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Bridge Camera Confusion
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Nov 7, 2019 07:09:37   #
frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan
 
I am wanting to purchase a bridge camera (to either replace or compliment my DSLR Nikon). I am getting too old to lug a big/heavy kit around all day and swapping lenses has become a chore. But, I am seemingly getting more confused the more I look.
Things I would like:

Large sensor (although I rarely print large)
Fast lens
Touch screen
Image stabilization
EVF (with good resolution)
RAW
Moderate Zoom (400+) for wildlife

Any bridge users here who could share their opinions (and offer other parameters that I should consider)?

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Nov 7, 2019 07:20:04   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
Of interest to me also

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Nov 7, 2019 07:25:19   #
bikerguy
 
For a few years I used the Canon G3x with the EVF. Without knowing your definition of large sensor and fast lens it is hard tot ell if it will fit the bill. Also, teh Sony RX-100. It is bigger and heavier. However, a different solution is the Oly EM5M3 or Em1M2 with two lenses, teh 14-150 f4 -5.6 and the 75 -300 f4-6.8. The lens are not "fast" but the IBIS makes up for it. We recently came back from a photo tour of Scotland and 95% of my images were taken with the 14-150. The IQ is far superior to teh bridge cameras and substantially lighter than your Nikon.

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Nov 7, 2019 07:33:06   #
bleirer
 
That is a tall order. Try the dxomark camera database, you can restrict the search to compact and high end compact, and other parameters to narrow it down.

https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/

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Nov 7, 2019 07:48:22   #
frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan
 
Thanks kindly for your reply. Some clarification: A zoom to 400mm or so would likely serve my needs. I see the Panasonic FZ300 has a constant aperture of f/2.8 and a zoom to 600mm. What do I give up with a 1/2 3 small sensor vs the 1” (as available on the FZ1000 and others)?
Must haves: RAW, touch screen, image stabilization, EVF.

Maybe I am overthinking this??

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Nov 7, 2019 08:08:36   #
bleirer
 
1/2.3 dimensions are about 6.16 x 4.62 mm
1" dimensions are about 13.2 x 8.8 mm

So about 4 times the sensor area, if that is what you are asking.

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Nov 7, 2019 09:23:17   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
Look at Nikon's P1000 - it has a built in lens that has a range of 24mm to 3000mm

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Nov 7, 2019 12:52:25   #
jdub82 Loc: California
 
I'm surprised no one has suggested the Sony RX10 Mark IV. Many UHH users have this camera and have been very pleased with the results. It is commonly rated as one of the best bridge cameras currently on the market. It has a 1 inch sensor and a Zeiss lens with 25X zoom capability. It is not cheap, but seems to many to be worth the price. If I was in the market for an all in one bridge camera, this would likely be my choice.

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Nov 7, 2019 16:09:15   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
frjeff wrote:
I am wanting to purchase a bridge camera (to either replace or compliment my DSLR Nikon). I am getting too old to lug a big/heavy kit around all day and swapping lenses has become a chore. But, I am seemingly getting more confused the more I look.
Things I would like:

Large sensor (although I rarely print large)
Fast lens
Touch screen
Image stabilization
EVF (with good resolution)
RAW
Moderate Zoom (400+) for wildlife

Any bridge users here who could share their opinions (and offer other parameters that I should consider)?
I am wanting to purchase a bridge camera (to eithe... (show quote)


The best bridge has to be the Sony RX10M4. Very hard to beat.

Sony RX10 Sample Images

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157708803907866
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157708793788371
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157705234321622
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157678751378818
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157705352997741
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157678751186148
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157697217633732
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157696606493264
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157667029395028
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157689083645890
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157694805547345
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665487054018
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157693140571925
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157665486900208
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157690214837382

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Nov 7, 2019 16:59:22   #
frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan
 
Although I understand the strong following of the Sony RX10 IV, it is a bit out of my price range and in a head to head with the Panasonic FZ1000, the FZ holds up pretty well according to Dpreview.com.
Thus, I have narrowed it down to the FZ1000 or FZ2500.
I am pretty certain that, for my usage, the 1000 would serve me well (at $400 less than the 2500 and over $800 less than the RX10 IV). And, the 1000 may even come down in price since the new FZ1000 II iteration is on the market.
Please tell me if I am steering myself down a bad road with my thoughts.

