zoom with surprising results,
both are light ...then there is my big bag with a 7D and 40D but my wife carrys that!

Nov 5, 2012 07:23:21 #

dixiemegapixel Loc: Salemburg, NC

Sony HX200 has two features that, for me, set it above most of the competition. I especially like the one-touch panorama and the auto HDR.

Nov 5, 2012 07:33:31 #

Dallasmarie

I find the SX40 so to my liking that I sold my heavier DSLR (carpal tunnel issues) and just use this bridge type camera. At first I didn't use or particularly like the tiltable screen but then realized I can take odd angle photos without twisting myself into a pretzel... simply tilt the screen if I cannot use the viewfinder. I would NEVER have a camera without a viewfinder though.

Nov 5, 2012 10:07:17 #

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Hi dadamia,
I enjoy my little Canon SD890 IS ten meg for that express reason. So many now come without a viewfinder, but this one has a very nice, clear viewfinder, so you can take your choice - viewfinder OR screen. Not a terribly expensive camera and very handy to carry along on most outings, and I get very good results.

Nov 5, 2012 11:05:29 #

Graeme Loc: El Cerrito, California

BlokeOzz wrote:

Hi dadamia, br I am using a Panasonic lu... (show quote)

I second a fellow Aussie. I used mine within a few weeks of purchase in Bali: for hundreds of photos, actually into the thousands, and even ended up with fine videos of performances, some now on YouTube at the request of the performers. Next trip to India will be with a friend who has moved from carrying a couple of DSLRs to the mentioned new model FZ200 which maintains f2.8 over the entire 25-600mm range. Should I upgrade? I can't do that comparison until January.

Nov 5, 2012 11:08:37 #

dadamia Loc: Portland, OR

Thanks to all for the excellent suggestions. I'll check them out and will likely buy one of them later this week.

Nov 5, 2012 15:33:01 #

cmge Loc: Arkansas

I love my Sony HX200V. There was a learning curve because I had only used Canon before. However, I absolute adore it.

Nov 5, 2012 15:38:09 #

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Don't leave out the Panasonic Lumix FZ200

sarge69 wrote:

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