Your suggestion is an excellent model, but not knowing your budget, sensor and body size concerns, image quality concerns, etc. all others can do is generalize. You mention a certain bridge camera but one may deduce from a general request possible recommendations for even point and shoots. The considerations of different features may drive your selection. I would make a general suggestion to consider sensor size, type viewfinder (and its capability in bright lights), zoom range, etc. As far as zoom, keep in mind that if you want extreme zooms (generally 600+) then hand held gets more difficult and most require tripod or steady bag for acceptable pics. In my search for similar equipment, I found there to be very few photos, perhaps 1 of 20, that I even considered keeping if the zoom was 600+ and handheld. I opted for the Lumix FZ1000 for several of above concerns, 4K and Time Lapse, and the 5 Axis Image Stabilization it offered. The Lumix line does have exceptional viewfinders in my opinion and if your wife is not accustomed to lcd screen shooting the viewfinder is often easier to use unless one is happy to shoot with a pocket phone camera system. I determined years back to keep my search in such matters concentrated on what my wife wants/likes as opposed to what I or others thought made more sense from my perspective. Good luck in your search.
For years I have carried the Canon DSLR with 2-3 lens. Determined I was not getting the most enjoyment out of the trip because of lugging equipment around. Changed my focus completely by going to a bridge (Lumix FZ1000) for general purposes and specific photo trips and went to a Canon G7X MKII with 1” sensor for all travel and have not looked back. I now more greatly enjoy the trips and experiences more along the way. Canon G9X MKII and Sony RX100 lines are also exceptional. For more money ($600 - $1,200) the Leica C (Type 112) is a wonderful pocket camera that has great zoom range with viewfinder and is a delight to use. The good news is there are plenty of quality travel cameras today to choose from; depends on your likes and needs. Good luck.
Have owned both the samples you are considering (except the RX100 I had was model ii). I use the Canon a lot and really enjoy all it offers. My problem with the Sony is it seems to me to be less intuitive and the menus to operate it are at times confusing or hard to navigate. Having said that, the Sony is also an excellent P&S that gives excellent results. I have since also acquired a Bridge camera, Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, which is presently my go-to camera. The reason I use the Lumix more is the telephoto range (400mm or 800mm in digital iZoom) over the Canon. The Lumix line has a number of P&S similar to the Canon which you may wish to review—some of which have extended zoom, such as the Lumix ZS200 which has a 360mm zoom and a view finder which the Canon does not have. You have many choices to consider and should be able to find something she will enjoy. Good luck.
Panasonic FZ1000 is an incredible do-all camera. The 1” sensor gives exceptional images and the Leica lens (25-400) has the ability through the iZoom setting to reach 800. The AF is one of the best in the business and the 4K video is awesome. Have had it only 6 months and greatly impressed by the auto settings but continue to learn more about the available features which are more intuitive than the competition IMHO and the best bang-for-the-buck. Have found it to be great for all my photographic needs, including travel! Can’t say enough about this gem.
Always enjoy your presentations. Encourages me to give extra effort. I use digital today but pull out my film camera occasionally to experiment and compare with no huge purpose. However, I am always amazed at how great the results are from my Canon AE-1 Program purchased new in mid 1980s. The beauty of that piece of equipment is the excellent results obtained on the auto setting; even in difficult lighting situations it seems to deliver on almost all occasions. Thank you for the film updates and instructional guidance.
The equipment you mention is as noted...”virtually worthless” to most. However, if in good condition, etc. are great gifts to family or friends who have interest in photography in a nostalgic sense. It may even encourage someone to expand his/her interest in photography.
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 is a great bridge camera with remarkable 400mm zoom on a 1” sensor and is under $500 at B&H Camera that I use for travel all the time. The FZ300 model has a little more zoom but with a much smaller sensor but it is weather sealed and is also within your budget. The Canon G7XMKII or G9XMKII are also great smaller P&S travel cameras but not as much zoom as the LUMIXs and in your budget. Large field out there. Personally like the versatility and features Panasonic with Leica lens offer in your budget. Good luck.
I was in similar situation 6-8 months ago and narrowed my choices to Lumix FZ300 vs FZ1000. Cut to the chase....both are great cameras. I chose the FZ1000 mostly because of the 1” sensor and the balance I experienced. The FZ300 has some advantages and the FZ1000 has others. For me the FZ1000 hit the mark for me and I have had zero remorse. I know the FZ300 would have been great, also...just preference. IMHO you will not go wrong with a Lumix Bridge. I was also comparing the Sony RX10 but even if all was equal in features, etc. the Lumix almost half the price and much better menus and more intuitive. Good Luck with your choice.
Very, very nice. I like 1 & 2 equally best in download—different photos that reflect/create very different moods. Thanks.
I understand that the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum area is one of, if not the only, places they actually hunt together in aerial packs similar to the way wolves hunt in the wild. Do you know if this is a fact. Thanks for the photo in download.
I went through much of the same as you the past 3-4 years. Had a very good Canon DSLR, acquired a few excellent point and shoots (Canon G7X MKII, Leica C, Sony RX100 Mk II) that did great. I kept the Canon G7X. However, 6 months back I saw a deal on the Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 bridge camera and have found it to be my favorite go-to camera. It has a 1” sensor, excellent balance, great viewfinder, and great IQ and zoom range. B&H has great pricing now. The Sony RX10 is exceptional but for me did not give the best bang for the buck at the end of the day (2-3 times higher cost). Good Luck.
great point. For most of us, photos are to record memories....few are in it as a business.
Nikon Coolpix, Canon ELPHs, and Panasonic FZ80 are great. Although Sony has some exceptional products, their menus get a little on the hunt and search for info side and she may not want the learning curve with them.
Enjoy all but favor #3 in download. Yes, retirement is great.