What sort of camera do I want - bridge or good quality compact?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I want to get a new camera, mainly for taking out with us on day trips and holidays so needs to be fairly comapct/portable. I like the idea of getting a bridge camera so I can do arty type photos and get into photoshop, etc. But in reality not sure I would do this. But I would like something with a good zoom for bird photos at the local nature reserve and also do be able to do macro.

Would something like a Panasonic TZ10 be good enough for macro and zoom shots.

I had been looking at the FZ38 for a bridge but have a nagging feeling that I'd end up leaving it at home more due to it being bigger.

tz10

fz38

The TZ10 says it has an automatic mode and then a manual mode and there is shutter priority and aperture priority. But how good are these non automatic features, as good as a bridge? Is it just the zoom that isn't as good?

bump.

We have been looking at getting DD the Nikon L110.

I have the Nikon D40 and love it but it is too bulky for DD.

I would go for a bridge camera rather than a compact. It is a good stepping stone to a SLR.

Thanks, think I will go for the bridge. I don't want to get the compact and then regret it.

I had the same predicament a few years back, and I researched as much as I could. I settled my choice for a Fuji bridge camera which has amazing optical zoom. However, the high speed continuous shooting that you can get with an SLR is really poor. I know, it's not the be all and end all, but it's something that annoys me, however it has a great wide angle lense, great zoom, and the macro and super macro are great too. I do find a bit a bulky to take out with me sometimes though

How about the Canon powershot sx210?

My friend has this as a backup to her SLR. I've a SLR too but u am still impressed with the photos from this. Pocketable too

I have a canon S90- it is the dog's bollocks. Brill for everything (other than really long distance shots). I have learnt so much about how to actually use a camera since I bought it. it has a fully manual mode plus aperture and shutter priority settings as well as a brill auto mode and loads of pre sets. I also really like the ease of changing the ISO and all the other settings. It's not cheap but even people with fully manual DSRL cameras that are a few years old are startled at how good it is