Which bridge camera

Teagan

Teagan

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Name
Gerard
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Hi, I am thinking of getting a bridge camera for an upcoming trip to Italy. I have narrowed it down to three cameras. Nikon p510, canon sx 50 or the fuji hs 50. My main criteria are fast focus, long zoom, IQ and image stabilisation. I shoot mainly birds hence fast focus would probably be my top priority.

I normally shoot with a Nikon d90 and 300 plus converter (although not being out the last few months). I don't want to be carrying that set up around hence my looking for a bridge. I know that I won't get the same quality from a bridge as compared to a dslr set up but it is a compromise.

From reading various forums the fuji seems to be the best one for fast focus? I'm looking mainly for opinions from users who use either of these three although all opinions are welcome.

Regards Gerard.
 
AP have done a review of 4 of the top bridge cameras in the 30th march edition. They tested a Canon SX50, Fuji HS50-EXR, Nikon P520 and Sony DSC-HX300. Out of the 4 they rated both the Canon and Sony equal best, closely followed by the Fuji and then the Nikon. I usually take most of these write ups with a pinch of salt though (one magazine I read had the Canon 600D rated higher than the Canon 5D MkIII and 6D) and I suspect they are all good quality cameras.

I came to a dslr from a line of Panasonic bridge cameras, from an FZ20, through 30, 38 and to an FZ45 and all were very good. As the later models were developed the shutter lag times decreased and IQ and zoom capabilities increased. I got some great shots with all the above cameras and even shot a wedding with one.

I do prefer a dslr but if it got to the point that I needed to go to a bridge camera I think I'd go for the Canon SX50 as it shoots in raw, has manual controls and a great set of features.
 
ernesto said:
good luck getting a 1000+ (35 eqv) zoom on your Nex :)
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Yes and good luck getting a decent image at 1000mm, I tried it last year on the P510 - it was sent back the next day, I would however love to be convinced otherwise as I do like the idea of a 1000mm zoom, hmmmm a dedicated lunar cam would make a welcome addition to my new shed :D

1000mm zoom pics on a bridge cam please??
 
modchild said:
I do prefer a dslr but if it got to the point that I needed to go to a bridge camera I think I'd go for the Canon SX50 as it shoots in raw, has manual controls and a great set of features.
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As does the Fuji HS-50 (inc the previous range topper, HS-30) - so RAW capability and manual control isn't unique to the Canon.

I should be championing the Fuji X-S1, but it doesn't have the reach that the HS-30/50 do, nor the Canon, but then it does have the larger 2/3" sensor that's also in the X10.
 
Thanks for the replies. As it will be mainly birds I will be shooting would the manual zoom on the fuji have an advantage over the motorised zoom of the canon sx50?. Plus what are the focussing in clutter like for both the fuji and canon. I'm thinking along the lines of warblers skulking in hedgerows.

Regards Gerard.
 
PJ S said:
As does the Fuji HS-50 (inc the previous range topper, HS-30) - so RAW capability and manual control isn't unique to the Canon.
Click to expand...

I realise the Canon isn't unique in raw and manual control, the main reason I recommended the Canon was the results of the tests in AP put the Canon and the Sony equal best but the Sony doesn't shoot raw.

I was only giving the OP a heads up of the tests and I would advise anyone to make a list of the most important features they require and research thoroughly to find the camera most suited to them.
 
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