Need Help Choosing Camera Please

Smg · #1 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 01:54 PM

First off i am new to this site so hello to everyone

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I need some help deciding which camera to get, I was going to get a small compact super zoom like the Nikon S8000 or Panasonic TZ10 but i want to get another camera which could also be used for trying to take photos of birds and other animals so i am guessing the 10-12x optical zoom range would be too small.

I am now looking at either the Fujifilm HS10 or the Canon SX30 IS i have seen photos taken with these cameras on flickr and for what i want it for the quality is good enough (for looking at photos online no printing). I have previously owned 2 dslrs my last one was the Sony A200 but to be honest i don't have the money to buy another DSLR with a big telephoto lens plus i wasn't overly fond of lugging around lots of lenses.

So has anyone here used these camera's and which one would you go for ? i am also interested in taking macro photos and i wanna try hdr.

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 02:24 PM

A search will bring up lots of pros and cons for instance Bridge Camera

Mitty · #3 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 03:08 PM

I feel the same way about costs/changing and carrying lenses etc.

You should check Fujufilm.com and look at the HS20 EXR. It has some dynamic range features and a 1cm supermacro (and, as an upgrade from the HS10, remote shutter compatibility). Amazon have a release date of March 16th at £399.

Gill Catton · #4 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 03:22 PM

I would suggest that whatever you decide make sure there's the ability to manual focus, this can be massively helpful for birds in fight when the camera's auto is struggling to keep up or if you are trying to take a picture of an interesting green insect on green grass and leaves where an automatic focus may struggle to work out exactly what it's supposed to be focussing on!

I loved my bridge camera and still use it despite moving on to a micro-4 thirds system.

Smg · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the help and sorry to be a nuisance :P

Mitty · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2011, 04:55 PM

...and if you find 30x isn't quite enough you can always get a teleconverter (made for camcorders with 58mm thread), such as the 1.7x Sony VCL-DH1758.AE to give 51x (1224mm equvilent)!!!

Can you tell I'm a bit excited? Best of luck with your shopping