Camera Buffs...Advice Needed

[joni4122]

I'm looking to purchase a "super zoom" bridge camera. Need something simple to operate but I like the larger, chunkier size of the bridge cameras because I have tremors in my hands and I think a heavier camera will not "get away from me" as easily. Also looking for a regular viewfinder because holding the camera to my face is also easier for me. Need it for the cruise and beyond. Both kids will be in sports in the fall, plus I'm just looking to getting into taking more interesting photos. With that in mind, I've narrowed it down to the Nikon Coolpix P530 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ-70, but feel free to offer other suggestions. I also like the Nikon Coolpix S7000 for its compact size and big zoom but it doesn't have the viewfinder and is not a bridge camera. Trying to stay at or below $300. Thanks in advance!

 

[BigredNole]

At $300 you are not going to get too much. With a long zoom you are limited to what you have identified. For the most part in the camera business, you get what you are paying for. At $300, you are getting a $300 camera. On a higher end, the Nikon P900 is tough to beat. Just be aware that these cameras will be limited in what they can produce as an image compared to a true DSLR with high end lenses.

 

[Pooh2]

For just a bit more, you can get a Nikon d3200 for about $378 on Amazon, $409 on Bandhphoto. The body with lens is not much bigger than the bridge cameras. They often have deals to add the longer lens for a discounted price. The lens will have vibration reduction to help with your tremor issue as well as freeze action for the kids sports. This camera would give you more room for growth as your photography skills progress.

 

[MaineChapmans]

I admit I had to go google what a "Bridge camera" is, lol!

I like to look these things up online, referring back to the experts since they know way more about optics, f-stops, and digital capabilities of the cameras.

Here's one review site: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-11-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-2016-16928

That said, I do want to mention I'm a Canon fan myself. I bought my first Canon A-1 in college, my first DSLR was a Canon 10D, I've got a Powershot that's 6 years old and makes great photos, and now I own an 80D. I love the low light capabilities of my 80D, which is a DSLR (not bridge), and have never failed to be impressed with the Canon optics.

I used to shoot B&W for our local newspaper back in the 80s, when we used film, and my photo editor was impressed that I had better negatives to work with out of my A-1 than any of his Nikons. That sort of cemented it for me.

I don't really know how to add a photo here but I will share a link, so you can see an example of low light photography. I was sort of propping it up on the table so it's not tack sharp the way I would really like. This was at a luau in Hawaii last April. https://goo.gl/photos/3ubvGhMyfSAZXKVF7

Have a great day!
--Karina

 

[TheHungryBrain]

Hi. I have a Nikon Coolpix P510 -- I bought it awhile ago, maybe a year or so, and it was in the $300 range, but maybe just above the $300 line. It is a very good camera, takes amazing shots (even on auto), has a viewfinder and a 40x optical zoom. I haven't dedicated the time to figure out all the features it has, but it has a very decent auto feature and plenty of manual options if you get experimental.

The things I was looking for with this camera was that it had a rechargeable battery and that it used standard SD card, both of which the P510 have.

While it is true that you "get what you pay for", there's nothing wrong with a $300 camera, unless you intend to lug around three bags full of equipment for the camera, including interchangeable lenses, etc. Unless you're looking to take "professional" pictures where you'll want different types of lenses to manipulate exposure, etc, you're good in the $300 range, honestly.

The only thing I would mention is that if you have tremors in your hand, you may want to reconsider shooting with long range zoom anyway, unless you're using tripods. The higher the zoom, the more sensitive the camera is to movement, even if you've got it up to your eye -- at a very high zoom, I brace my arm somewhere if I don't have a tripod in order to avoid blurriness from movement.

The P510 does have a FANTASTIC zoom, though. I've taken detailed shots of figures on the windows at EPCOT Center's Italy pavilion -- caught the details of a dragonfly posing on a flower from far enough away that I didn't frighten it - the details of a butterfly and hummingbird up in a tree. All on auto settings, now that I think about it.

I think we're not allowed to have links to outside websites on here, so check out trusted reviews website or cnet website for the review of the P510 if you want more information about it.

Anyway, hope you find something good!

 

[BigredNole]

Another thing to remember, the camera is simply the tool. The person taking the picture is the most important thing. Think about it. You are not a Picasso because you put a the most expensive paintbrush in your hand. Some of the most amazing photographs were taken by Ansel Adams. Most of his pictures were taken with a camera with less than 1% of the technology in today's cameras. People cannot duplicate what he did with GPS coordinates from the same locations he took his photos. Also, an iPhone 5 won a major photography contest a year or two ago.

What I am getting at is get something you are comfortable with. Learn how to use it and learn the difference between a picture taker and a photographer.

 

[Quellman]

There is a specific photography board located HERE. for more help.

 

[joni4122]

There is a specific photography board located HERE. for more help.

Thank you. Did not know that was here. Checking it out!

 

[joni4122]

Another thing to remember, the camera is simply the tool. The person taking the picture is the most important thing. Think about it. You are not a Picasso because you put a the most expensive paintbrush in your hand. Some of the most amazing photographs were taken by Ansel Adams. Most of his pictures were taken with a camera with less than 1% of the technology in today's cameras. People cannot duplicate what he did with GPS coordinates from the same locations he took his photos. Also, an iPhone 5 won a major photography contest a year or two ago.

What I am getting at is get something you are comfortable with. Learn how to use it and learn the difference between a picture taker and a photographer.

Quite understand and good point. As I was searching around the many review and You Tube sites looking at cameras, someone said the best camera is the one you have with you! If something is too big, bulky and complicated to carry with you, it won't be used. I love to take little snapshots as memories of where we've been. I'm certainly never going to be a professional and am not even interested in complex DSLR cameras and separate lenses. Since the essential tremor in my hands that I've had since I was born seems to be getting worse, cell phone pics and my old Canon AS1100 are almost impossible for me to get a decent photo with. I've asked others with the same issue and the eye viewfinder seems to help steady the shot, as well as a bit heavier camera that I can hold close. Holding any LCD viewer device at arm's length is a blurry disaster.

 

[BigredNole]

someone said the best camera is the one you have with you!

I have a $1,000 DSLR, $2,000 in lenses. I mainly use it for shooting my daughter's sports. I had always thought I would do more with it, but I don't. I purchased a little action camera and the Olympus TG-4. I find that I am using those like crazy over the Summer. When my DD starts soccer in a few weeks, I will start using the DSLR again.

 

[Churchladychurchlady]

We have the Lumix, my DD is taking a digital photography class this summer, and her teacher went nuts over it - loved it, said it's fantastic for not being a pro...