ZS50/TZ70 Likely a good fit more me?

[dnto]

Figure I'll make this all about me! so it doesn't stir things up too much that way Hopefully there will be others just like me so that you don't have to answer this a thousand (more) times.


I,m an outdoor enthusiast who also likes to take photos. I like manual controls, direct (not buried in menus) controls for everyday things like exposure lock, separate focus control if possible and want a diopter adjustable viewfinder. I use the wide end a lot so prefer wider than 28mm and close to 200mm at the tele end (but almost never shoot above 300mm now)


I often enjoy taking the photo more than looking at it after. If I do look at it, it will normally be on a small notebook computer or if a really good photo then on a hd tv. I don't bother to print photos out for whatever reason. I do almost no post processing and just use Lightroom for sorting and resizing/exporting.

I have the FZ200 which I like a lot but for me it's sometimes too big to carry like when I am skiing, mountain biking, carrying in a pocket on my motorcycle jacket, and other times too when a camera that size intimidates people. I have a cell phone camera for parties, etc.


So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera and the 4 sec max shutter speed. The 4 sec thing looks possible to work around ? using a cell phone wifi on/off while in the night portrait mode. Not sure if the colour saturation/sharpening levels menu will be changed or has a work around? And then I guess it's whether the lens, which will be the same, is likely to allow images good enough for my shooting and viewing situation?Maybe there are other things too i wouldn't like that I missed?


Anyway, what do you think for my photographing and viewing style? I'm in the middle of nowhere currently(beautiful Nelson, BC for skiing) so can't just try the ZS40/TZ60 image quality for an idea. Would especially love to hear from those who have shot with the ZS40/TZ60 or from anyone if they know of a camera that might suit my needs better.

 

[MarioV]

Figure I'll make this all about me! so it doesn't stir things up too much that way Hopefully there will be others just like me so that you don't have to answer this a thousand (more) times.

I,m an outdoor enthusiast who also likes to take photos. I like manual controls, direct (not buried in menus) controls for everyday things like exposure lock, separate focus control if possible and want a diopter adjustable viewfinder. I use the wide end a lot so prefer wider than 28mm and close to 200mm at the tele end (but almost never shoot above 300mm now)

I often enjoy taking the photo more than looking at it after. If I do look at it, it will normally be on a small notebook computer or if a really good photo then on a hd tv. I don't bother to print photos out for whatever reason. I do almost no post processing and just use Lightroom for sorting and resizing/exporting.

I have the FZ200 which I like a lot but for me it's sometimes too big to carry like when I am skiing, mountain biking, carrying in a pocket on my motorcycle jacket, and other times too when a camera that size intimidates people. I have a cell phone camera for parties, etc.

So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera and the 4 sec max shutter speed. The 4 sec thing looks possible to work around ? using a cell phone wifi on/off while in the night portrait mode. Not sure if the colour saturation/sharpening levels menu will be changed or has a work around? And then I guess it's whether the lens, which will be the same, is likely to allow images good enough for my shooting and viewing situation?Maybe there are other things too i wouldn't like that I missed?

Anyway, what do you think for my photographing and viewing style? I'm in the middle of nowhere currently(beautiful Nelson, BC for skiing) so can't just try the ZS40/TZ60 image quality for an idea. Would especially love to hear from those who have shot with the ZS40/TZ60 or from anyone if they know of a camera that might suit my needs better.

It sounds like you're after the successor to the Panasonic LF1, Olympus Stylus 1, Nikon P7800 or Canon G16. They are at 28mm wide. Hopefully something will be announced at CP+ in Japan, 12-15 Feb.

--

Have a shooting great day,
Mario
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/8024660727/albums
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario5200/

 

[Robbob67]

Figure I'll make this all about me! so it doesn't stir things up too much that way Hopefully there will be others just like me so that you don't have to answer this a thousand (more) times.

