Does anyone have a bridge camera or can recommend one?

[elaine.e]

I have a decent Canon digital SLR but rarely use it nowadays because I just can't be bothered carrying a bag with a camera and 3 lenses. I don't really want a compact camera so I'm considering a bridge camera and I've been looking at a few in John Lewis. I won't necessarily buy in there, depending on price, but their advice is usually good.

I'm considering either this Sony, because of it's Zeiss lens http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-hx200-bridge-camera-hd-1080p-18-2mp-30x-optical-zoom-gps-3-lcd-screen-black/p231569491?kpid=231569491&s_kenid=5b0146a1-ec57-a2c9-92b6-000072ecaa31&s_kwcid=ppc_pla&tmad=c&tmcampid=73

or this Canon as I'm familiar and comfortable with Canon cameras and it has a longer zoom http://www.johnlewis.com/sony-cyber-shot-hx200-bridge-camera-hd-1080p-18-2mp-30x-optical-zoom-gps-3-lcd-screen-black/p231569491?kpid=231569491&s_kenid=5b0146a1-ec57-a2c9-92b6-000072ecaa31&s_kwcid=ppc_pla&tmad=c&tmcampid=73

Does anybody out there have one of these or any other bridge camera or advice about them please?

[Hannahc7]

Hi Elaine,

I have had the Samsung NX1000 for the last couple of months and it takes really good pictures and is not huge! My Dad liked it so much he bought one too.
I am not sure what the price is now but there was a really good deal on when I bought it 

[Jane S]

I've had several Panasonic bridge cameras - currently have the Panasonic Lumix FZ150 which is excellent if a bit heavier than the one I had before. I usually check out the reviews on DP Review before buying. Here's the review on my camera: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcfz150/

and for the Sony HX200: http://www.dpreview.com/products/Sony/compacts/sony_dschx200v

The Sony doesn't allow you to shoot RAW but if you don't need that (I do), it looks a decent buy

[Helen]

have you checked this out Elaine?

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-16928

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/round-ups/538836/best-bridge-cameras-2012

also I would always recommend calling the boys at Castle Camera's in Salisbury - they are true camera buffs and really really know their stuff.  I bought my 7d off them and they were a massive help (and I know if something goes wrong they will sort it out for me no problem at all)  

Castle Camera's, 11 Endless St,  Town Centre, Salisbury SP1 1DH
01722 339909

[elaine.e]

have you checked this out Elaine?

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-16928

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/round-ups/538836/best-bridge-cameras-2012

also I would always recommend calling the boys at Castle Camera's in Salisbury - they are true camera buffs and really really know their stuff.  I bought my 7d off them and they were a massive help (and I know if something goes wrong they will sort it out for me no problem at all)  

Castle Camera's, 11 Endless St,  Town Centre, Salisbury SP1 1DH
01722 339909

Thanks for the links Helen and the recommendation about Castle Cameras. I think Endless Street must be one of the streets I don't walk along usually when I go to Salisbury but I'll check them out when I go shopping next week.

Thanks to everyone else who has replied too .

OH flies home tomorrow so I'm hoping to get him interested in doing some camera shopping. I'm the one who'll be using the camera but he'll be paying for it

[MIN]

I have a fuji s4000  I am well impressed with it esp the 30x zoom

[elaine.e]

Oh dear, I must be pretty rubbish as a mod. seeing as Jane has just had to move this from shopping into photography

[JohnK]

Elaine

You are a very good mod 

I have a Nikon Coolpix L310 which takes excellent photos and videos too. Like you, I found it too heavy to carry my DSLR around, but I also often use my Samsung compact

[Mudmagnets]

Oh dear, I must be pretty rubbish as a mod. seeing as Jane has just had to move this from shopping into photography

Not a bit of it  Must be a close call when you are shopping for photography items 

[Jane S]

Oh dear, I must be pretty rubbish as a mod. seeing as Jane has just had to move this from shopping into photography

Of course not Elaine Just thought you'd get more replies on this board