Large sensor bridge camera?

Pietrach

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Hi

I have recently read about Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, which has almost DSLR size sensor. Except for poor macro mode (according to reviews) it would be ideal camera for me and within my budget (second hand).
Are you aware of any other bridge camera with large sensor, with decent macro mode?

Thanks a lot.
Pietrach
 
Hi, what's your budget? And what is the reason for the interest in a large(ish) sensor specifically?

Re macro - IMO a smaller sensor would be better for macro, as the focal lengths of the lenses will be much shorter and hence longer DOF at the same F stop (hence shutter speed).
 
Thanks.

My budget is around 150-180. I would prefer large sensor from picture quality point of view (lower noise with high iso).
I was considering Fuji S9600 but currently have discovered Sony R1. since writing last post i have found out that there is Close Up lens for sony R1 whic allows proper(ish) macro photographs. Its not cheap, but not very expensive also.

thanks
Pawel
 
I don't know much about this, but doesn't the Sony R1 use the same sensor as the Nikon D200?

If so, I can't imagine any other bridge camera using an APS-C sensor...?
 
Thanks.

My budget is around 150-180. I would prefer large sensor from picture quality point of view (lower noise with high iso).
I was considering Fuji S9600 but currently have discovered Sony R1. since writing last post i have found out that there is Close Up lens for sony R1 whic allows proper(ish) macro photographs. Its not cheap, but not very expensive also.

thanks
Pawel

I'd go with something like the FUJI s6800fd you could pick one up second hand and still have enough money for a memory card or two and a cheap tripod etc. The image quality isn't upto SLR standards but it's not bad at all. When I sold mine after I got my SLR alot of people said I should keep it and pair it up with a raynox lens for an excellent budget macro setup.
 
I had a fuji 6500 which I really liked. That said it led me to a 5D and a terrible debt :eek::nono::lol:

The small sensor does limit how much background blur you can get though - I just spent a few minutes looking for two comparable shots, both pretty poor but illustrate the point quite nicely. Both are ~100mm equivalent and both about F4.

The s6500 shot:
http://sittingbourneSPAMerver.com/downloads/Photos/TP_Shared/DSCF0595.jpg

The 5D shot:
http://sittingbourneSPAMerver.com/downloads/Photos/TP_Shared/IMG_0541.jpg

But that would be helpful for macro work since there would be more in focus. Have a look on the macro forum at some of ajophotog's work which IIRC is with a bridge camera:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=93532

Cheers!
 
The only two bridge cameras with larger sensors are the Sony you mentioned, and the new Panasonic G1. And of course, the compact Sigma DP1.

With your budget it would be better to buy a second-hand DSLR.
 
I considered the R1 myself some time ago, in the end everal things put me off....

-- size wise its actually bulkier then many DSLRs
-- at the time it cost more than many DSLRs
-- too limited a focal range (although 24mm is great)
-- pretty poor shot-shot RAW performance

I had been hoping that Sony would produce an improved R2 but their purchase of Konica Minolta & subsequent move into DSLRs ended that chance

simon
 
I'll throw the Fujifilm S1000fd into the mix too. My wife uss one for all her macro stuff and it's a nifty little camera. Although like Claire says why not look around for a used dSLR? Much more room for expansion!

EDIT: Sorry, just had a read about the R1, it's got many more bells and whistles than the S1000fd lmao. I'm with Claire, I really think you should look for a dSLR.
 
I sold my DSC-R1 after I bought a Nikon D80. The R1 is a great camera and did produce excellent photos, but did not provide the versatility I wanted, hence the D80.
Sorry unable to answer your question though.
Bill
 
s100fs refurb on fujis website using the voucher P24OCTOBER its only 274.57 delivered amazing bridge camera
 
I don't know where you've seen the R1, but the ones I can find are more expensive than a cheap SLR. Ffordes have one (albeit with extras) for £499! :eek:

The same shop has a Konica Minolta 5D + 18-70mm for £179 or a Canon 300D + 18-55mm for £199. The Canon kit lens is pretty good for macro; it'll focus down to 28cm, with some nice creamy bokeh too. :love:
 
like pietrach
I am also interested in moving up to a bridge camera with a large sensor . this is purely for the sharpness of the photos which i value over pixels & zoom size , so a bit less pixels & zoom but not so low as to make it not worth while geting a bridge camera .
£300 is also what i was looking at spending , i had looked at a nikon p520 then a canon sx50 & curry's told me a lumix fz62 would be a great all rounder . the more i look & check reviews etc , the more i feel like pulling my hair out - it's very confusing . what would you guys recomend as a great all rounder .

thanks.
 
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Well, I use a D800 as my DSLR and have a Fuji HS-30 bridge for convenience and lighter weight. 24-720mm zoom (in 35mm equivalence), reasonable ISO performance (not close to the d800 but what is?) and so much lighter. Delivers files up to being printed to A3.
 
The only two bridge cameras with larger sensors are the Sony you mentioned, and the new Panasonic G1. And of course, the compact Sigma DP1.

With your budget it would be better to buy a second-hand DSLR.


Neither the G1 or DP1 are bridge camera's Claire, the G1 is a CSC camera and the DP1 is a compact camera
 
People really should look at posting dates - 2008 really is out of the ark when it comes to modern cameras.... ;)
 
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