I,m an outdoor enthusiast who also likes to take photos. I like manual controls, direct (not buried in menus) controls for everyday things like exposure lock, separate focus control if possible and want a diopter adjustable viewfinder. I use the wide end a lot so prefer wider than 28mm and close to 200mm at the tele end (but almost never shoot above 300mm now)

I often enjoy taking the photo more than looking at it after. If I do look at it, it will normally be on a small notebook computer or if a really good photo then on a hd tv. I don't bother to print photos out for whatever reason. I do almost no post processing and just use Lightroom for sorting and resizing/exporting.

I have the FZ200 which I like a lot but for me it's sometimes too big to carry like when I am skiing, mountain biking, carrying in a pocket on my motorcycle jacket, and other times too when a camera that size intimidates people. I have a cell phone camera for parties, etc.

So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera and the 4 sec max shutter speed. The 4 sec thing looks possible to work around ? using a cell phone wifi on/off while in the night portrait mode. Not sure if the colour saturation/sharpening levels menu will be changed or has a work around? And then I guess it's whether the lens, which will be the same, is likely to allow images good enough for my shooting and viewing situation?Maybe there are other things too i wouldn't like that I missed?

Anyway, what do you think for my photographing and viewing style? I'm in the middle of nowhere currently(beautiful Nelson, BC for skiing) so can't just try the ZS40/TZ60 image quality for an idea. Would especially love to hear from those who have shot with the ZS40/TZ60 or from anyone if they know of a camera that might suit my needs better.

It sounds like you're after the successor to the Panasonic LF1, Olympus Stylus 1, Nikon P7800 or Canon G16. They are at 28mm wide. Hopefully something will be announced at CP+ in Japan, 12-15 Feb.

--

Have a shooting great day,
Mario
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/8024660727/albums
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario5200/

I am in virtually the same position as you, in the way I take and view my photos. I have paired the LF1 with my FZ200. I think it is a great little camera that almost covers the range you want. I chose the LF1 over the TZ60 for the brighter lens, but it is only 28mm at the wide end. I am hoping that the "LF2" will be announced soon, and will go to 24mm wide, and have a slightly upgraded EVF. I prefer to only shoot using the EVF, and I must admit, I find the LF1 a bit of a struggle in that respect, but otherwise a great camera.

 

[saudidave]

Hi

I've got a TZ60/ZS40, I've had and sold an LF1 and I also have an FZ200.

The TZ60 is an excellent camera, the IQ is fine, the EVF is perfectly useable and I wouldn't worry too much about the criticisms of reviewers who pixel peep. It's the best all rounder out there that has an EVF - a great camera. It also goes down to 24mm wide which is what you want and whilst you may not go beyond 300mm, at least you have the option if you want to.

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

You may well be advised to hang on for 2 or 3 months if you can - the TZ70 has just been announced and it has a vastly improved EVF and 12m pixels instead of 18m on the same size sensor, so the IQ may well be a little better.

Hope this helps

Dave

 

[Cyril Catt]

dnto wrote: Figure I'll make this all about me! so it doesn't stir things up too much that way Hopefully there will be others just like me so that you don't have to answer this a thousand (more) times.

I,m an outdoor enthusiast who also likes to take photos.

I like travelling, but at an age where I feel lucky to still be able to walk well, I spend a fair amount of time in museums, galleries, and interesting buildings.

I like manual controls, direct (not buried in menus) controls for everyday things like exposure lock, separate focus control if possible and want a diopter adjustable viewfinder. I use the wide end a lot so prefer wider than 28mm and close to 200mm at the tele end (but almost never shoot above 300mm now)

Same here, but to be ready for as many subjects as possible, prefer to have a pair of small cameras with complementary capabilities: currently an LX7 with 18mm accessory lens - for wider coverage of dim interiors - and a Casio ZR800 - general daytime shots, occasional 400mm+ subjects, and a number of eclectic capabilities - including wider time-lapse scope than the LX7's vestigial implementation. Two cameras also act as insurance against breakdowns, battery, or card failure JUST when the perfect subject appears. :-(

I often enjoy taking the photo more than looking at it after. If I do look at it, it will normally be on a small notebook computer or if a really good photo then on a hd tv. I don't bother to print photos out for whatever reason. I do almost no post processing and just use Lightroom for sorting and resizing/exporting.

