SuperZoom Bridge Camera...which one?

Digitalle

Digitalle

Digitalle

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Joined
22 Jul 2009
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940
Location
London. Glasgow.
I am returning to University in a October, and I feel its about time to replace my nakered old Samsung point and shoot iv had for the last 3 years.

Although I would love nothing more than to buy DSLR, I have neither the financies nor the photographic know how to make best use of one, so Im optiong for the next best thing, a compact superzoom Bridge.

After quite a bit of research, it looks like the Panasonic Lumiz FX28 seems to be the best choice out there at the moment. Looking at the range, the new FX38 model is due for release in the next month or so, which ups the the pixel rating from 10.1 to 12 as well a few other tweaks.

First of all, does anyone have other recommendations to bring to the table? My price range is about 300-350. If not, would it be benifital to wait for the new model, which is around £100 more expensive?

Iv had a alook around for other threads on this subject, but they all seem to be 12 months > older, so are obsolete to what im looking for.

Thank you
 
Go for the FZ38, I've pre-ordered one, they come out on the 5th September. The FZ38 is only a small amount more (don't know where you got £100 more from, it is available at £270) and the FZ28 is difficult to find due to it being discontinued.

The reason I've gone for the 38 over the 28 is because it has proper stereo sound with the HD movies and uses AVCHD Lite, as well as some of the other little tweaks which make it more appealing. It saves me going for a dedicated HD camcorder as well as a camera that way.

There's a few reviews out at the moment from people that have pre-production models.

See here for an indepth review.

Also the same place that I pre-ordered from does 16GB SDHC Class 4 for £18 at the moment. :cool:
 
Magic. Just the advice I was looking for, i thought it was october/november some time it came out, which was another reason to get the 28 but if its that soon there's really no contest.

Yeah of the few examples Iv seen of the 28's video quality, it was the sound quality that was letting it down. Glad to see they've made an improvement, as like you, Im hoping to use the video on it instead of a dedicated camcorder.

I'll have a look for the best pre-order package then, need a case and what not too.

Thank you.
 
robertgilbert86 said:
Whoa there! You're into DLSR money now. Why not make the leap?
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly :)

The only downside is that you'll be limited on reach without buying and telephoto lens, but there are some great deals second hand that could see you with a DSLR + a 70-300mm telephoto or similar. Also, lack of knowledge isn't a problem - there's no better way to learn, and if that's your aspiration then from my experience you may as well make the jump now. I was in a similar position to you and went for a Lumix FZ50, which was great at the time but I very quickly outgrew it and wanted more. Ended up buying a Canon 450D and love it :)

Food for thought.
 
I made the mistake of buying a 400D a few years ago, bought some expensive L glass, couldn't afford to buy any more, ended up being limited by not being able to take very good photos, stopped taking photos due to that, then sold the camera and lenses.

I'm getting back into photography again, but going to get a bridge with a 'super zoom' first before I have enough money to get a good DSLR and a set of decent lenses, plus all the other accessories you need. I also want to master manual controls before I get a DSLR again as it is a bit of a learning curve to get a correct exposure. DSLRs are a big money pit!

Also the OP said, like me, he wanted to use the HD video feature on the camera to save him buying a dedicated HD camcorder as well as a camera, a lot of the lower end DSLRs don't do HD video recording until you start spending a lot of money.
 
Justin said:
I made the mistake of buying a 400D a few years ago, bought some expensive L glass, couldn't afford to buy any more, ended up being limited by not being able to take very good photos, stopped taking photos due to that, then sold the camera and lenses.
Click to expand...

Can you remember what lenses you bought?

Blackvault
 
Blackvault said:
Did your camera come with the 18-55 kit lens? If so then I think you where far for limited in your equipment, anyway it doesn't matter now. Glad you see you getting back into photograph though :)

Blackvault
Click to expand...

I didn't word that post very well :o

Yeah you're right, it wasn't being limited with what I had, but it was buying an expensive lens and not being able to take very good photos then the camera just ended up collecting dust in the corner.

But yeah, learn from mistakes and all that :) I really do regret selling it though.
 
Justin said:
I made the mistake of buying a 400D a few years ago, bought some expensive L glass, couldn't afford to buy any more, ended up being limited by not being able to take very good photos, stopped taking photos due to that, then sold the camera and lenses.
Click to expand...

Can't say I've ever had an issue back when I had a 350D and 18-55 for 18 months... ;)

SLR over Bridge at that price TBQFH.
 
Justin said:
Go for the FZ38, I've pre-ordered one, they come out on the 5th September. The FZ38 is only a small amount more (don't know where you got £100 more from, it is available at £270) and the FZ28 is difficult to find due to it being discontinued.

The reason I've gone for the 38 over the 28 is because it has proper stereo sound with the HD movies and uses AVCHD Lite, as well as some of the other little tweaks which make it more appealing. It saves me going for a dedicated HD camcorder as well as a camera that way.

There's a few reviews out at the moment from people that have pre-production models.

See here for an indepth review.

Also the same place that I pre-ordered from does 16GB SDHC Class 4 for £18 at the moment. :cool:
Click to expand...

Have you got yours yet?
 
Busa said:
Have you got yours yet?
Click to expand...

Nope, I pre-ordered from another place that hasn't got stock yet, I can't find anywhere else with it in stock though at a similar price? I paid £270 for it, everywhere else is £300+.

Would you put some pictures up when you get it? :)
 
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