Bridge Tele
The best bridge digital camera for me?
My minimum requirements are:
- hot shoe for added flash
- LCD that physically tilts
- RAW image mode
- OPTICAL image stabilization
After this, I want to maximize ZOOM and maximize the frames per second, and minimize F-stop number.
So far, I'm looking at Fuji FinePix S100FX, Panasonic DMC-G1, and Pansonic Lumix DMC-FZ50.
I'm very experienced with the Lumix DMC-FZ30, and I love that camera. So, I'm leaning toward the FZ50, which has a tele-lens.
But I like the 14.3X of the Fuji.
I CAN'T figure out how much zoom I could get with the various lens attachments for the DMC-G1.
FYI, For those who wonder why I want a bridge camera instead of SLR:
- I don't like dust between lenses,
- I don't like the weight,
- I don't like the audio noise when I take a pic,
- I don't like the limitations to macro photography, and
- I don't like LCDs that can't tilt.
I suggest reading this article: "Compact Digicams A Pro Could Love" in the May 2009 issue of SHUTTERBUG ( http://www.shutterbug.com )
Professional photographer and author Peter K. Burian tests the Canon G10, Nikon P6000 and Lumix DMC-LX3. If I were buying a camera of this type I'd go with the DMC-LX3 because of its very fast f2.0-2.8 lens.
Although I understand your opposition to the weight and what you consider objectional noise of a DSLR, you are misinformed about a couple of other objections.
First, if you're careful when changing lenses dust isn't a problem. I've used an SLR for decades and changed lenses in all manner of conditions and dust has never been a problem.
A good, wide neck strap lessens the effects of camera weight. There are also harnesses you can buy that do an even better job without compromising the use of your camera. You can check one out at http://www.backcountrysolutions.com/
Most DSLRs have a way to reduce and/or eliminate the faux shutter noise.
With a DSLR there are no limitations to macro photography since you can buy a real macro lens which will give you a 1:1 (life size) image. The real limitation to macro photography is the lens on a bridge camera.
There are some DSLRs coming to the market with tiltable viewscreens. The Sony A300 and A350 are 2 that come to mind.
And now, the best reason for choosing a DSLR other than its interchangeable lenses: Sensor Size!
The sensor of an average bridge camera measures 6.16mm x 4.62mm which is very tiny. An average DSLR sensor measures 23.6mm x 15.8mm. If the bridge camera and the DSLR both have 10mp which one do you think will produce the better image and the larger prints? If you chose the DSLR go to the head of the class. If the bridge camera has more mega pixels its performance at higher ISOs and in low-light will suffer even more.
Another reason to choose a DSLR is to eliminate shutter lag. Shutter lag is endemic to compact and bridge digicams. Since you've used a digicam you know the frustration that results when you miss a picture because the camera isn't ready to take another picture.
 |
 Fender Vintage Tele 3 Saddle Bridge Chrome w Screws $43.68 Time Remaining: 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $43.68 |
 USA CUSTOM Stainless Steel Bridge PLATE Fits Fender Tele Telecaster $44.99 Time Remaining: 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $44.99 |
 12 Genuine Fender 52 Tele Bridge Plate Slotted Screws $9.99 Time Remaining: 8h 41m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 GFSVintage Split Bridge Humbucker 70s Tele Custom H18 $29.95 Time Remaining: 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 GFSVintage Split Bridge Humbucker GOLD Tele Custom H20 $33.95 Time Remaining: 9h 52m Buy It Now for only: $33.95 |
 GFS Alnico Tele Bridge Pickup Hot OVERWOUND Lead I06 $25.95 Time Remaining: 10h 4m Buy It Now for only: $25.95 |
 GFS Alnico Tele Bridge Pickup Sweet Vintage tone I05 $23.95 Time Remaining: 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $23.95 |
 GFS Fatbody Alnico Bridge for Tele AMAZING TONE I20 $34.95 Time Remaining: 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 |
 GFS Vintage Alnico 50 Tele Boutique Bridge pickup I29 $31.95 Time Remaining: 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 |
 GFS Pro Tube Lipstick Pickup for Tele Bridge Black I69 $40.45 Time Remaining: 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $40.45 |
 GFS Pro Tube Lipstick Pickup for Tele Bridge GOLD I70 $41.45 Time Remaining: 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $41.45 |
