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Replacement for bridge

pmcquail
Posted 15/04/2018 - 10:04 Link
Most of my gear is Pentax and has been since my film days and I've had very little trouble with any of it.

For various reason I did come into posession of a Canon SX50 superzoom/bridge camera a few years ago. I was never totally happy with it as the control layout put all the 'wrong' controls in the places that my fingers wanted to be. Be that as it may I used it as a 'throw in the suitcase' job for when travelling and it did preform reasonably well.
However, on a trip to India last week it decided that the temperatures were too high or that it didn't like the chilli and decided to die on the second day. It seems that the cause is the shutter sticking closed. This did not clear in the cooler environment when I got back. Repair cost is likely to be in the same order as a used one on E-Bay so it is now making a solo trip to the local landfill.

So I am looking for a replacement from the Pentax ranges. I would appreciate suggestions from the current new and secondhand ranges. Doesn't need to have all the features of the Canon though a decent zoom range would be useful. The ability to reassign button function would be handy.
K5, K200d (IR @ 720NM), X-5
Edited by pmcquail: 15/04/2018 - 10:22
johnriley
Posted 15/04/2018 - 11:03 Link
The Pentax X90 or X-5 bridge camera seem to be capable of excellent results. Both are discontinued but may well be available of eBay.
Best regards, John
pmcquail
Posted 15/04/2018 - 12:06 Link
Thanks John.
How does the XG-1 compare with these?
K5, K200d (IR @ 720NM), X-5
ronniemac
Posted 15/04/2018 - 13:30 Link
The XG-1 has greater reach (approx 1200mm vs 600mm equivalent zoom) but looses the articulating screen of the X-5.

I'm not sure how useable that length of zoom would be without a tripod to hold it steady. Articulating screen is useful for low down or high up shots.

My daughter use the X-5 and is pretty happy with it.

Quick spec comparison here.

Expect to pay up to approx £100 for the X-5 and slightly more for the more recent XG-1 in the used market, e.g. Ebay.

Happy hunting!
Aitch53
Posted 15/04/2018 - 13:33 Link
I had an X-5 and it can produce good pics.

The major problem was that it uses AA batteries (4 of them) and gets through them pretty quickly.
SteveH!

Some people call me 'strange'.
I prefer 'unconventional'.
But I'm willing to compromise and accept 'eccentric'.
pmcquail
Posted 15/04/2018 - 14:16 Link
Thanks all for the input.

Looks like the X-5 takes it by a head. Got one on Amazon for £135.
K5, K200d (IR @ 720NM), X-5

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