new (bridge/pocket) camera dilema...

[DodgyGeezer]

for the last few years we've been using (and enjoying) a Canon SX50 HS and a Sony superzoom. It seemed to do everything we asked of it (albeit at the expense of being somewhat larger than may be considered convenient, that is to say it was frickin' enormous), however on our recent holiday we got caught in a prolonged downpour with sub-optimal results

Every cloud and all that, what it does mean is that we're now on the search for a new(ish?) camera with a few foibles that'll likely restrict our choices:
- not interested in swapping lenses over
- must be (large) pocket friendly
- prefer 'tropicalised' (or if you prefer rain/dust resistant)
- decent zoom (say 25x optical - I believe this comes in at 600mm) as it is something we've used more than we thought we would
- reasonable build quality
- <£1,000

The chances are that one of us will upgrade our mobile shortly (either iPhone 13 pro max or Samsung S21 Ultra, though may await the 22) which will take care of a lot of the snappysnap type pics (if for no other reason than they will almost always be with us to hand and charged).

From this I guess you can tell that we're very much not massively into the whole photography thing (though with retirement on the horizon that could change!) so whilst bokeh effects and 'soft' lenses, feathering and all other similar lingo can be important we're at the stage where the pics we've taken are good enough (quality rather than composition etc) so ultimate quality will lose out slightly to zoom lens etc (I know - we're weird).

So far the camera that seems to tick all of our boxes is an old one but still sold with no drop in price since introduction (which in my ignorance tells me it's still a reasonable buy); the Canon G3 X. New they rock in at £800 but 'as new used' about £425 which actually has me thinking about the (possible) advantage of used....

TD/DR - what cameras meet our wishlist which are 'better' than a G3 X?

Type of photography: Landscapes/nature, (mainly static) cars, architecture, flowers. Don't really do a lot of portraits or (any) video.

[DibblyDobbler]

Panasonic FZ2000/2500 is worth a look review but there's not much else that I know of (I have a Sony RX10iv which is great but too big I would think)

If you go second hand have a look at MBP - they are not as cheap as eBay etc but a lot more reliable

[Derek Smith]

I had a Panasonic bridge. It was excellent given its limitations. I used it as my main camera before I bought my G7. I gave it to my elder daughter and she feels it is a 'real' camera given the adjustments available.

That said, I have a Panasonic pocket camera. The upgraded model does everything my bridge did. For a price of course.

I have a friend who has a Nikon bridge with which he takes frequent images of the Moon. I've discovered that when you've seen one, you've seen them all, but the rather impressive images were taken with what many seem to think of as 'only' a bridge.

[Simpo Two]

Derek Smith said:

...with which he takes frequent images of the Moon. I've discovered that when you've seen one, you've seen them all...

Photographing the moon is a useful technical exercise we should all try, but yes, once you've done it, move on - 'cos you won't find any new craters or little green men!