 TOG FENDER AM STD STYLE TELE BRIDGE CHROME NEW $0.10 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 57m |
 TOG FENDER STYLE 6 BARREL SADDLE TELE BRIDGE CHROME WITH SCREWS $0.10 Time Remaining: 11h 8m |
 GENUINE Fender Telecaster 62 Reissue Tele USA Bridge Pickup Set Made In USA $79.97 Time Remaining: 11h 56m Buy It Now for only: $79.97 |
 TOG FENDER TELE STYLE BRIDGE FOR HUMBUCKER CHROME STRING THRU TYPE WITH SCREWS $0.10 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 12h 1m |
 Joe Barden Tele American Standard Nickel Bridge $42.99 Time Remaining: 12h 23m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Genuine Fender Tele Telecaster Bridge BR 1663 $19.75 Time Remaining: 12h 43m Buy It Now for only: $19.75 |
 Fender tele biregeChrome Vintage 3 Saddle Bridge For Fender tele parts $0.98 Time Remaining: 13h 2m |
 BLACK LEFT HAND Lefty Tele Ashtray Guitar Bridge BT6 L $29.99 Time Remaining: 13h 31m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Fralin Stock Bridge Pickup For Fender Telecaster Tele $90.00 Time Remaining: 13h 32m Buy It Now for only: $90.00 |
 NEW Wilkinson Tele Bridge Staggered Saddles NICKEL $34.99 Time Remaining: 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 Rio Grande Dirty Harry Tele Bridge DHTBB Pickup Brand New $79.99 Time Remaining: 13h 47m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 FENDER Tele Bass Bridge Mounting Screws 0015610049 $2.99 Time Remaining: 15h Buy It Now for only: $2.99 |
 Fender Telecaster TELE guitar ash tray bridge GOLD $50.00 Time Remaining: 15h 6m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 |
 NEW Vintage Style 3 Saddle Bridge for Tele NICKEL $33.99 Time Remaining: 16h 19m Buy It Now for only: $33.99 |
 NEW Gotoh Modern Brass Bridge for Tele GOLD $77.99 Time Remaining: 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $77.99 |
 Texas Customs Smooth Play 6 Saddle Bridge also fits fender tele $86.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 49m |
 Graph Tech TUSQ Bridge Saddles for Strat Tele $20.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 50m |
 Vintage Fender 62 Strat Tele Hardtail Bridge Assembly $49.99 Time Remaining: 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 CHROME WILKINSON Tele Telecaster Bridge Compensated BRASS Saddles BTW $29.99 Time Remaining: 18h 44m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 2011 USA Fender Lamboo Telecaster Tele VINTAGE BRIDGE $59.99 Time Remaining: 19h 5m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Fender Squier Tele Telecaster New Bridge Plate w Saddles Parts project $9.99 Time Remaining: 19h 14m |
 CHROME Telecaster Bridge for Fender Tele Guitar BT3 $16.99 Time Remaining: 19h 14m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 CHROME WILKINSON Tele Telecaster Bridge BRASS Saddles FREE USA SHIP USA SELLER $32.99 Time Remaining: 19h 15m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 |
 Fender Nashville Telecaster Tele 6 Saddle BRIDGE $39.99 Time Remaining: 20h 26m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 52 American Fender Hot Rod Telecaster Tele BODY BRIDGE $749.99 Time Remaining: 20h 34m Buy It Now for only: $749.99 |
 2004 Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster Chrome Tele BRIDGE NO RESERVE $5.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 13m |
 Texas Customs Smooth Play 3 saddle Bridge Nickel fits tele $26.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 18m |
 Fender USA Tele Telecaster Bridge with Compensated Saddles $31.50 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 22h 33m |
 NEW Fender Bridge Pickup For 62 Custom Tele CHROME $55.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 52m Buy It Now for only: $55.99 |
 DiMarzio DP381 Fast Track T Tele Bridge Pickup $69.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $69.95 |
 DiMarzio DP173 Twang King Tele Bridge Pickup Black $59.95 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $59.95 |
 New Chrome Wilkinson Lic WTB Tele Bridge w Brass Saddle Dual Load lly109726 $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 55m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 Fender Vintage Telecaster Tele Bridge Assembly Gold $44.95 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 2m Buy It Now for only: $44.95 |
 FENDER TELE BRIDGE PICKUP SQUIRE FIBER BRASS BASE PLATE $0.10 Time Remaining: 1d 9h 59m |
 SHADOW SH975G TELE BRIDGE PICKUP $120.00 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 45m |
