Recommend me a good "bridge" camera

[lukechad]

Evening guys.

After rushing into my current camera I am looking at replacing it with something more fitted to the kind of photography I do.

Currently I have a Fujifilm S1000, a great camera for anything upto 3 or 4 times zoom, above that wave goodbye to quality images and correct colours. A difficult camera to work with at the best of times, certainly not very capable of producing nice shots without image editing on most, mainly due to incorrect colours.

Now, I dont have a budget as such, I think if I pay a lot now then hopefully I will get a camera that will last.

High zoom is a must, I like to photograph lots of far away things, (planes, birds, motorsports etc etc) and finding that 12x optical zoom just isnt quite cutting it. Looking at the Nikon P90 while i type, thoughts?)

I have been looking at the EOS450D is around the £450 mark with the 18-55 lens, but then a good zoom lens is twice that price again, I certainly cant afford that option.

Just wondered if there were any recommendations on good high zoom cameras on the market at the moment.

Also, if anyone could suggest what perhaps I may need to change in manual mode to try and help my dull colours. For example, at a family wedding, took a photo of a bridesmaid outside the reception which was a solid stone building, the girl came out great, good detail great colour, the background colours, even the trees almost have no saturation at all and has spoilt what would be a nice image.

Many thanks.

 

[Mr Jones]

Just a suggestion if you really want a long tele and not wanting to compromise with a bridge camera's CCD sensor, then I'd strongly suggest the Olympus E520 (Second hand can be hand for around £200 to £250, but generally lower of tat range due to the release of E620 - which has better sensor noise control and smaller body). Or even the E510 or E420 if Image Stabilisation isn't a must, but from experience, shooting tele means IS unless you're willing to travel with a tripod or only shoot in clear day.

That camera and match that with the Olympus Zuiko Digital 70-300mm lens, which is known for it's affordability and range, 140mm to 600mm @35mm equivalent! and it's compact size. That can be had for around £220 to £270 second hand, or brand new from Kerso.

All for the budget you've got for the 450D + kit lens. You however lose out on the wider angles but if according to your OP truly demand tele shooting and higher quality images, I won't hesitate recommending them.

As for your shot of the brides maid and the brick wall, post that image up, maybe a link to the original and we can perhaps teach you how to post process the image to at least get it up to a better level

 

[Kainz]

This is my last bridge camera. A Fuji S6500fd - great bit of kit but as you've found out, quite limiting.

I too had similar issues as yourself, and in January opted to go for a 450D, with the aim of steadily purchasing lens. From the Canon Outlet on fleabay, I bagged myself a 450D body only and then eventually bought myself a couple of lens. My most recent is a 50-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens for £160. Granted it's a lot for your budget though.

 

[bigsharn]

I loved my Lumix FZ7... They're very outdated now, but the FZ28, FZ30 and (especially the) FZ50 are just as nice to use.

Though you could just get a camera body and a telephoto?
Nikon D50/D70(s) is about £150 and a 70-300 for it is around another £100, add £50 for a kit lens if you really want it.

 

[lukechad]

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys, looking into a few more options now then.

Mr Jones- As for post processing with photoshop, thats something im quite good at as I use the software most days with the line of work I do too, so that isnt the issue, just really wish I could get a printable quality image that I can distribute to friends and family without having to come home and edit first. £50 point and shoots get more exciting results than my Fuji!!

Im going to read the dpreview write up on the cameras mentioned above, learn a bit more.

I think i would in an ideal world like a DSLR, and I keep thinking I should take the plunge now, pay more but get a good camera that will last years and years. (Im quite good at talking myself into money trouble ), if this was the case id probably opt for the 500D anyway over the 450D.... who knows...

 

[Stupot_]

That camera and match that with the Olympus Zuiko Digital 70-300mm lens, which is known for it's affordability and range, 140mm to 600mm @35mm equivalent! and it's compact size. That can be had for around £220 to £270 second hand, or brand new from Kerso.

thats a pretty good shout