dfaith

I am new to uglyhedgehog. I have been reading different posts here for several days now hoping to find the information I am currently in search of with no success.
I love taking pictures, but I am no photographer. I have 7 children, and I love to take pictures of family outings and places we visit. (We took a six week cross country trip visiting national parks this past summer and hope to take a more abbreviated trip this coming summer). I have a point and shoot Canon SX260 HS. I love the zoom, but it’s not good in low light. I have considered moving to a bridge camera, but I do enjoy the compactness of what I have. I am not set on anything. I have used Canon forever, so I know it well, but I have noticed Panasonic gets thumbs up everywhere.
I need help from the pros as to what would be best for me. I would love to spend less than $400, but I could move on that if it was worth it.
Thanks for any input...I’m really stuck as to what to look for.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I am not a pro, but since you already use a point and shoot, I will recommend a Bridge camera. The Panasonic FZ-80, which sells brand new for $398. There are some pocket and compact cameras that are of very good quality too, that you can get for under $400. They would be in Sony, Panasonic, Canon, etc, brands. Let others make recommendations for you as well. Good luck.

LEGALDR Loc: Southern California

Dfaith:

Add the Sony A6000 to your research list. I just added it to my stable and I am very pleased with it. A mint or hardly used copy is usually available on Ebay.

barbie.lewis Loc: Livingston, Texas

The SX60HS is a bridge camera! And (IMHO) it is a very good one! Lots of features and settings, particularly if you learn to use the semi-automatic and manual modes.
But you're right about the low light issue. The small sensor is the cause.
If you are ready to move up you might take look at the Canon Rebel T-6 or T-6i.

barbie.lewis Loc: Livingston, Texas

I just reread your message and sorry, I had confused the SX260hs with the SX60hs. My error.
Still think you should look at the Canon Rebel T-6 or T-6i though. If you want to save a bit Canon offers refurbished ones on their website. Some here say Canon refurbished is even better than new. I am one of them!

le boecere

And, with a relatively inexpensive lens, the a6000 solves many of the OP's "low light" issues, as well ~ whereas, not all $400 bridge cameras will.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

First decide if you really want to get into photography, or you just want a walk about camera to take
with you wherever you go and photograph your family?
Welcome to the HOG.

JPL

I made a search for you at BH. I limit your choices to 1" sensor or larger and the prices to $700 or less. The sensor size will give you much better image quality and low light pics than you get with your current camera. The price range is a bit wide on purpose. Black Friday is coming soon and if you fancy a camera like the Lumix FZ1000 you might be lucky and get it for something close to you budget on Black Friday. Same goes for other cameras. I think this pretty much covers the cameras you will be looking for.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?mxp=700&ci=8612&fct=fct_sensor-size_3087%7c1in%2bfct_sensor-size_3087%7caps-c%2bprice%7c%5b*+TO+700.00%5d%2bfct_sensor-size_3087%7cmicro-four-thirds&N=4288586279&mnp=0&token=a7ec5af1cdcea7ee137f761a2594f85d

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

It sound like you want a compact camera. Consider getting a refurbished camera - factory refurbished. That's what I always look for first.
http://www.cameta.com/refurbished.cfm

Compact, $500
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-under-500/
http://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g706/point-and-shoot-digital-cameras/


Compact
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2017-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2013-34-reviewed-963985

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

I am not sure you will get any real value from this post. Most people will respond in good faith, but have a relatively small database from which to work. I have two Panasonics, a SZ50 compact with viewfinder, which I have found essential, and a FZ1000. I can recommend both, but that is the limit of my experience. I would recommend reading a lot of reviews on line from people having experience with many cameras. I really like Camera Labs because they often review similar cameras side by side and give direct comparisons. Or try Consumer Reports, if you want to spendd a little cash.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS100. It's a bit over your price range but for a small camera it has a lot of features and takes quality photos.

Best pricing for new here I think:

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=panasonic+zs100&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=173523693512&hvpos=1t2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7582886061675993944&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009993&hvtargid=kwd-174731673385&ref=pd_sl_61q60ohvft_e

Review here:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/power-zoom-panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs100-tz100-review

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

If you enjoy shooting wildlife, I'd go with the SX60 or P900 both have long reach. If you do any post processing the P900 does not shot RAW.

dfaith

Thanks everyone for responding...I never thought I would receive so much input.
For those who have the FZ1000, do you find the zoom sufficient? I am used to a 20x and I love it, but if the FZ1000 is a better fit for me I could learn to love it too.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

You already have the greatest zoom in the world (your feet), that being said the pana fz1000 will serve you well indeed.....

NikonFan

dfaith, I'm a 5 year veteran of UHH, but now under a different name since I am not a DI Seller any more. However, you've received some great advise. The people on this site are outstanding and some of the most knowledgeable people I've ever come across, both professionals and armatures alike.

Regarding your question. When I sold cameras I frequently recommended Panasonic point & shoot/bridge cameras. I feel that people often overlook this brand as when they think of cameras, Panasonic does not come to mind. When they hear that name first thing that comes to mind are T.V.s, but it is a great product. Also, someone recommended a Sony a6000. An outstanding piece of equipment as well. Sony has taken the traditional photography market and having it stand up on its hind legs and take notice. I'm not a big fan of mirrorless DSLRs for reasons I won't go into now, but my opinion is starting to change. The a6000 is a great bridge camera. If you decide to purchase the Sony, let me recommend that you strongly consider the telephoto lens I think its a 50 something to 200mm.

Best if luck in making your decision and welcome to the Hog!