I use photos as graphic notes; primarily view them on screens; do a little post on the best shots; and print even fewer - primarily for my family.

I have the FZ200 which I like a lot but for me it's sometimes too big to carry like when I am skiing, mountain biking, carrying in a pocket on my motorcycle jacket, and other times too when a camera that size intimidates people. I have a cell phone camera for parties, etc.

Living in Australia, my light clothing has few pockets. So I use a shoulder bag for all the stuff I need when leaving the house or travelling.

So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera and the 4 sec max shutter speed. The 4 sec thing looks possible to work around ? using a cell phone wifi on/off while in the night portrait mode. Not sure if the colour saturation/sharpening levels menu will be changed or has a work around? And then I guess it's whether the lens, which will be the same, is likely to allow images good enough for my shooting and viewing situation?Maybe there are other things too i wouldn't like that I missed?

I found a TZ60 a suitable complement to the LX7, with a range of capabilities that very adequately met MY needs, and became my go-to daytime camera - until it was stolen! :-( I will certainly be looking closely at the TZ70 as a replacement - though as I get to understand the Casio's versatility, its slightly smaller size does have an advantage.

Anyway, what do you think for my photographing and viewing style? I'm in the middle of nowhere currently(beautiful Nelson, BC for skiing) so can't just try the ZS40/TZ60 image quality for an idea. Would especially love to hear from those who have shot with the ZS40/TZ60 or from anyone if they know of a camera that might suit my needs better.

There's an album with a few TZ60 shots in my Gallery.

--
Cyril

 

[MarioV]

Hi

I've got a TZ60/ZS40, I've had and sold an LF1 and I also have an FZ200.

The TZ60 is an excellent camera, the IQ is fine, the EVF is perfectly useable and I wouldn't worry too much about the criticisms of reviewers who pixel peep. It's the best all rounder out there that has an EVF - a great camera. It also goes down to 24mm wide which is what you want and whilst you may not go beyond 300mm, at least you have the option if you want to.

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

You may well be advised to hang on for 2 or 3 months if you can - the TZ70 has just been announced and it has a vastly improved EVF and 12m pixels instead of 18m on the same size sensor, so the IQ may well be a little better.

Hope this helps

Dave

I think it comes down to what shooting conditions you are in, your tolerance to image quality and whether you like to zoom into an image to see all the detail you can.

A larger size sensor improves the signal to noise ratio. Here is a comparison. The ZS40 still doing a respectable job under the circumstances and can be cleaned up. These are at 100% of course, so it may not be of concern.

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

 

[MarioV]

Hi

I've got a TZ60/ZS40, I've had and sold an LF1 and I also have an FZ200.

The TZ60 is an excellent camera, the IQ is fine, the EVF is perfectly useable and I wouldn't worry too much about the criticisms of reviewers who pixel peep. It's the best all rounder out there that has an EVF - a great camera. It also goes down to 24mm wide which is what you want and whilst you may not go beyond 300mm, at least you have the option if you want to.

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

You may well be advised to hang on for 2 or 3 months if you can - the TZ70 has just been announced and it has a vastly improved EVF and 12m pixels instead of 18m on the same size sensor, so the IQ may well be a little better.

Hope this helps

Dave

I think it comes down to what shooting conditions you are in, your tolerance to image quality and whether you like to zoom into an image to see all the detail you can.

A larger size sensor improves the signal to noise ratio. Here is a comparison. The ZS40 still doing a respectable job under the circumstances and can be cleaned up. These are at 100% of course, so it may not be of concern.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ima...=1&x=-0.8908436724565756&y=0.1355352980620818

Just for fun.. 100% crops from processed raw files.

ZS40

LF1

--
Have a shooting great day,
Mario
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/8024660727/albums
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mario5200/

 

[kkardster]

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

Couple this with how you will be viewing your images and any IQ difference becomes a moot point. The ZS50 does promise lower noise than its predecessor, so that's a plus for waiting for the new model.

Take a look at the Casio ZR800 - there have been a couple regulars here who have added it to their arsenal with good results. It just might meet your needs as well.

