Buying a 'bridge ' or good compact

[grant1]

Hi there

i am seeking some advice on getting a 'bridge' or high end compact camera. (not a full on DSLR)

These are my main requirements (not in any particular order )-

excellent picture quality (larger sensor?)
reasonably compact for hiking etc (also pretty robust)
video capability ( very good quality for short bursts of footage only)
MUST be compatible with Mac iPhoto and iMovie editing
excellent macro capability
budget flexible

There seems to be a lot of choice out there and i have become somewhat confused reading about the options and im sure lots of people have been this route already so any views on what to look at are gratefully received.

Thanks

Grant

[Anbesol]

There isn't a whole lot of choice actually, at least for the specifics you mention (and depending on how you define "compact"). Mostly because the 'larger sensor' requirement you have, which is a decent requirement, but is met only by a small few cameras.

Everything is compatible with Iphoto, it simply needs to have JPEG ability, they all do.

If your budget is waay flexible, you may want to look at the Leica M8, but - thats more than almost all DSLRs already. You'll get great quality and can pair with some great lens, but this camera was really only built for the very wealthy (body retails at some $5K).

The Sigma DP2 has the larger sensor too - and dont be misled by its '4.64 MPix', thats fovean so its equivalent to 14. Also a pretty expensive option (~$700), but a good one no less

The Sony R1 is still the best bridge camera yet built, but it is pretty far from being 'Compact' (unless you compare it to DSLR). It also does not have an image stabilizer, but it does have the best lens of any bridge camera or point and shoot.

The most popular choice for what you're looking for would be in the Canon G Series, it is the compact sidekick to most pro's gear, and unless you specifically are looking for a large sensor, this is probably the best choice. There are heaps of people on this forum who use the Canon G series (G9/G10), all of which would be a good option. There is now the G11 as well, which has a lower mpix sensor @ 10Mpix (a good thing), a tilt swivel LCD, ISO range 80-12800, etc.

The G series is most likely your best choice. If you're a millionaire though I would go for the Leica M8.

[SmartWombat]

You're completely missing the micro 4/3 cameras.
The E-P1 and the GF-1 have the advantage of a relatively large sensor, and interchangeable lenses, with dust reduction system and image stabilisation.
I know the E-P1 is robust because I stopped it a couple of feet onto concrete slabs in my garden while putting it into the car and it's just done a weekend's racing photography.

[drg]

You're completely missing the micro 4/3 cameras.
The E-P1 and the GF-1 have the advantage of a relatively large sensor, and interchangeable lenses, with dust reduction system and image stabilisation.
I know the E-P1 is robust because I stopped it a couple of feet onto concrete slabs in my garden while putting it into the car and it's just done a weekend's racing photography.

Panasonic has a 4/3rds camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 that also has HD video capabilities. In an interchangeable lens camera the 4/3rds are as compact as it comes.

Canon has the Powershot S90 which is the Powershot G11 in a different wrapper. Both of these cameras are not available quite yet but look to have stellar potential.I've used several G-series powershots over the years for macro work and they have been unbeatable for the money. The S-series has been the more compact camera for many years. Can't say I'd recommend either for much video work.

Sony has quite a line of cameras of 'bridge' type cameras that long ago have far surpassed their R1. Their Cybershot units have a wide range of features. The video in these is very usable.

Any of these might fit your needs. The compatibility with Apple is not a big issue, unless you run into a RAW file problem with your current version of software.

When you say excellent video quality, if you are seeking at least 720p HD the choices are fewer that provide a reasonable alternative to a dedicated video camera. You might want to consider a dedicated video camera if this is a high priority.

Try out a few at your local 'Big Box' or better Camera store.

Any more questions we can help or try to help with?

Welcome to PhotographyREVIEW!!

[grant1]

hi there. thanks for the advice - appreciated! i will be checking out all these suggestions

Grant

[Anbesol]

You're completely missing the micro 4/3 cameras.

Good call.

Sony has quite a line of cameras of 'bridge' type cameras that long ago have far surpassed their R1.

No, Sony has not produced one camera that has outperformed their R1, at least, if Image quality is the standard.