kdoll Loc: Irvine, CA

I have been looking at the Sony HX 400/b, the Sony HX 50 v and now the Olympus S H1. I was told to find a camera with as many mega pixels as possible (the Sony's have more than the Olympus) and "good glass". But I want one that is easy to use, yet be able to make adjustments and not rely on "auto". The disadvantage the Sony HX400 has over the others is it's size - not "purse friendly". I'd really like to stay below $400 if possible but would consider going a bit higher. Looked at the Nikon S9700, but the flash mechanism seemed rather flimsy. Does anyone have any words of wisdom to guide me?

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

Oops, ya bag that one, it will not fit in the pocket sorry.

MarkD Loc: NYC

None of the bridge cameras fit in a purse. If you want a purse size camera look at the compacts. I'm a big believer in viewfinders. They are good in bright light when the LCD screen is hard to see well enough to compose on, and they are good in low light because it is more stable holding the camera to your eye than holding it out in front of you.

Two in your price range include the Panasonic LF-1 and ZS40. The ZS 40 has a longer zoom, but the LF-1 is better in low light without flash. You can also get a good refurbished or used Nikon P7800 or Canon G16 for under $400. Check keh.com, B&H, Adorama, and Cameta.

I have a P7800 and I love it. it has a very sharp 28-200 f/2-4 lens, an EVF (electronic viewfinder), a 1/1.7 inch sensor which is bigger than most P&S sensors, and a hot shoe. I have a very small Nikon sb-300 flash that I use with the P7800 for bounce flash which gives a much nicer light than direct flash. It also does relatively well in low light without flash for a compact camera. Nikon USA has them for under $400 refurbished.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Xz-2 refurbs are $239 right now...hard to go wrong with that camera at that price.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Just read the reviews, very good camera. I like the articulating touch screen. 10 mp is sufficient for most work.

About a month ago I bought a Sony HX-50 and am pleased with this pocket camera. Specification virtues too long to list, mostly, I like the long 30X zoom, 20mp, and the remote tether and wifi ability. I will be submitting a DIY topic on the addition of filters to the camera using magnetic sheet and filter storage cap. I use a belt pack to contain camera, phone, and one of those aluminum ID packs.

While I agree that an eye view is great I have lived with the screen only for years. Problems with screen and sun can be helped a great deal with the use of a screen shade. Search camera screen shade ebay, <$20. Measure screen diagonally.

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

I cannot offer any suggestions but I do have sympathy for you in your search. If there were only a handful of choices, things would be much easier, but given the number of prospects these days, well, have fun.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

The xz-2 is actually 12mp. The older xz-1 (which I used to own) was 10. Great little camera.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

I make use of a Panasonic LX-7.

For 320.00 from B&H for the past two years - This "little" camera has been really a great one - For me that is.

You may wish to check it out.

kdoll Loc: Irvine, CA

Nice to hear from someone who has used one of the cameras I've been looking at. How do you feel it does in low light, as I think it's a 3.5. Not sure if CNet is a good source for reviews but they felt it should do better. Your thoughts?

kdoll Loc: Irvine, CA

It's nice to hear from someone who is using the HX50. How do you feel it does in low light, as I believe the lowest it goes is 3.5. Not sure if CNet is good for camera reviews, but it felt it could do better in low light. Your thoughts?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

What camera?

Nevermind.