Bridge Camera Recommendation
Dec 15, 2018 19:02:51 #
Jcarson999
Loc: Michigan
Hi All,
After being away from the hobby for awhile, I want to get back to it. Unfortunately, I don't have the room or budget to get what I'd really like. So at this time, I want to get back into it with a bridge camera. Unfortunately, I am nowhere near a store where I can check cameras out in person, so I'm relying on reading spec's and reviews. I'd prefer to get something with a decent zoom, but don't need to go crazy with that as I probably wouldn't be able to hold a camera steady at a crazy long zoom. With a budget maxing out around $500, I'm leaning towards a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 - but I've read a couple reviews that mentioned it was kind of loud when zooming, and although my primary focus is to get the best photos possible in this price range, I would prefer to do that with a camera that's quiet. I'd appreciate any relevant comments you might have regarding the FZ300, but would also be interested in any alternative suggestions you might have.
Thanks!
-jim
After being away from the hobby for awhile, I want to get back to it. Unfortunately, I don't have the room or budget to get what I'd really like. So at this time, I want to get back into it with a bridge camera. Unfortunately, I am nowhere near a store where I can check cameras out in person, so I'm relying on reading spec's and reviews. I'd prefer to get something with a decent zoom, but don't need to go crazy with that as I probably wouldn't be able to hold a camera steady at a crazy long zoom. With a budget maxing out around $500, I'm leaning towards a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 - but I've read a couple reviews that mentioned it was kind of loud when zooming, and although my primary focus is to get the best photos possible in this price range, I would prefer to do that with a camera that's quiet. I'd appreciate any relevant comments you might have regarding the FZ300, but would also be interested in any alternative suggestions you might have.
Thanks!
-jim
Dec 15, 2018 19:16:09 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
You can save yourself a few bucks.
https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=used+fz300&sel=Item-Condition_Used-Items
https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=used+fz300&sel=Item-Condition_Used-Items
Dec 15, 2018 19:58:40 #
I own and use a Sony DSC-RX10 III and find it to be a superb bridge camera with a 1" sensor. It often holds its own against my DSLR. It is perhaps a couple hundred dollars used on Ebay above your price range, but it is easily the best bridge camera I have ever owned.
Dec 15, 2018 21:45:16 #
You might want to check out the Panasonic FZ80. It's got a wider wide angle and a longer telephoto and also shoots 4K video at 30fps like the fz300. I bought it as a second camera for my video work to accompany my Coolpix B700. I just got it today and tested it a bit. I'm impressed so far. Still need to check the manual to figure out how to set it for single point auto focus and finejpg + raw. The continuous auto focus on the 4K video is a bit faster than the coolpix. I got mine for $234 as an open box item in new condition from Sammy's camera on ebay. My wife asked me if I had gotten a brand new camera as the box and contents all looked brand new.
Dec 15, 2018 21:46:12 #
I think the FZ300 is a good bridge camera. One of it's high points is that the lens stays wide open at f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. I used to have an FZ200, which is more less the same camera, and never noticed that the zoom was particularly loud. I thought it was a pretty good camera. The FZ300 is basically the same camera but with some great improvements that make it a better camera. It would be a good choice if a pocket compact camera isn't a high priority.
Dec 16, 2018 06:40:42 #
Jcarson999 wrote:
Hi All, br br After being away from the hobby for... (show quote)
It's got a 1/2.3", 12 mp sensor, about the same size as the current smartphones. It shoots raw, which is good, because the jpegs that come out of it are pretty soft because of overly aggressive noise reduction. Either way, it's a camera you won't want to use at ISOs higher than 800.
That being said, look what others have been able to accomplish with it:
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=Panasonic%20Lumix%20DMC-FZ300
Dec 16, 2018 07:06:00 #
You can get the Nikon P900 for under $500, and you can save even more by getting a used one.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+p900&_sacat=0&LH_ItemCondition=3000&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+p900&_sacat=0&LH_ItemCondition=3000&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1
Dec 16, 2018 07:18:39 #
I recommend the PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000. Less expensive than the Sony DSC-RX10 III and has a 1" sensor.
Dec 16, 2018 07:55:26 #
ChuckMc
Loc: Prescott, AZ
I'm very happy with my Canon SX50. It's interesting to see how many people are unloading the Panasonic P900.
Dec 16, 2018 08:52:48 #
Have a look at Fuji's line of bridge cameras. My little S1500 has been a joy for over 9 years now. Newer models can be had that offer more zoom and features are just as good although if you like a view finder you have to make sure they have one; some do, some don't. I even found a like new S1500 for my granddaughter on Craigslist for $40!!!!! Check Amazon and Walmart, too.
Good luck, happy shooting with whatever you select and of course, Merry Christmas.
Good luck, happy shooting with whatever you select and of course, Merry Christmas.
Dec 16, 2018 11:20:20 #
ChuckMc wrote:
I'm very happy with my Canon SX50. It's interesting to see how many people are unloading the Panasonic P900.
The P900 is a NIKON.
Dec 16, 2018 11:53:47 #
If you want a camera you can put in your pocket with a viewfinder and a 1" sensor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 is what I have and recommend. If a larger size is OK, the DMC-FZ1000 works.
If you are satisfied with a 1/2.3” sensor and non-pocketable size (like my Canon SX50 HS, which I’m very happy with) the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a good choice with 20MP and a 24-1200mm (35 equiv) zoom, but no RAW files. The Canon SX60 HS has a wider zoom range, but only 16MP. The FZ300 has only 12MP, a bit small by today's standard and the same price as the Sony.
The Panasonic DC-ZS70 pocketable, has a 21MP 1/2.3" sensor, 24-720mm (35 equiv) lens, RAW files, and viewfinder for the same price as the FZ300.
If you are satisfied with a 1/2.3” sensor and non-pocketable size (like my Canon SX50 HS, which I’m very happy with) the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V is a good choice with 20MP and a 24-1200mm (35 equiv) zoom, but no RAW files. The Canon SX60 HS has a wider zoom range, but only 16MP. The FZ300 has only 12MP, a bit small by today's standard and the same price as the Sony.
The Panasonic DC-ZS70 pocketable, has a 21MP 1/2.3" sensor, 24-720mm (35 equiv) lens, RAW files, and viewfinder for the same price as the FZ300.
Dec 16, 2018 11:56:15 #
Sometimes choice is personal. I compared Lumix FZ300 with the FZ1000 and chose the FZ1000. The 300 has more zoom and environmental protection and maintains the 2.8 throughout. I chose the 1000 because of the 1” sensor is larger which compensates for the zoom considering the IQ IMHO. I handhold 90% of time and the longer zoom of the 300 zoom is more of a chore for me to obtain highest quality. Can’t go wrong with either. Also I like the balance of the 1000, but both similar. I am able to adequately handhold the 1000 with one hand for some quick shots when necessary. Good luck.
Dec 16, 2018 13:06:16 #
dbaird2495 wrote:
I recommend the PANASONIC LUMIX FZ1000. Less expensive than the Sony DSC-RX10 III and has a 1" sensor.
I have this camera. It lives up to its reputation.
Dec 16, 2018 13:40:00 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
Jcarson999 wrote:
Hi All, br br After being away from the hobby for... (show quote)
As some had suggested, take a serious look at the LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 Digital Camera with a 1" image sensor on sale for $497.99
https://www.samys.com/p/Digital-Point--Shoots/DMCFZ1000K/LUMIX-DMC-FZ1000-Digital-Camera/151168.html?mc_cid=b28a6ec9bb&mc_eid=a2efa86f41
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