Bridge Cameras

xmfd

Winger
Looking at buying a cheap, used digital camera for a trip to Africa in a couple of months, don't need anything too powerful, but a nice optical zoom would be handy for animals etc. Just basically looking for something better than my iPhone camera.

Did a bit a research into it and found bridge cameras might be a good idea. I've been looking at the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS in particular.

Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Review: 50x Superzoom

Are these cameras any good, or good enough for what I want to achieve, as a casual user? I haven't owned a DSLR camera for a few years and will probably sell it once I get back from Africa.

I've also been looking at this one: Fuji FinePix S9600
https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/fujifilm-finepix-s9600

It's available second hand for <£100. Surely this will take decent photos?

Or would I be better getting a used Canon DSLR like a 600D? (I can't afford any extra lenses etc). Budget's probably £150-200 max I can justify to the wife.
 
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I guess its all relative - the superzoom bridge cameras won't get you brilliant images as obviously the optics are something of a compromise. That said, they will obviously be way better than your iPhone and way cheaper than an SLR and a sack full of decent lenses!

Ideal setup for your trip would probably be a mirrorless with a couple of lenses, but that would be well over your budget. The 600D with a kit lens obviously wouldn't get you either flexibility or brilliant images (the lens being the main limiting factor).

Bottom line in my opinion is your thinking isn't too bad, just don't expect amazing image quality.
 
I guess its all relative - the superzoom bridge cameras won't get you brilliant images as obviously the optics are something of a compromise. That said, they will obviously be way better than your iPhone and way cheaper than an SLR and a sack full of decent lenses!

Ideal setup for your trip would probably be a mirrorless with a couple of lenses, but that would be well over your budget. The 600D with a kit lens obviously wouldn't get you either flexibility or brilliant images (the lens being the main limiting factor).

Bottom line in my opinion is your thinking isn't too bad, just don't expect amazing image quality.

Thanks for your input. I have went a bit left field and decided to buy a refurbished point and shoot compact camera instead. Cheaper than most of the bridge cameras, much smaller for traveling with, and a decent sensor + optical zoom. Ideally I would have enjoyed spending a bit more on an SLR but on a budget I think this was the right thing to do after reading reviews etc.

Got a Sony Cyber‑shot DSC‑WX350 for £110. It will do for Africa and I'll probably just keep it when I get back. Cheers anyway for the help.
 

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