Bridge Cameras

[disneyfreak71]

I currently shoot with a DSLR and have a baby on the way. I am looking for a bridge camera for the future. Does anyone have any suggestions? i am looking to stay under $300.

Thanks!

 

[havoc315]

As an owner of a dSLR, why would you want a downgrade to a bridge camera?
That may help us point you towards one.

 

[hakepb]

As an owner of a dSLR, why would you want a downgrade to a bridge camera?
That may help us point you towards one.

+1. Most bridge cameras have the same tiny sensor as the pocketable point and shoots (which means bad high ISO), and most have fairly slow lenses....at a time when you want a fast lens and high ISO so you don't have to blind your baby with a flash.
If I had a DSLr, is be looking for a fast prime lens for outstanding baby portraits.

(The exception is the $1300 RX10 with a 1" sensor and constant f/2.8, but that's a bit above your price point)
If you want something "easier" and still takes OK photos, I'd look at a Canon s110, at least it has an f1.8 lens at wide angle and has a larger sensor than most bridge cameras.

 

[Skywise]

Agree with Hakepb - I'd go for a faster lens.

Or maybe get a Canon EF-M camera if you're thinking about size.

 

[havoc315]

Agree with Hakepb - I'd go for a faster lens.

Or maybe get a Canon EF-M camera if you're thinking about size.

Yes, that's what I'm trying to figure out. Does the OP want something more compact? (In which case, skip the bridge cameras and look for a true compact). Is the OP looking for more reach than you find in a typical dSLR lens?

 

[photo_chick]

OP.. get away from the description "bridge camera". It's an outdated term.

There are a number of point and shoots that have an aperture of f/2.8 or larger on the wide end of the lens. Many of them under $300. My biggest considerations here would be do you want to be able to set everything manually still and how compact do you want?

 

[disneyfreak71]

Basically, we are looking for something with a large zoom and something easy enough for my wife to pick up and take a picture. I am looking for the ability for myself to have manual modes and be able to do different things. We are looking to consolidate into something smaller and easier than carrying a point and shoot and a DSLR.

 

[havoc315]

I'm not totally up to speed on all the bridge camera options. But the models I've seen, especially under $300, are pretty horrible. They may have some very basic manual controls, but most don't let you shoot RAW, etc.
Outside of the FZ200 and RX10 (both outside your price range), they have very slow lenses coupled with tiny sensors.

I may suggest something like the Panasonic lx7, though it may have a lot less zoom than you were looking for.

Amazon has a very good 1 day special on a refurbished Nikon J1 with 2 lenses for $289. It would fill your requirements of smaller, though still an interchangeable lens camera. Bigger sensor than super zooms. A fairly decent camera, though it lacks a lot of manual control.

 

[Pooh2]

I would also recommend the lx7. We have an lx5 and lx7 in the house and often grab 'em for a quick pick over the dslr.

Last year, we got an lx7 for under $300 at bandhphoto Black Friday week. The lx5was around $249 that week.

 

[hakepb]

FWIW, you do not need a "bridge style" camera to get a lot of zoom as there are nearly pocketable travel zoom cameras with 20x (about 500mm) and even a 30x (720mm) zoom
Giving up the DSLr you will be sacrificing its responsiveness and focusing speed for a slower point and shoot. And I'm still struggling with the zoom requirement. In 5 years, when you can finally use the zoom at a little league game, it'll be time for a new (and better than what you can get today) point and shoot, anyway.
Here's a basic overview of the world of point and shoots:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0241211347/buyers-guide-compact-digital-cameras

 

[photo_chick]

I'm not totally up to speed on all the bridge camera options. But the models I've seen, especially under $300, are pretty horrible. They may have some very basic manual controls, but most don't let you shoot RAW, etc.
Outside of the FZ200 and RX10 (both outside your price range), they have very slow lenses coupled with tiny sensors.

I may suggest something like the Panasonic lx7, though it may have a lot less zoom than you were looking for.

Amazon has a very good 1 day special on a refurbished Nikon J1 with 2 lenses for $289. It would fill your requirements of smaller, though still an interchangeable lens camera. Bigger sensor than super zooms. A fairly decent camera, though it lacks a lot of manual control.

Are you basing that statement off of your personal experience with under $300 models in the last 6 months, or just off what you've read in reviews? You say they're horrible... which ones have you used specifically that are horrible. Not trying to be difficult here, just trying to get an idea of which ones to avoid based on your hands on experience.

 

[hakepb]

Are you basing that statement off of your personal experience with under $300 models in the last 6 months, or just off what you've read in reviews? You say they're horrible... which ones have you used specifically that are horrible. Not trying to be difficult here, just trying to get an idea of which ones to avoid based on your hands on experience.

