Panasonic FZ45 or Coolpix P500?!

[davedotcom]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a bridge camera but being a complete novice I'm not sure what the best bet is. I simply can't afford a top notch DSLR so I see a bridge camera as my way forward. I know many will say that a bridge camera won't bring the quality of a DSLR, but as I've never had a DSLR I think I'll live !

For a while now I've been intent on the Panasonic FZ45 (14mp 24x Optical zoom) but have also seen the Nikon Coolpix P500 (12MP 36x Optical zoom) at £199 on Amazon. My budget is between £200-£250.

I would use the camera while out on walks as much as anything, just to capture what I see rather than for any 'arty' purpose. However, I would also like the option of attaching a macro lens in some way.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, even if it's not one of the two mentioned above! Thanks.

[Tringa]

Yes, there are limitations with bridge cameras, just like anything else, but within those limitations they are excellent cameras.

I can't help with either of the cameras you mention directly, but until September last year I used an earlier Panasonic model, the FZ28.

Not sure if a member can view other member's photos in the Library images but if so and you want to see some examples of FZ28 photos, any of mine prior to September last year will have been taken with it.

It is an excellent camera but I assume it has been overtaken by more recent ones. If the FZ45 has the similar quality and facilities to the FZ28 then I think it will be an excellent buy.

I'm fairly sure that someone on WAB has an FZ45 so you may get some better advice. There is also good chance that someone on here may know about the P500.

Dave

[Jim Ford]

Here's a full review of the Coolpix P500:

Nikon Coolpix P5000 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

There are several Panasonic FZs listed here, but not the 45:

Digital Camera Product Reviews: Digital Photography Review

Hope this helps.

Jim

[Ukwildlifeo]

Ive never used the Nikon Coolpix but we have a Panasonic Fz45 at work and its excellent. With bridge cameras you cant got wrong with Fuji or Panasonic, as they ahve been making them longer than the other brands and they all seem to do well in reviews from users rather than just in magazines.

[solus]

A couple of years ago I treated myself to the Nikon Coolpix P80, having been a Nikon believer since my old 35mm SLR days. At the same time, I bought Himself a Panasonic DMC FZ18. I wish I had bought the Panasonic for myself now! On full (18x) zoom, hand-held, the Panasonic is considerably sharper than the Nikon; it has a really good "intelligent auto" mode which means that his close-ups of flowers, fungi etc. can often be achieved from a standing position rather than my "kneeling in the dirt" one. I did subsequently buy a Panasonic "compact" DMC TZ6, initially for gigs where the Jobsworths don't allow bridge or DSLR cameras but I find myself using it more and more.

The one feature the Nikon has over Himself's Panasonic is the "Museum" setting which is useful in places where flash isn't permitted (or where it wouldn't have the desired effect anyway) as it takes several images while the shutter is pressed and selects the sharpest one to save to the memory card. With that I have consistently got the better "indoor" pics in churches, stately homes etc.

Of course, things have advanced greatly since we bought these cameras - 18x zoom is clearly 'old hat' now! I think if I was to replace my Nikon I would be looking very seriously at whatever the latest Panasonic bridge camera had to offer.

Forgot to say - Himself's previous Bridge camera was a Fuji (can't recall which model) but he was VERY disappointed with the colour rendition (overall green cast) compared to the early Coolpix compact I was using at the time.

[diggleken]

Hi Dave,
mines a FZ45, I use Raynox macro lenses too when needed and quality is acceptable - as with all bridges and compacts, the best shots are in good light.
Min aperture is F8 which is a tad poor for dof etc, but when you have got used to it, its a good one.
As with all cameras, it also depends what you want to use it for - with a monopod, bird shots are good and crisp at 24x optical zoom - digital doesnt work well after that.
Have a look at my pics for the last year or so - not the quality of DSLR, but not too bad - insects with macro are quite good too.
Overall, its good, but there are the usual drawbacks.
You should also look at the finepix hs10 or 20 - that can give stunning shots and goes to F16.
Cheers
Ken

[davedotcom]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions.

The HS20 does look quite impressive, certainly appears to rival the FZ45, and looking at pics in the Gallery they both support the Raynox macro lenses.

Looking on Amazon they're both in the same price range.

I think ultimately my choice will be between those two. I'll take a trip to the local Jessops to see how they 'feel'.

Thanks again.

P.S some cracking pics there Ken

[Jersali]

Hi David,
not sure if you would have made a decision yet but - don't write of the P500

I was waiting for the P510 to replace my Olympus but decided that the P500 at sub £200 was too good to miss.
I managed to get an in-expensive adapter and step down ring to add my x2 teleconverter lens (or filters) and the quality at the extreme optical limit is superior to the olympus, I definitely benefit from a flip up/down lcd screen and there are ample manual settings for me to experiment with much more confidently than before.
If you wanna know anything specific PM me as there are already numerous reviews on this and other bridge cameras
Good luck...