Has anybody got experience of Bridge Cameras?

Question

Over the last year, I have developed an interest in photography. I use a digital compact & currently have a 7mp HP Photosmart camera. I joined a camera club & have entered competitions with mounted prints & have been fortunate enough to receive a Second & several commended entries.
I now want something better, but I am not keen on the idea of a DSLR as I like to "point & shoot" with all the benefits & spontaneity that offers. I have no wish to be cluttered up with lenses & other photographic equipment.
I have read good reviews about the latest Panasonic Bridge Camera, which offers far more functionality than my current camera.
I would be grateful for any views or advice.

Answer 1

For the Panasonic you have in mind, here are two camera review sites that I always turn to:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=alpha
The dpreview site also has a Panasonic user forum: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033
If you type in the model number, you'll probably find some good tips and testemonials there, too.

My personal experience with a bridge camera was pretty disapointing. It was the 3 year old Nikon CoolPix 8700, and I've since upgraded to a dSLR. I don't particularly enjoy walking around with a heavy camera bag all day, but I've found that a standard zoom in the 17-55mm range covers about 90% of my needs. That still makes for a relativly small package. I can't fit it in my coat pocket, but the same was true for the CoolPix. You can also get relatively small 18-125mm zooms for more range.
Oddly enough, my main reason for upgrading was that the CoolPix DIDN'T let me take sponteneous shots. I felt like I was always waiting on the camera. The electronic viewfinder introduced a 1/10th second delay, the auto-focus was sluggish, and the shutter lag added another 1/10th second delay. Technology has improved over the last 3 years but point & shoots (including expensive bridge models) are still miles behind dSLR cameras in terms of responsiveness.
With my dSLR, I CAN simply point and shoot and my keeper-rate with action shots and candids has increased tenfold. There are other benefits too. A dSLR is much better tool for low light photography. I don't know about the Panasonic, but with a dSLR you can do night time street photography etc. You'll probably also appreciate that a dSLR gives you more control over depth of field.
So before you order the Panasonic, I'd advise you to visit a camera store and compare some options hands on. For (well) under $800 you can get a Nikon D50, Canon Rebel XTi, or a Pentax K100D.

Answer 2

In the lower price ranges, you can't beat the Fujifilm Finepix bridge cameras. They all have a viewfinder that you can look through. And they are of decent quality.