I agree with Havoc's generalization because of 1) my personal experience with two cheap PnS cameras with a 14mp and a 16mb CCD sensor...that fit the general specs of many of those bridge cameras
2) and more importantly...the fustrated dis members that come here for help when they are struggling taking OK pictures at WDW

The typical thread
Bridge Owner) "how do u take better low light pictures @ WDW"
Dis) "choose a larger Aperature or Higher ISO setting"
BO) "how do I choose that"
Dis) "go to A mode and/or choose ISO in your menu"
BO) "I don't see an A or Tv mode on my dial"
Dis) " you're right, I looked up your cameras manual, and you don't have any setting like that, so you'll have to....get a new camera"

And the same thing happens with fireworks pictures....

Personally, I dislike bridge cameras because I get the impression that people buy them because bridge cameras "look pro" only to be supremely disappointed.

I am OK with the top end bridge cameras like the Canon SX-50, (but NOT the cheaper SX500) Nikon P520, Sony HX300, Panasonic FZ200, Fuji EXR models.... Because they have OK sensors and give the photographer a chance with all PASM modes...and while some of the good bridge cameras will go on sale for less than $300, I don't think any good bridge camera has a MSRP under $300.

 

[havoc315]

Are you basing that statement off of your personal experience with under $300 models in the last 6 months, or just off what you've read in reviews? You say they're horrible... which ones have you used specifically that are horrible. Not trying to be difficult here, just trying to get an idea of which ones to avoid based on your hands on experience.

My statement was geared to someone who already owns a dSLR and who may be under the misperception that bridge cameras deliver quality and performance similar to a dSLR, because the body looks dSLR-like.

Basing the statement based on occasionally handling such cameras in the store, based on feedback on message boards, based on reading reviews, and my own use of cameras with similar sensors and features. (For example, while technically not a bridge camera, I've handled the sx260. In a vacuum, not a horrible camera. Perfectly decent for fair weather photography. But compared to almost any dSLR, it's pretty horrible. )

It's a matter of knowing what you're getting. If you think you're getting something dSLR-like, then I haven't seen any models under $300 that impress me. If you understand you're basically getting basic p&s quality but with more zoom, then you may be perfectly happy with several models.

 

[photo_chick]

Ok... well then... I can see this is a brick wall.


OP... I've actually used quite a few point and shoots in your price range (and lower) in the last few months. More than just playing in the store with them. There are a number of good ones out there you just have to figure out what features you want.

 

[havoc315]

Ok... well then... I can see this is a brick wall.


OP... I've actually used quite a few point and shoots in your price range (and lower) in the last few months. More than just playing in the store with them. There are a number of good ones out there you just have to figure out what features you want.

OP indicated they were looking for dSLR flexibility and controls in a smaller package. So with those expectations, Danielle, I'd ask which under $300 models you've seen that combine basics requirements such as:
- maintain full image quality up to at least ISO 800
- usable prints up to at least ISO 3200
- full manual controls, including aperture, shutter, ISO, manual focus.
- RAW
- dSLR-like responsiveness -- AF shutter lag under .5 seconds, shot-to-shot cycle time under .5 seconds. (Once I've seen a shooter get used to the responsiveness of a dSLR, it's very hard to go back to the grueling pace of an average p&s).

Perhaps less critical, but I think someone accustomed to a dSLR would also like:
- very high quality viewfinder.
-fast lens, at least 2.8 aperture.
-between lens and sensor, ability to achieve narrow DoF.

As I said, it's about managing expectations. Cameras have advanced in general, so for basic fair weather photography, you can capture good images with almost any camera. And even fairly cheap cameras are loaded with features. But for a responsive camera with enthusiast level controls, capable of performing in challenging situations, most cheap p&s cameras won't cut it.

 

[nbaresejr]

OP indicated they were looking for dSLR flexibility and controls in a smaller package. So with those expectations, Danielle, I'd ask which under $300 models you've seen that combine basics requirements such as:
- maintain full image quality up to at least ISO 800
- usable prints up to at least ISO 3200
- full manual controls, including aperture, shutter, ISO, manual focus.
- RAW
- dSLR-like responsiveness -- AF shutter lag under .5 seconds, shot-to-shot cycle time under .5 seconds. (Once I've seen a shooter get used to the responsiveness of a dSLR, it's very hard to go back to the grueling pace of an average p&s).

Perhaps less critical, but I think someone accustomed to a dSLR would also like:
- very high quality viewfinder.
-fast lens, at least 2.8 aperture.
-between lens and sensor, ability to achieve narrow DoF.

As I said, it's about managing expectations. Cameras have advanced in general, so for basic fair weather photography, you can capture good images with almost any camera. And even fairly cheap cameras are loaded with features. But for a responsive camera with enthusiast level controls, capable of performing in challenging situations, most cheap p&s cameras won't cut it.

