Reccommend me a good bridge camera

Abot · #1 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 06:49 PM

Hello there,...I'm looking for a bridge camera under £200 is possible. I've only ever used compacts before...so don't really know what to look out for. I've started looking around, but I'm getting a little confused by all the talk of f.'s and what the zoom is in 35mm terms..!

The main thins I find limiting with my current compact is general poor quality of colours/contrast (I guess any bridge camera will do better on that, once i learn how to use it) and an inability to take good close-ups of plants, insects etc, so I'm looking for something with a good macro. Something with a good zoom for further away stuff would be nice too.

any suggestions..?

Lancashire Lad · #2 (**permalink**) 29-06-2011, 07:43 PM

If you can stretch to £225.00 you'll find several places where you can get the Finepix HS10. - You won't find a better bridge camera at that sort of price from any of the other main players.

The HS10 was over £400 when it was released, and the drop in price is due to the recent release of it's successor the HS20.

There are several threads on WAB that discuss the HS10, along with links to good reviews.

Yes - I am biased, because I have one and I paid £400.00 for it - and I still consider it worth the money.

Uses AA batteries, has a proper DSLR type zoom ring on the lens barrel, (rather than the tele-wide switch that most bridge cameras have), has a multi-angle fold out lcd screen (great for low level shots) - along with through the lens electronic viewfinder, 24-720mm zoom range, and 1:2 macro. (See my WAB Gallery and you will find many fungi macro shots taken with the HS10).

Also works very well with supplementary Raynox lenses for greater macro magnification.

Regards,
Mike.

ellen h · #3 (**permalink**) 30-06-2011, 07:33 PM

The Panasonic fz28 is very good.I have the forerunner(fz18) and if you look through my Gallery some of my earlier photos taken with it are on there(pre july 20th 2008)...have a look at this review for an idea of what it can do.Price is about £260 but could be cheaper on some web sites?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 Review - PhotographyBLOG

natureshooter · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 06:55 AM

Having just come out of the photographic retail industry,i have had the chance to test em all,and the fuji s1600 albeit only 15x zoom,is the sharpest and and nicest photos out of em all.
Even the most expensive ones,ok they have more features but on image quality alone its the best.
I bought one myself to carry around with me instead of slr,i use this more and more now,so versatile.

Sample image

gaz

natureshooter · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 08:00 AM

Another sample for you.

techniquest · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011, 07:10 AM

'Natureshooter', those are very nice images. I have used Fuji for years - first with a compact, the model of which I can't remember, then with the S5000 which I really liked, and latterly with the S8000fd. I was consistantly disappointed with the S8000fd, but was lucky enough that my brother donated to me his Panasonic FZ18 and I have to say I am completely blown away by it! I've never had photos so crisp and natural looking, and with no noise!
So, to 'abot', if you can find an FZ18 I would highly recommend it.

hank · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011, 10:03 AM

I'm a Canon DSLR man, so I'll give you an unbiased answer to that question. Get a Panasonic fz28 !

You'll probably get a second hand one for £200. They're terrific value for money.

diggleken · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 04:08 PM

I looked to upgrade to a bridge nearly a year ago and discussed my needs on various threads - I eventually went for a Panasonic FZ45 (latest FZ series), rather than Mikes Fuji hs10.
I now think the fuji is probably better - having said that, the optics on the Panasonic are super and crisp, even when wizzed up to 24x (max optical zoom).
BUT - if like me you are looking to get close to insects, flowers and tiny fungi, these bridges arent too good without a macro lens, such as the raynox 150 or 250. With that, they work really well in good light.
The problem without that raynox lens is that for tiny stuff, getting to 1cm or so close is a no no, as theres no light when the lens is that close - my Canon Powershot will get that close with no loss of light as the lens is small - quality is terrific though and I think its a cracker.
Slightly larger stuff, you can get a superb image though from the FZ45.
And most bridges dont get finer than F8, which isnt too great for DOF.
The Panasonic also has a poor shutter button, which isnt very smooth in operation, so without tripod you can get camera shake if not really careful.
I'd just say, it depends what you want to use it for most and try different ones out.
Good luck.
Ken

Abot · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-2011, 08:49 PM

Thanks for all the advice...I think i need to get out and try some now...as suggessted.
Diggleken...are most of the close ups in your Gallery with a macro lens or different camera then? They look pretty sharp to me.

Nice photos Lancashire lad...have you got any photos of larger subjects/landscapes with the camera?

Was also thinking of getting a tripod...along thee lines of the gorilla pod...are tripod /camera attachments standard and compatible or do you have to watch what goes with what?

Natureshooter...the finepix looks good, nice and light too. what's the battery life like?