Question about bridge cameras: I am thinking about getting a bridge camera, but not sure which one? What are pros and cons? I like to shoot landscapes and other things I see when...

JustJill Loc: Iowa

I am thinking about getting a bridge camera, but not sure which one? What are pros and cons?

I like to shoot landscapes and other things I see when hiking. I don't like to shoot people, animals and things that move. (except maybe trains) I like to shoot food so I do like to take close ups. I don't need a good video function. I have a 55-400 zoom lens and I really do not want to go below that. Budget is up to 1K.

Pam Hewstone

I have a Sony RX10 Mark 4. 24-600m. It is a heavy camera, soft at 500-600mm, unless on a tripod, apart from that I find it a good camera. However I don’t think it fits in your budget.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-bridge-cameras

Food for thought. Good luck.

Here's another idea. Nikon P1000 - prepare to be impressed.

Google - zoom range on a nikon p1000 and click on the link to nikonusa.com

Linda S.

Mike D. wrote:

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-bridge-cameras

Food for thought. Good luck.

Here's another idea. Nikon P1000 - prepare to be impressed.

Google - zoom range on a Nikon p1000 and click on the link to nikonusa.com

Thank you for posting the link, Mike! I am reading through the article. I had posted a question regarding a lens for wildlife photography today...perhaps it is better to purchase a dedicated camera.

I have one question. For the Nikon, it says it has . . . "underwhelming image quality". Is this image quality not fixable in post-processing? I do like the range for capturing polar bears coming out of hibernation...Linda

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Linda S. wrote:

Thank you for posting the link, Mike! I am reading through the article. I had posted a question regarding a lens for wildlife photography today...perhaps it is better to purchase a dedicated camera.

I have one question. For the Nikon, it says it has . . . "underwhelming image quality". Is this image quality not fixable in post-processing? I do like the range for capturing polar bears coming out of hibernation...Linda

Honestly Linda, I'm firmly attached to my DSLR's so you must consider the source when looking at Nikon's, or anyone else's website for that matter.

The zoom review came from Nikon so you know that it's going to show it to its best advantage. I just wanted to give you choices, I hope that I didn't make your quest more difficult.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

JustJill wrote:

I am thinking about getting a bridge camera, but not sure which one? What are pros and cons?

I like to shoot landscapes and other things I see when hiking. I don't like to shoot people, animals and things that move. (except maybe trains) I like to shoot food so I do like to take close ups. I don't need a good video function. I have a 55-400 zoom lens and I really do not want to go below that. Budget is up to 1K.

Sony RX100 VI or VII - 24-200mm f4.5 about $800 used
Sony RX10 III or IV - 24-600mm f4 about $1300 used
These are the BEST of the genre ....

Horseart Loc: Alabama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTriM0c1Zsk&t=7s

I have the P1000. Pro photographers are now calling it "The Beast". The IS is unbelievable and you can focus REALLY close to bugs or whatever. I have 2 Sony cameras, 2 Canons and 2 Nikons and this is the one that goes everywhere I go. It's heavy but I am an 86 year old female and I shoot hand held all the time with this guy!!!

niteman3d Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA

JustJill wrote:

I am thinking about getting a bridge camera, but not sure which one? What are pros and cons?

I like to shoot landscapes and other things I see when hiking. I don't like to shoot people, animals and things that move. (except maybe trains) I like to shoot food so I do like to take close ups. I don't need a good video function. I have a 55-400 zoom lens and I really do not want to go below that. Budget is up to 1K.

I just picked up a refurb P950 for $610 delivered. (NikonUSA runs a sale on refurb about every six weeks or so.) There are used available for even less. It's actually better than I expected image-wise. The sensor is under a half inch so it won't compete with DX or CX for IQ, but it's not bad. I'm still getting used to the camera layout, but I think it's going to be just fine for total coverage while I'm taking a walk. It's not great in low light or with fast-moving subjects, but it still gets a shot. Much lighter than the P1000 and just as capable except the zoom is not as long. Mine is on a monopod with a wrist strap and the whole rig is under four and a half pounds. You can search by camera on Flickr to see sample shots.

Pam Hewstone

The image quality of the Nikon P 1000, is soft at the 800-1000 range, possibly fixable with Topaz Sharpen, heavy camera, would not suggest it to anyone. Read DP Review for reviews of zoom cameras.

Pam Hewstone

I should have added D.P Review.com

Pam Hewstone

Refurb may be the way to go, you will have much more choice in USA than we do here in Australia.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

JustJill wrote:

I am thinking about getting a bridge camera, but not sure which one? What are pros and cons?

I like to shoot landscapes and other things I see when hiking. I don't like to shoot people, animals and things that move. (except maybe trains) I like to shoot food so I do like to take close ups. I don't need a good video function. I have a 55-400 zoom lens and I really do not want to go below that. Budget is up to 1K.

I have a Lumix FZ 300 has a 600mm zoom reach. It is small lightweight and takes excellent pictures all throughout the zoom range. I bought it used from one of the big camera stores. I can’t remember which one for about $300 and it is in like brand new condition. I love it.
Bruce.

sschonfeld

Take a look at LUMIX zs 80d. 24-720 zoom and very sharp to full zoom under $500.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

I have a Canon SX50 that I bought for my wife awhile ago that is not being used. If you're interested in an older bridge camera that takes great pictures for a very reasonable price, check out the stats let me know.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Start here. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-bridge-cameras