 

[cainn24]

Take a look at the Casio ZR800 - there have been a couple regulars here who have added it to their arsenal with good results. It just might meet your needs as well.

I'd love to explore the little Casio universe but unfortunately I seem to have this horrible addiction to viewfinders. Even when they cloned the Stylus 1 (EX-100) they threw away the EVF. It's all so very tragic...

 

[kkardster]

Take a look at the Casio ZR800 - there have been a couple regulars here who have added it to their arsenal with good results. It just might meet your needs as well.

I'd love to explore the little Casio universe but unfortunately I seem to have this horrible addiction to viewfinders. Even when they cloned the Stylus 1 (EX-100) they threw away the EVF. It's all so very tragic...

I must admit I haven't looked at the Casio myself. I'm also a viewfinder addict and would pass on that omission alone, as usability i more important to me.

I guess it also misses the mark for the OP as well, as it obviously lacks the "diopter adjustable viewfinder". Sorry for the bum steer!

 

[danielsonkin]

I find my ZS40 works fine for my photography needs, mostly outdoor landscape, street and birding. I just prefer its form factor over the FZs. I think it's IQ also suits my needs although I know I can get better IQ with other models. That being said, I am going to be interested in the IQ of the 50 to see if they can squeeze a bit more detail out of the lower mp sensor in spite of using the same lens. I might also like the upgrade in the EVF resolution, but it won't be a deal-breaker for me. The ultimate question for me is the new sensor IQ. If there isn't any differnce, I'll stick with my 40 and continue to enjoy using it. BTW, I did consider the LF, but I wanted the longer reach because I enjoy birding a lot.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Daniel

 

[CoHiker]

Figure I'll make this all about me! so it doesn't stir things up too much that way Hopefully there will be others just like me so that you don't have to answer this a thousand (more) times.

I,m an outdoor enthusiast who also likes to take photos. I like manual controls, direct (not buried in menus) controls for everyday things like exposure lock, separate focus control if possible and want a diopter adjustable viewfinder. I use the wide end a lot so prefer wider than 28mm and close to 200mm at the tele end (but almost never shoot above 300mm now)

I often enjoy taking the photo more than looking at it after. If I do look at it, it will normally be on a small notebook computer or if a really good photo then on a hd tv. I don't bother to print photos out for whatever reason. I do almost no post processing and just use Lightroom for sorting and resizing/exporting.

I have the FZ200 which I like a lot but for me it's sometimes too big to carry like when I am skiing, mountain biking, carrying in a pocket on my motorcycle jacket, and other times too when a camera that size intimidates people. I have a cell phone camera for parties, etc.

So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera and the 4 sec max shutter speed. The 4 sec thing looks possible to work around ? using a cell phone wifi on/off while in the night portrait mode. Not sure if the colour saturation/sharpening levels menu will be changed or has a work around? And then I guess it's whether the lens, which will be the same, is likely to allow images good enough for my shooting and viewing situation?Maybe there are other things too i wouldn't like that I missed?

Anyway, what do you think for my photographing and viewing style? I'm in the middle of nowhere currently(beautiful Nelson, BC for skiing) so can't just try the ZS40/TZ60 image quality for an idea. Would especially love to hear from those who have shot with the ZS40/TZ60 or from anyone if they know of a camera that might suit my needs better.

I'm in a similar boat to you. I bought the ZS40 hoping to replace my Sony HX20V, which has a great form factor for outdoor activities, but has terrible image quality in anything but bright daylight. The ZS40 was slightly better in terms of IQ, but is still pretty abysmal when the ISO starts ramping up. I'd say ISO 400 already has significant detail loss (and I'm not talking about pixel peeping). That said, I'm confident that the ZS40 would produce better pictures than the HX20V, but if you want something that's going to consistently produce nice images you need to look elsewhere; the ZS40 will do well in bright daylight conditions, but in anything else the images will suffer.

The manual controls are subpar at best. Manual focus on the ZS40 is terribly implemented. Don't bother using it. The UI is quite slow relative to even the HX20V. Overall, there are more "manual" controls, but they will leave you wanting more if you are comfortable with other cameras like the FZ200.

