Is this Bridge Camera good value?

[PH lurker]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ48EB-K Hybrid Super Zoom Digital Camera (12.1MP, 24x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMC-FZ48EB-K-Hyb...

Is this good value?
I'm very tempted to buy this, for good quality pictures in the countryside, of landscapes in particular but also close up pictures of things like small animals, wildlife etc. A well as doing the general family photos, decent car pictures with the ability to point and shoot in auto mode.
Would I also get better a taking half decent pictures with this (or similar, please suggest) or do I really need a DSLR?

Sorry for novice post.

[dibbly dobbler]

Tricky one to answer without knowing all the variables

DSLR = more expensive, more complex, bigger, heavier but better pics...

So it really depends how 'keen' you are and what your budget is.

[y2blade]

I predict This will go the same way as all the other Bridge Camera threads

OP Try one, I sold my Canon D-SLR for a Bridge a few months back, and honestly I'm very impressed with the results I can get from it.

[PH lurker]

Think I will try it, as I couldn't justify anything more than a bottom of the range DSLR and would like it to be reasonably compact and be able to get a nice picture at a moments notice of say, a rabbit, just after a picture of a cliff etc. I've read a few camera threads on here, a few weeks ago, which was what really got me onto the idea of bridge cameras.
I'm mot sure on how keen I'm going to get, but reckon this is where I'll start.

[Simpo Two]

PH lurker said:

a rabbit, just after a picture of a cliff

Ah, the classic pairing... all the great photographers practiced their art with rabbit/cliff combos

[CarMac]

I've got a FZ20 and FZ38 (both of which are for sale). The picture quality isn't bad at all so can only presume this one would be similar. For day to day picture taking they're ideal (light/good zoom range etc) but they didn't suit my type of photography so they're going.

[PH lurker]

Simpo Two said:

Ah, the classic pairing... all the great photographers practiced their art with rabbit/cliff combos

That's why I said it.

[PH lurker]

I have bought the camera. I am looking forward to using it.

[y2blade]

PH lurker said:

I have bought the camera. I am looking forward to using it.

Good on you
enjoy.

[marcosgt]

I had a Fuji 2Mpixel 'bridge' camera (before they were called such things) for a while and people often asked what my camera was because it took 'such great photos'.

My wife's got a Panasonic Point N Shoot and the quality of the images from that are very good, so I'd imagine this would be even better.

I love my DSLR, but for better than snap quality photos a good bridge is a good choice for many people and a lot lighter and cheaper.

M.

[PH lurker]

It's arrived, thinking about SD cards now. I bought a case for it which looks impressive for £20.

[PH lurker]

Got the camera, case, UV protector and I've ordered a memory card for it, as well as a spare battery.

[HeatonNorris]

Panasonic 'Bridge' cameras are excellent bits of kit. I use one for all my photography these days, as they're so much more flexible and convenient than carrying an SLR kit around.

[multijet]

I'd recommend Panasonic Bridge cameras as well. I was in same boat last year as I couldnt decide between a full DSLR and a decent bridge camera. In the end I went for the Panasonic DMC45FZ 14mega with 24X zoom. Great pictures and lots of menu options to select from. Leaving it in the "auto" option still gives good quality pics but to get the best from it spend a bit of time taking random shots going through the menu options. BTW that is a good price as well you got it for.