Best bridge camera?

[mickeysmyboy]

I love lurking around here! You all are fantastic photographers!!

I'm in the market for a new camera. I currently have a a kodak z7590 that is about 3 years old. I like it a lot and have never really had any problems with it.

My SIL has a new version of the same camera that she really likes. She bought it after playing with my camera some.

I'm wondering if you guys can recommend a bridge camera for me. I don't really need to changes lens etc. I want something that takes really nice pictures. I also have a thing about taking night shots and fireworks shots. So, I need a camera that can met those needs.

I'm willing to spend between $300 - $500.

Any advice or recommendations would be great!

 

[frugal_mar]

In the $500 range you can get a terrific entry level SLR which would give you many options including the option of changing lenses.

As you can see from my signature, I am a Nikon guy, so there is always the Nikon D40, but there are many other very capable SLR's under the $500 range. In addition to Nikon, you will find something from Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus. You really can't go wrong. For almost the same cash you will get the ability to grow by adding lenses.

I would recommend that you go to your local camera store or one of the big box stores and try out the cameras.

Good luck.

 

[ukcatfan]

If the low light shots are of stationary subjects, then a bridge camera with tripod will be fine. If the subject is moving, then you might consider a DSLR. There are some really small ones now like the Pentax K2000, Nikon D60, Canon XS, etc. If you want to stay with a bridge, I have been a long time fan of the Canon "S" series. I had a S1 and still have a S2. A new version was recently released, so the S5 is probably a good deal.

 

[bob100]

I'm also a fan of the Canon S series but the S5 has been discontinued and replaced with the SX1 and SX10 models, you may want to look at those or the Panasonic FZ28, both in the $300 - $400 range. but what type of night shots? Fireworks is not a problem but if you're looking for taking action night pics like nighttime football games then more patience and setup is required for unblurred motion images in low light.

 

[Rob_Drebel]

I use the Sony H50 and it is pretty decent camera. I also have a P7S and a DSLR, but it is nice to carry a really light camera (in comparison to the DSLR @ 3 lbs w/lens).
I think most a pretty much the same, just with a feature or two that the others do not have. The H50 has a great 3" screens and you can tilt up or down which is nice because you can position the camera very high or low and still get the shot.

I would receommend you go to your local Best Buy or Circuit City as see them. I also like the way the Sony felt in my hand (personal preferance).
Good luck

 

[jfinke]

I'm also a fan of the Canon S series but the S5 has been discontinued and replaced with the SX1 and SX10 models, you may want to look at those or the Panasonic FZ28, both in the $300 - $400 range. but what type of night shots? Fireworks is not a problem but if you're looking for taking action night pics like nighttime football games then more patience and setup is required for unblurred motion images in low light.

Wowsers.. that SX1 is going to be $1k if they bring it to the US. That is pretty pricey for a non DSLR, don't you think?

 

[bob100]

Wowsers.. that SX1 is going to be $1k if they bring it to the US. That is pretty pricey for a non DSLR, don't you think?

I haven't seen a price but if true that's far above my budget. Don't think Canon will sell many at that price.