The OP never indicated that any of the things mentioned were important to him. We are assuming a lot based on the little info we got from him. We as people who use our DSLR's often and know how to use them in challenging situations look for different things in cameras. The majority off people who ask questions on this board about camera will never get off the full auto mode (this includes many DSLR users)

With that said he can definitely get a camera that can do most of the things you mentioned in a small package that his wife can just use full auto on and he can have manual control over if he chooses to do so. The canon S110 is on sale at b&h right now for $279. I believe there are plenty of other capable camera under 300 also but I just happen to be a canon guy

 

[havoc315]

The OP never indicated that any of the things mentioned were important to him. We are assuming a lot based on the little info we got from him. We as people who use our DSLR's often and know how to use them in challenging situations look for different things in cameras. The majority off people who ask questions on this board about camera will never get off the full auto mode (this includes many DSLR users)

With that said he can definitely get a camera that can do most of the things you mentioned in a small package that his wife can just use full auto on and he can have manual control over if he chooses to do so. The canon S110 is on sale at b&h right now for $279. I believe there are plenty of other capable camera under 300 also but I just happen to be a canon guy

Granted, I'm reading a lot into the OPs statement that they want to consolidate from having a p&s and dSLR to something that gives the manual controls and ability to do "different" things like a dSLR, but more compact.

My list was really not geared towards op directly, just what I consider the minimum requirements in a camera for my own regular use.

The Canon s110 is a very nice p&s. And I agree, it checks off my boxes fairly well. But unless I misunderstood, OP already has a p&s and isn't looking for another. Plus op requested "good zoom"... Not sure if the 120mm of the Canon s110 fits that bill for him.

Where the s110 struggles with my personal list... It's a bit slow. Shot to shot time of 2-3 seconds. Shutter lag is mediocre at best.
Also, like many similar cameras, while it technically has manual aperture control, the range is extremely limited. At telephoto, minimum aperture is 8.0, maximum aperture is around 5.6-6, I forget exactly. In other words, very little wiggle room to change the DOF.

That said, I agree if I was looking for a compact under $300, the Canon s110 would be near the top of my list.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I'm an owner of a Nikon1 J1, and they actually have a good deal of manual control, it's just not the most convenient (Nikon1 V2 is set up more like a DSLR in location of controls). You can adjust ISO (up to 3200), shutter speed, and aperture. You have the ability to shoot RAW. I shoot on full manual 90% of the time, so it's not impossible (though there's definitely muscle memory which develops with any camera). And although it is an interchangeable lens camera, I will admit that I shoot with the 10-30mm lens 70% of the time.

The automatic settings also produce high-quality images, and there are fun features like the smart image selector which allow you to shoot several photos and the camera chooses the best one (or you can if you want to), motion photos, and HD video.

Downsides are that it does not have a viewfinder or the capability to attach an external flash.

It works well for me, and I'd recommend it....

You have the capability to shoot long-exposure (photo with tripod):


Little Boxes by vshingl, on Flickr

High ISO capabilities, so you can get pretty good handheld night shots without a flash:


Day 1 by vshingl, on Flickr


Day 3 by vshingl, on Flickr

 

[disneyfreak71]

Well I certainly opened up a debate.
i am hoping to find RAW, ISO 3200, 12 MP or higher, 20x zoom, a view finder, prefer mount for external flash. I am currently looking to spend a little over budget for the Fuji X-S1 and the Canon sx50(no RAW though).

Thanks for the debate. It will certainly be a struggle for me to go from my Pentax DSLR but budget concerns, ease of use, and size are why I am looking for a change.

Thanks again!

 

[wdwmom2]

Well I certainly opened up a debate.
i am hoping to find RAW, ISO 3200, 12 MP or higher, 20x zoom, a view finder, prefer mount for external flash. I am currently looking to spend a little over budget for the Fuji X-S1 and the Canon sx50(no RAW though).

Thanks for the debate. It will certainly be a struggle for me to go from my Pentax DSLR but budget concerns, ease of use, and size are why I am looking for a change.

Thanks again!

The Canon SX50 shoots RAW and JPEG!!!

I have the SX40 and love it!!! It doesn't shoot RAW though.

I can say that I am more than pleased with it as a P&S.

Here are a few pics out of my SX40. Bear in mind, they all have PP done, and not straight out of the camera. All Exif info should be there.


Air and Space Museum 045_edited-1 by sharod1031, on Flickr


Copy of Air and Space Museum 012-HDR by sharod1031, on Flickr


Explorer of the Seas 1 029-HDR by sharod1031, on Flickr


Explorer of the Seas 1 018-HDR by sharod1031, on Flickr


Explorer of the Seas 1 319-HDR by sharod1031, on Flickr


Explorer of the Seas 1 371-HDR by sharod1031, on Flickr


Explorer of the Seas 1 444 by sharod1031, on Flickr