Time to upgrade??

December 6th, 2014
I currently use a Panasonic dmcfz48 bridge camera. Its served me well, but is lacking several things I think I would like. No hotshoe, no RAW capability, no ability to use a remote shutter trigger. It feels like its time to upgrade, but I dont have the money for a DSLR and lenses i would want so have been looking at 3 new bridge cameras - Panasonic dmcfz200, I like the f2.8 throughout the zoom range, the canon sx60 (I think its called!) And the Nikon p600.

Has anyone got any advice or experience in using these? I prefer landscape, wildlife and photographing my family and pets.

Many thanks in advance :)
December 6th, 2014
I've been using the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS for a couple of years now and LOVE IT! I recently upgraded to a Canon t5i, but still use my bridge camera often. The zoom on it is TO DIE FOR. I've gotten some great wildlife - and people - shots with it!
December 7th, 2014
I've been using a PowerShot SX50 for about a year and a half, and love it! Just bought myself a DSLR thanks to a bonus from work, but I expect to keep using the SX50 because it's convenient when I don't want to drag a lot of equipment with me.
December 7th, 2014
I have been using the Canon PowershotShot SX40 HS for a couple of years and love it, the zoom is amazing, it is light weight for walking, hiking, canoeing etc. You have M,TV,Av,P, Auto and many more modes............the other feature I love is the vari angle LCD great for taking low shots.
December 7th, 2014
I agree with @juliedduncan and @rangerxenos about Powershots. I carry an S110 (looks like a point and shoot but has full manual control) all the time and a large percentage of my 365 pictures are taken using it.

But have you looked for a used DSLR that may be more affordable? B&H and Adorama are good places to check out.
December 7th, 2014
Also have the Powershot SX40 and love it.
December 7th, 2014
@andrina

My fav camera is my Fuji X20 - it's a gem, lightweight, can shoot in raw, + several special programs to try. You might find it a bit cheaper now that the X30 has come out. It doesn't have a long zoom like a bridge though but the image quality is so good that I can crop rather than zoom.
December 7th, 2014
@andrina I've got the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 which has some great features. It came highly recommended. My other choice would have been the Canon SX 50.
December 7th, 2014
I was in the same boat and someone suggested a Pentax DSLR, much cheaper for an entry level. I ordered it, but haven't received yet. I got it from Costco because of the 90day return policy, figure it'll give me a chance to see if I like it. Its on sale right Now at b&h for 525 with 2 lenses
December 7th, 2014
@juliedduncan @rangerxenos @radiogirl @timerskine @kiwiflora @quietpurplehaze @adayinmallacoota @lfrans
Thanks very much everyone. There are a few more there to look at! I appreciate the advice :)
December 9th, 2014
I do not have experience with the one you mentioned but I have Fujifilm Finepix S1. I was considering between this one and the Canon SX 50 (the 60 was not released at that time). I chose the Fuji because I do lots of landscape photography and it is dust proof and water resistant. I does a good job. Love the zoom capability. The only negative I found is the lack on manual focus, it only has auto focus.

The price is quite steep for these bridge cameras. I also have DSLR camera which I still use for most photography outings. If you look at Craigslist, you might be able to find good, only year or two old, DSLR with lenses for the same price as you'd pay for the brand new bridge camera.

If I had a choice to only keep one of mycameras, I'd opt for the DSLR. The bridge has some nice features but IMO it still does not compare to DSLR.


December 9th, 2014
For pets I don't think a DLSR can be beaten - other types of camera in my experience have too much shutter lag.

I second the 2nd hand DSLR route, but visit shops to find out which cameras feel 'right' and which don't. Your budget looks to be £300 (at least that's about how much those bridge cameras go for In the UK) and you would have no problem (in the UK) getting say a Pentax plus 18-55 lens plus hopefully a longer lens for that price.
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