Which Camera?

[JLB]

Hey guys. Im in the market for a budget bridge camera. I dont want to spend a lot (at all really) and dont need anything crazy. The 2 that I am looking at are :

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-S4200-Digital-Camera/dp/B006T7QWGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344361049&sr=8-1&keywords=fuji+finepix+s4200

and

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-L120-Wide-Angle-Black/dp/B004M8SVGQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1344361123&sr=1-1&keywords=nikon+l120

Now I can get both for virtually the same price. I like the Fuji, because it has a few manual controls and a viewfinder. The Nikon, is rated a little better on consumer reports for pictures and video, but I dont know that I will do much video with it. Downside to the Nikon is no viewfinder and no manual controls. But when I really think about it, I dont know how much I would use the manual controls. Like I said, im not looking for much more than what these have to offer, and for about $150, I probably cant go wrong with either. Does anyone have an opinion on either of these or experience with these? Or, if there is another right around that price range that you recommend? Any help, or suggestions appreciated.
Thanks gents.

 

[Red Raider]

My 2 cents

I'm a Nikon guy and the Nicor lenses are pretty good. I've got an older (4 or 5 years) Nikon DSLR and love it. I don't have a view finder on mine ads have never missed it. I use the LCD to review photos though.

I do use my manual controls almost always (under expose a 1/4 or 1/2 stop) to get a little better saturation, then adjust as needed in the computer. I guess it depends on how you plan on using it and for what. Only you know that part, but i vote Nikon...

Most likely you won't be going wrong with either choice if you get the features you plan on using. It will be personal preference.

Good luck.

 

[Fourtotheflush]

Pickup a smartphone and use that for all your needs.!

 

[Hoshneer]

Pickup a smartphone and use that for all your needs.!

Second that. I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S3 and it has a 8mp camera and it shoots better pics that most mid range cameras.

 

[RaschNuts]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

 

[JLB]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

Wow! That is really awesome of you Josh. However, I cannot let you do that. Perhaps there is something I can trade you for?

 

[vivalanation734]

I am a DIEHARD Nikon user, but for point and shoots I always recommend any Canon elph series.

EDIT: nvm... noticed you want better zoom.

 

[pbear1973]

I am a DIEHARD Nikon user, but for point and shoots I always recommend any Canon elph series.

I'm with you on this. Nikon P&S aren't very good.

OP: You can consider compact mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GF5. If you get it together with the 14-42mm power-zoom it's smaller than most bridge cameras, but you sacrifice manual controls though stuff like aperture control, shutter speed and exposure correction are available through the dials. If you like the manual controls and don't mind a camera somewhat larger than the GF5, you can go for the Panasonic G1X. Having inter-changeable lenses lets your camera grow with you.

Other fine cameras you can consider are the Fuji X10 which is a high performance compact with a large sensor, and the Canon G1X which has a sensor that's even bigger than the one on the GF5 (generally gives you better image quality under low light - though lens quality plays a huge part too)

These are all way beyond the $150 but I think you will find that saving up for them is worthwhile.

 

[RaschNuts]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

Wow! That is really awesome of you Josh. However, I cannot let you do that. Perhaps there is something I can trade you for?

On its way today. And if anything is sent back I will take that as a declaration of war

I think I have used it once or twice not worth sitting on my desk collecting dust would rather see someone get alot of use out of it.

 

[IPH]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

Wow! That is really awesome of you Josh. However, I cannot let you do that. Perhaps there is something I can trade you for?

On its way today. And if anything is sent back I will take that as a declaration of war

I think I have used it once or twice not worth sitting on my desk collecting dust would rather see someone get alot of use out of it.

Well done brother, he may not return fire, but others may....muwhahaha

 

[JLB]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

Wow! That is really awesome of you Josh. However, I cannot let you do that. Perhaps there is something I can trade you for?

On its way today. And if anything is sent back I will take that as a declaration of war

I think I have used it once or twice not worth sitting on my desk collecting dust would rather see someone get alot of use out of it.

Haha, well youd better ready the troops! Honestly cant thank you enough. Really looking forward to it.

 

[RaschNuts]

I have a FujiFilm FinePix S2550HD you can have for free if you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B0035WTVZU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344377897&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+s2550hd

Wow! That is really awesome of you Josh. However, I cannot let you do that. Perhaps there is something I can trade you for?

On its way today. And if anything is sent back I will take that as a declaration of war

I think I have used it once or twice not worth sitting on my desk collecting dust would rather see someone get alot of use out of it.

Well done brother, he may not return fire, but others may....muwhahaha

Just remember I know where you work!

 

[JLB]

Well Rasch sent me the camera. And he sent me some killers sticks. All of which I have yet to sample. I cannot thank you enough, Josh. I pulled the camera out as soon as I got home and used it at my daughters cheerleading game. Worked wonderfully. My wife said thank you as well. I will be sending your package next week, like it or not!! Just waiting on a couple of items to get here. Although, I dont think I can repay you enough. Thanks again brother, true BOTL.

Here is a pic of the damage. And no, the picture is not from the new camera, its my cell phone. :skew:

 

[KickinD]

Quality brother right there! That Special S is very smooth. Had my first about a week ago and need to pick some more up.

 

[Hoshneer]

Jeebus...

 

[b.stone]

wow. very generous. good job

 

[RaschNuts]

Glad it made it there safe. The body guards did their job

 

[RaschNuts]

Got my thank you from JLB today Great selection of sticks and a nice little lighter will post pics later on.

Thanks for the great sticks.