Don't get me wrong, the ZS40 isn't a bad camera. I would even agree with the "pro" reviewers: the ZS40 is the best in its class. But there are better options out there if you want nice images, and are willing to compromise a bit on the zoom.

I wound up returning my ZS40 and traded up to the GM5. Totally different camera, and different system, but still compact and allows me to play outdoors but still retain a decent amount of zoom when needed.

 

[kkardster]

I'm in a similar boat to you. I bought the ZS40 hoping to replace my Sony HX20V, which has a great form factor for outdoor activities, but has terrible image quality in anything but bright daylight. The ZS40 was slightly better in terms of IQ, but is still pretty abysmal when the ISO starts ramping up. I'd say ISO 400 already has significant detail loss (and I'm not talking about pixel peeping). That said, I'm confident that the ZS40 would produce better pictures than the HX20V, but if you want something that's going to consistently produce nice images you need to look elsewhere; the ZS40 will do well in bright daylight conditions, but in anything else the images will suffer.

You've done a good job describing why the OP is interested in something other than the ZS40 and is looking at the ZS50 instead . The ZS50 promises a 1-stop improvement over the ZS40, but at a 50% MP reduction - which for some may negate that 1-stop advantage.

 

[CoHiker]

I'm in a similar boat to you. I bought the ZS40 hoping to replace my Sony HX20V, which has a great form factor for outdoor activities, but has terrible image quality in anything but bright daylight. The ZS40 was slightly better in terms of IQ, but is still pretty abysmal when the ISO starts ramping up. I'd say ISO 400 already has significant detail loss (and I'm not talking about pixel peeping). That said, I'm confident that the ZS40 would produce better pictures than the HX20V, but if you want something that's going to consistently produce nice images you need to look elsewhere; the ZS40 will do well in bright daylight conditions, but in anything else the images will suffer.

You've done a good job describing why the OP is interested in something other than the ZS40 and is looking at the ZS50 instead . The ZS50 promises a 1-stop improvement over the ZS40, but at a 50% MP reduction - which for some may negate that 1-stop advantage.

 

[Dan W258995]

Yes, the LF1 is a great little camera. It has a bright lens and a good sensor. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued, at least at B&H and Adorama. Hopefully, that means a successor will be released soon.

DW

 

[David Wyman]

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

It's not just the brighter lens. It's the sensor size difference. Looking at the sample photos from the link posted by MarioV below, the LF1 clearly bests the ZS50 when it comes to noise.

 

[cainn24]

So I read some of the initial negative user reviews of the ZS40\TZZ60 but also saw that it is still recommended by different 'pro' reviewers?The negative things I read are the lens and its image quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera...

In my opinion the TZ60 is a great little pocket wildlife camera. Sure, it has some significant weaknesses that you need to work around but with a little effort, and some perseverance, you can get some great results. Here are a few images that I consider to be pretty decent given what we have to work with (click on "original size" for best results):

In the end it's a tool that can get the job done. And it's really the only tool that can if you want this sort of reach in a pocket with an EVF.

 

[PC Wheeler]

cainn24 wrote:quality, colour saturation/sharpening levels not being easily adjustable in camera...

In my opinion the TZ60 is a great little pocket wildlife camera. Sure, it has some significant weaknesses that you need to work around but with a little effort, and some perseverance, you can get some great results. Here are a few images that I consider to be pretty decent given what we have to work with (click on "original size" for best results):

This one looks like he was "caught in the act" of something. Nice shots

--
Phil

 

[saudidave]

The LF1 has a brighter lens but it tails off rapidly as you zoom and in the real world the IQ difference between it and the TZ60 is so marginal as to be of no consequence. I've done lots of comparisons so I say so with confidence.

It's not just the brighter lens. It's the sensor size difference. Looking at the sample photos from the link posted by MarioV below, the LF1 clearly bests the ZS50 when it comes to noise.

 

[danielsonkin]

Excellent shot! Thanks for sharing.

Daniel