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Nov 7, 2019 17:09:06   #
jdub82 Loc: California
 
frjeff wrote:
Although I understand the strong following of the Sony RX10 IV, it is a bit out of my price range and in a head to head with the Panasonic FZ1000, the FZ holds up pretty well according to Dpreview.com.
Thus, I have narrowed it down to the FZ1000 or FZ2500.
I am pretty certain that, for my usage, the 1000 would serve me well (at $400 less than the 2500 and over $800 less than the RX10 IV). And, the 1000 may even come down in price since the new FZ1000 II iteration is on the market.
Please tell me if I am steering myself down a bad road with my thoughts.
Although I understand the strong following of the ... (show quote)


The FZ1000 is probably one of the best camera values out there. If your budget is limited, it seems that would be a great choice. The lens in the FZ1000 is rated much better for stills than the FZ2500. Video users seem to like the FZ2500. However, for stills all the reviews say that the FZ1000 is better.

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Nov 8, 2019 06:51:05   #
Ollieboy
 
jdub82 wrote:
I'm surprised no one has suggested the Sony RX10 Mark IV. Many UHH users have this camera and have been very pleased with the results. It is commonly rated as one of the best bridge cameras currently on the market. It has a 1 inch sensor and a Zeiss lens with 25X zoom capability. It is not cheap, but seems to many to be worth the price. If I was in the market for an all in one bridge camera, this would likely be my choice.


👍👍👍👍 Has all of your requirements but pricey. I have it and it's my goto camera.

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Nov 8, 2019 07:10:13   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Holding out for a "large sensor" could be counter productive. You want a smaller, lighter package. All modern cameras take good pictures, so look for comparisons of bridge cameras. I'm tempted by the Nikon P1000, but it's hardly small and light.

These are some bridge camera comparison sites.

https://www.techradar.com/news/best-bridge-camera
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-bridge-cameras/
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/348745/the-best-bridge-cameras
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-bridge-cameras,review-2212.html (You will have to copy and paste this URL. The comma near the end confuses it.)

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Nov 8, 2019 07:11:09   #
MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay
 
jdub82 wrote:
I'm surprised no one has suggested the Sony RX10 Mark IV. Many UHH users have this camera and have been very pleased with the results. It is commonly rated as one of the best bridge cameras currently on the market. It has a 1 inch sensor and a Zeiss lens with 25X zoom capability. It is not cheap, but seems to many to be worth the price. If I was in the market for an all in one bridge camera, this would likely be my choice.


I second this choice. I sold all my Canon equipment in favor of this camera. It isn't cheap, $1,700, but in my humble opinion worth every penny. You may also get an RX10 MIII used from KEH for less than $1,000. Good luck!

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Nov 8, 2019 07:23:59   #
dbaird2495
 
frjeff wrote:
I am wanting to purchase a bridge camera (to either replace or compliment my DSLR Nikon). I am getting too old to lug a big/heavy kit around all day and swapping lenses has become a chore. But, I am seemingly getting more confused the more I look.
Things I would like:

Large sensor (although I rarely print large)
Fast lens
Touch screen
Image stabilization
EVF (with good resolution)
RAW
Moderate Zoom (400+) for wildlife

Any bridge users here who could share their opinions (and offer other parameters that I should consider)?
I am wanting to purchase a bridge camera (to eithe... (show quote)


I also got tired of carrying my large Nikon. I got the FZ1000 and just took it for my trip to Spain and Portugal. Much lighter and the photos were great.

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