 NEW 6 Saddle Humbucking Tele Bridge Plate CHROME $11.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 2m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 NEW 6 Saddle Humbucking Tele Bridge Plate GOLD $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 13m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 3 Barrel Ashtray Chrome Bridge US Retrofit fits Tele $10.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 22m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 6 Barrel Ashtray Chrome Bridge fits Tele $10.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 22m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 Chrome 3 Saddle Bridge for Fender Telecaster Tele Electric Guitar Vintage $6.21 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 3m Buy It Now for only: $6.21 |
 Loaded Chrome 6 saddle Bridge +Pickup for Fender Telecaster Tele Guitar Electric $10.72 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 43m Buy It Now for only: $10.72 |
 Tele neck and bridge pickup set $15.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 48m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 |
 Genuine Fender Vintage Telecaster Tele Replacement Bridge Cover 0992271100 NEW $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 4m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 |
 Black 3 Saddle Bridge for Fender Telecaster Tele Electric Guitar Vintage $7.65 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 18m Buy It Now for only: $7.65 |
 FENDER TELECASTER TEXAS SPECIAL TELE NECK AND BRIDGE PICKUP SET 048609 048610 $65.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 15h 41m |
 Brand New GENUINE Fender American Standard Telecaster Tele HOT Bridge Pickup $59.99 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 5m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
 Vintage 52 American Fender Hot Rod Tele BODY BRIDGE $749.99 Time Remaining: 1d 19h Buy It Now for only: $749.99 |
 1995 Fender Foto Flame Nashville Tele BODY BRIDGE $349.99 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 50m Buy It Now for only: $349.99 |
 GOLD Telecaster Bridge for Fender Tele Guitar BT2 QUICK SHIP USA SELLER $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 16m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 |
 CHROME Telecaster Bridge for Fender Tele Guitar BT2 FREE USA SHIP USA SELLER $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 21m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 BLACK Telecaster Bridge for Fender Tele Guitar BT3 FREE USA SHIP USA SELLER $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 21m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 |
 USA Fender Vintage RI Strat Tele Bridge ASH TRAY COVER $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 37m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Wilkinson Vintage 52 62 style 3 Brass Saddle Telecaster Bridge fits Fender Tele $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 44m |
 TOG VINTAGE FENDER TELE STYLE BRIDGE 3 SADDLE BLACK NKL $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 30m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 TOG VINTAGE FENDER TELE STYLE BRIDGE 6 SADDLE BLACK NKL $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 35m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 Tele style bridge $40.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 16m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 |
 SX BRAND Tele STYLE Loaded GUITAR BRIDGE new $15.50 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 5m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 |
 XAVIERE BRAND Tele VINTAGE STYLE Loaded GUITAR BRIDGE new $15.50 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 11m Buy It Now for only: $22.50 |
 FENDER VINTAGE TELE BRIDGE AND SADDLES $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 44m |
 Wilkinson Tele Bridge NEW Black $54.00 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 59m Buy It Now for only: $54.00 |
 Wilkinson Tele Bridge NEW Gold $54.00 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 1m Buy It Now for only: $54.00 |
 Tele Bridge Pickup GFS 938k $0.50 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 45m |
 SEYMOUR DUNCAN BLACK ST59 1 TELE BRIDGE GUITAR PICKUP $79.44 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 1m Buy It Now for only: $79.44 |
 2011 Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster Chrome Tele BRIDGE $25.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 17m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 |