As it's not got going here yet, a link to my multipart FZ1000 articles as a starter

whisperingcat.co.uk/wp/article/panasonic-lumix-fz1000-1-type-sensor-superzoom-bridge-camera-now-428/

As a naive blogger, I soon learned that some people don't accept any criticism (even amongst general praise) of their favourite cam, and look anywhere else for an excuse. I hope I can be forgiven for any misunderstandings or personally slanted commentary in the articles. I like the cam a lot but it is not entirely without flaws (like any camera).

Please feel free to kickstart this forum into action by commenting below, rather than on my site.

I think for some types of photography, some kinds of camera are better than others. But it is usually the "easier, more convenient" kind of better. Back in the low tech days, Ed Weston didn't say "It's not possible to print my photos, I don't own a darkroom studio", instead he found a closet and a light bulb and figured out a work flow. If he worked in the modern era would he still be waving a light bulb around or using Photoshop. Who can say, but it's still true that there are high tech convenient ways of doing things and there are low tech ways that replace tech with craftsmanship and effort. If there is a will, there is a way. I understand that specialised cameras make working in specialised fields easier and more convenient but you can still get results with less fancy gear. Bridge cameras are great because they can do lots of thing quite well.

p.s.

I was looking at a Fuji X-S1. If they can do mechanical zoom lenses on that camera, why can't other cameras. I really don't like fragile, slow motorised lenses.

There are times when a motorized zoom is a huge advantage, even the only way a zooming operation is possible. No.1 Using the zoom while riding a bicycle. No.2 While zooming in on that "once in a lifetime" shot with your phone in the other hand. No.3 While hanging on for deer life to the jet boat, while going down the rapids, still zooming and recording a video. Just to name a few.

😁

Those might just be essential use cases for many people but I guess I'm in a minority in that none of them apply to me.

Maybe remote control photography using an app if it can control the zoom? Probably scare away the wildlife, so maybe more useful for private investigators?

Yes, I didn't mention the remote capability of the electronic zoom. I've only done it a few times but it was fun. I was sitting in the house watching TV and monitoring my phone. As luck would have it (I'm usually very unlucky) a Hummingbird landed on the feeder within a minute. I zoomed in and hit the shutter on the phone app. The focus doesn't activate until you press the shutter control. I used the flash on this shot which reflects the beautiful colors.

The camera was about ten feet away from the bird.

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Awesome catch, thanks for sharing!
And also great reminder on shooting techniques. I was quite lost on some bird shots.

Brilliant!

David, thanks for the comment. I'll bet the FZ1000 would do that shot with possibly better results, sitting back a ways not to scare the bird away.

I bet it wouldn't. Slight backing up does not help, further backing up is often not pissible, you get different persoectives and angles too. Having the camera "right on the bird" gives great results.