Bridge camera options or DSLR/Mirrorless??

Forums › Digital Imaging › Bridge camera options or DSLR/Mirrorless??

maoriboy

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#215209 16-Jun-2017 19:09

Hi all.

Am looking at getting a camera for an overseas trip. Have looked at a few options but am leaning towards the following:

http://www.sony.co.nz/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-rx10m3

Some of the reasons why I'm interested in this camera are:

- massive zoom (24-600mm)

- 4k movies

- super slow motion (up to 960fps)

- more compact than an equivalent DSLR

- great still image quality according to the many reviews I've seen

- simple enough for my techno-challenged wife.

The main negative being the price. In saying that, to my eyes it seems to offer a fair bit of value.

As well as the trip, will be using it to mainly at sports events (taking photos of rugby, swimming, canoe polo, athletics etc) and other mostly daytime activities.

My question is.... what are the alternatives? Are there any other bridge cameras that offer these features at this price point or cheaper? Should I be looking at mirrorless or dslr cameras instead? If so, what would you recommend. I'm pretty overwhelmed by the options out there so any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

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#1802355 16-Jun-2017 19:23

Sports is about the only reason you'd want a long lens, but is it really important to have close up photos of sports? I find a wide lens MUCH more useful than a long lens for travel - landscapes, panoramas, etc. The camera you linked to is almost as big as a DSLR, in practice.

The Sony RX-100 v5 is an awesome travel camera. I have the v1, it's still going strong after a number of trips, lots of family photos and videos. It fits in any jeans pocket, and doesn't need a dedicated bag. It takes great raw photos and 4K video.

maoriboy

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#1802362 16-Jun-2017 19:35

Yeah @timmmay the RX100 V is another option that I've looked at extensively. Infinitely more pocketable and a lot cheaper and similar features list,but I just like the idea of the extended range of the R10 ...the flexibility it offers I guess. I guess it comes down to what I actually want to be using the camera for.

mattwnz

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#1802438 16-Jun-2017 21:17

If you are looking at bridge cameras and also doing 4k video and looking at a cheaper option than the Sony you could try the lumix fz1000 and the newer model which is the fz2000. These cameras seem to be very similar to the Sony's but at a lower price. I have the fz1000 and have found overall very good for what it is. Some of the pocket Cameras can overheat when shooting in 4k and have to be shut down until they cool down.

davidcole

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#1802450 16-Jun-2017 21:48

I've been tossing up between a Panasonic dmc-g85 with the 14-140mm lens, or a canon 750/760d with the 18-135mm. Bit of a price difference between them, and unsure how they'd be for travel. But at least only one lens, and both have view finders.

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maoriboy

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#1802816 17-Jun-2017 21:58

@davidcole yeah I've been looking at the Canon 750d as well but it does not do video anywhere near as well as the Sony, nor the distance (without buying another lens which increases the price and bulk significantly). It is a heck of lot cheaper though and allows for upgrades of lens and accessories in the future.

@mattwnz

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz2500-fz2000

Reading that review, it seems the Panasonic is superior when it comes to video but inferior photo shooting compared to the Sony Rx10. My feelings are that for me, the photo quality is more important than video. It does look appealing though at that price though. Thanks for the heads up!

jonb

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#1802858 18-Jun-2017 08:35

I have a Sony a5000 with the standard zoom kit lens, which is great for most things. Also bought the 70-200 zoom lens for it, is about $250 extra on TM for sports etc at a later date, but comes with the hassle of remembering to switch in advance or bring it out with you. With the standard lens it is just about pocketable.

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rb99

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#1802897 18-Jun-2017 10:04

Personally I'd just get this (which I did, a few years ago), bigger sensor, half the price. Just make sure they've actually definitely got stock.

Edit: 20% off at the mo, zoom is up to 360 equivalent not 600, the model you suggested also has plenty of buttons, when it comes to Wife Acceptance Quotient.

OTOH, if you have any requirement for weatherproofing, Pentax SLR's might be worth a look.

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maoriboy

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#1803276 19-Jun-2017 10:51

Hi @rb99 which camera were you referring to, the a5000 or something else? The wifey is currently bowing to my "geekpertise" on the choice hahaha. As long as it has an Auto mode, she is happy :-D.

Weatherproofing is not a big consideration. As long as it can survive a random splatter of rain (only as long as it takes to get it under cover) then I'm happy.

Time to do some more research on the alternatives I think.....

rb99

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#1803284 19-Jun-2017 11:06

maoriboy:

Hi @rb99 which camera were you referring to, the a5000 or something else? The wifey is currently bowing to my "geekpertise" on the choice hahaha. As long as it has an Auto mode, she is happy :-D.

Weatherproofing is not a big consideration. As long as it can survive a random splatter of rain (only as long as it takes to get it under cover) then I'm happy.

Time to do some more research on the alternatives I think.....

It was this one...

http://store.sony.co.nz/ILCE6000YB.html#start=1

..not a very co-operative web page for me apparently.

There better models out now of course, the A6300 and A6500. They are somewhat more impressive, but then so is the price. Don't think A6000 does super slo-mo or 4K video though, but pretty reasonable at sport, though thats just for kids outdoor soccer for me. The higher models I think focus in lower light, might be better for indoor stuff.

also here...

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=2507539

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

jonb

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#1803320 19-Jun-2017 11:21

Yes, would also recommend the a6000 or a5100 for the touch focus capability, that is one thing I miss as a beginner on the A5000.

rb99

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#1803327 19-Jun-2017 11:32

A6000 doesn't have a touch screen, if thats what you mean by touch focus, neither does A6300 apparently. A6500 does but its literally twice the price.

Am sure they get better as you move up the range, but like I say, you pay for it, which is fine if its worth it too you of course.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

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davidcole

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#1803328 19-Jun-2017 11:33

So the a6000 is older? hence the 1080p rather than 4k like say the panasonic gx85/g85 Is there anything else it might be giving up on the newer models?

Batman

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#1803338 19-Jun-2017 11:48

All i can say is this. Cheap Massive zoom = poor quality lens + small sensor = gives at most only reasonable images at most focal lengths, and the massive zoom only reasonable in bright daylight.

I'd say that would be true until proven otherwise: Check reviews.

rb99

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#1803341 19-Jun-2017 11:54

Main stuff -

A6500 newest, A6300 middle, A6000 oldest.

6500 has in-body stabilization, other two don't, rely on stabilization in lens.

6500/6300 do 4K video, 6000 up to 1080p

6500/6300 more than twice as many focus detection points, 6000 still has 179

6500/6300 have higher res electronic viewfinders

6500 only one with touch screen

6500/6300 generally better autofocus, but 6000 still pretty good.

Sony prices for body only 6500-$2400, 6300-$1700 6000-$1200

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

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maoriboy

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#1818866 10-Jul-2017 14:14

Hi all.

Just to update you. I ended up going for the camera I originally looked at, the Sony RX10 III. All the reviews I read/watched pointed to it being a superb bridge camera that takes great photos and video. I was debating the a6500 route but in the end the all-in-one solution with not having to worry about different lenses (and the bulk that comes with them) swayed me. For my level of photography skills (i.e. minimal) it's going to be a learning experience for sure... :-)

Will hopefully be able to contribute to the photo sharing thread once I get some decent shots going.

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