Recommendations on Bridge Cameras

Red and White · 14 Sep 2010 at 10:13

So im a complete photography noob but I have some basic knowledge and am looking to get a good camera for a bit of a hobby. A DSLR is probably out of my price range and most of the features would be wasted on me at this stage anyway. Very interested in being able to manually change exposure and shutter speeds though.

Been looking at the fuji s1500 and some of the panasonic fz series but not really sure if these are the way forward. Got about 200 quid to spend.

Really want one with low shutter lag as my current camera takes an age to actually take a photo so taking pics of moving objects is practically impossible.

any help appreciated

ShakenNstirred · 14 Sep 2010 at 12:37

i`d go for a panasonic fz 18/28 over the fuji
both can be had for well under £200

i loved my fz18, only sold it to upgrade to a fz45

Red and White · 14 Sep 2010 at 12:48

ShakenNstirred said:
i`d go for a panasonic fz 18/28 over the fuji
both can be had for well under £200

i loved my fz18, only sold it to upgrade to a fz45

will have a better look at those 2 cameras. thanks.

how are you enjoying the 45?

ShakenNstirred · 14 Sep 2010 at 13:49

Red and White said:
will have a better look at those 2 cameras. thanks.

how are you enjoying the 45?

haven't had a chance to get out with it yet
put my back out at work and cant get around to well at mo

EGuitarStar · 14 Sep 2010 at 14:24

I would seriously look into the FZ45 as well, I currently have the FZ35 (FZ38 in EU) and a superb camera it is, I am looking to sell it on the iBay since having aquired a Canon EOS 30D SLR for £100.

I recently played around with the FZ45 the camera felt a little more solid and has increased in MP but still has the same great lens of the 35/38. You might also want to check out some Canons which are in the same price bracket.

cats_five · 14 Sep 2010 at 15:39

My experience of a bridge camera was grim - it was a Fuji S5600. Not only was the image quality horrible, it had shutter lag and a number of other problems, some of which I've managed to forget. I got far better image quality out of my old Canon Powershot A70.

If an entry-level D-SLR really is out of the question I'd suggest looking for a 2nd hand one, or saving up a bit longer.

Red and White · 14 Sep 2010 at 15:42

cats_five said:
My experience of a bridge camera was grim - it was a Fuji S5600. Not only was the image quality horrible, it had shutter lag and a number of other problems, some of which I've managed to forget. I got far better image quality out of my old Canon Powershot A70.

If an entry-level D-SLR really is out of the question I'd suggest looking for a 2nd hand one, or saving up a bit longer.

one bad experience doesnt mean all the models are bad. some of these bridge cameras are getting great reviews from what ive been reading. leaning towards the fz38/45 at the mo

ShakenNstirred · 14 Sep 2010 at 15:53

cats_five said:
My experience of a bridge camera was grim - it was a Fuji S5600. Not only was the image quality horrible, it had shutter lag and a number of other problems, some of which I've managed to forget. I got far better image quality out of my old Canon Powershot A70.

If an entry-level D-SLR really is out of the question I'd suggest looking for a 2nd hand one, or saving up a bit longer.

fuji arent the best of cams
i have had 3 bridge cams and they have been fine
(canon s2-is, fz18 & fz45)

Columbo · 14 Sep 2010 at 15:54

I own both the FZ38 and Fuji S200EXR (one is the wife's!)

The S200EXR is simply a better camera in my opinion, it feels better, handles better & is built better.

That certainly not to the FZ38 is a bad camera its far from it but the image quality, manual zoom ring and true DSLR style handling make it stand above the Panasonic for me.

Its bigger and heavier than the FZ38 though and doesn't do 720p video so if those are defining factors then the FZ38 would be top of my list but for purely photographic needs I would definitely consider the Fuji.

Its widely regarded as the best bridge on the market by most review sites that have bothered to review it but it has been overlooked by so many when it is a truly outstanding bit of kit.