Panasonic over any DSLRs

BobT · Sep 10, 2004

Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

SheltieDog · Sep 10, 2004

Which DSLR did you swap the FZ10 for? Are you happy with it?

I am trying to decide now whether to get a camera like the FZ20/FZ15/DX7590, or just spend the bucks for a DSLR.

BobT said:
BobT wrote:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

BobT · Sep 10, 2004

The Canon Digital Rebel.

SheltieDog said:
I am trying to decide now whether to get a camera like the
FZ20/FZ15/DX7590, or just spend the bucks for a DSLR.

SheltieDog said:

BobT wrote:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

Click to expand...

slowhands214238 · Sep 10, 2004

I haven't switched, but I did have an opportunity to shoot a nikon d70 with a nikkor fixed f4 300mm IS lens mounted on it... side by side with my FZ10 for a couple hours at the Cincinnati Zoo (Dad's day weekend / Nikon days)

IMHO - there's no no "perfect camera" for everything. At the time, I was trying to compare the d70 to what I could do with the FZ10, not the other way around. Some shots were trash from both cameras. Others I liked from one camera...or the other. I'm sure experience/familiarity with the dSLR would have leveled the comparison...or skewed it %^) The d70+lens was heavy!

A co-worker shoots the Canon dRebel, and we compare shots. We've both shot the city night skyline across the Ohio river from the same park, but when he saw how the zoom reach of the FZ10 got the sign on a building tack sharp zero noise across the mile-wide Ohio river, he was blown away... of course I was shooting ISO 50 image stabilization off from a rock solid tripod. manually focused with a 2-3 second exposure to get the results.

If I look for my photography to start paying for more toys, I may opt for a dSLR soon... but the FZ10 will still be in my car around town, or backpack in the woods. It's a darn good fun capabile camera in a managable size package.

Bejersey · Sep 10, 2004

me

I had a D70, super camera. Not a brand issue, just didn't want to schlep lens around.

BobT said:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

SheltieDog · Sep 10, 2004

I used to own a Digital Rebel. It took very nice photos! But then I sold it to purchase a Kodak DX6490, because I didn't like the weight of the Digital Rebel + kit lens, plus 2 extra lens', filters, etc. I was also worried about the "dust issue" when changing lens's.

But since then I have sold the DX6490, and am looking for my next digital camera. I am just not sure if it should be a camera such as the FZ20/FZ15, or maybe the new Kodak DX7590, and maybe I should look at a DSLR again. (As digital "point and shoot" camera's seem to disappoint me.)

BobT said:
BobT wrote:
The Canon Digital Rebel.

thw · Sep 10, 2004

Digital SLRs are indeed too bulky to carry around and the compact point and shoot cameras don't always produce the best images. I think the best solution to this dilemma is to get 2 compact p&s. Each p&s camera can cope with a specific situation. I'll give some examples:

i) Panasonic FZ10: good image quality in broad daylight, excellent zoom and IS but noisy and the usual PF, no IR capabilities

ii) Canon G6: excellent image quality in daylight and night, but not enough zoom, no IR capabilities

iii) Sony V1: excellent image quality in daylight and night, IR capable, but not enough zoom and terrible battery life

I don't think the ideal camera is yet to be built.

SirSeth · Sep 10, 2004

OptioX, FZ15, and KM D7D grin They are the prefect "camera" for what I like to do: A. Keep a pocketable swivel cam around for candids. B. Use a superzoom for newspaper/yearbook and backpacking. C. Will be mounting my Maxxum lenses on the D7D for more serious art.

Bottom line is, having a DSLR and a little prosumer is the way to go. The FZ3 would be the perfect value to offset the DSLR. (I've been using my FZ2 for all around and my Maxxum 7 Film for serious fun). I'll probably get an ultra compact to "wear" the rest of the time.

Money dictates the answer to this question in this thread. If you can only afford one camera, and are not shooting for a job, a prosumer is hands down the best value--and the FZs are top contenders for sure. Beyond that, it's priorities and preference. FZ15 will totally do it for me until I can afford a DSLR, and I won't be selling the FZ.

Cheers, Seth

--
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

banderson317 · Sep 10, 2004

BobT said:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

I'm wondering the same exact thing. In my case I'm wondering if I should opt for a dSLR instead of an FZ camera. I've been reading the Panasonic boards for months now and really want to get a digital camera so I can do much more experimentation with the manual modes. Much better than shooting a roll of film, waiting for the pictures to come back and then trying to remember the settings I used for each picture.

Anyways, I first wanted something I could use in manual mode, with long zoom and fairly light weight. I'm sort of tired of carrying around a camera bag and everything else that goes along with being a dad BUT still want quality pictures. I also don't want to spend over a $1000 for a camera with the thought of buying more and more lenses in the future.

Then I got some good advice that really made be think - thanks Lin

. I could buy a used dSLR camera for about the same $$$ as a new FZ20 and get much better pictures with greater flexability to get those shots I just couldn't get with the FZ20. But now I back to wanting more lenses and a heavy camera bag.

Now I'm thinking I should get a good digicam like a FZxx to improve my picture taking. Its still fairly lightweight with a great zoom and lens. If I truely get the photobug, I can still buy a new or used dSLR at a later time and keep the digicam for those times when I want to pack a smaller camera and still get quality photos.

How does that sound. I'm practicing on you guys before I approach the wife with the "master plan".

Brian

Jim Scarff · Sep 10, 2004

I just sold my FZ10 (to my sister) to get an FZ20. I also had a Canon 10D and a Digital Rebel.

The great thing about the FZ10 is the fact that it is so light and small, there is very little reason no to have it with you. Thus, when you get an opportunity for a great shot, at least you have your camera.

I use my DSLRs mainly for wildlife photography with a 100-400 IS lens. This gives me longer reach than the FZ10 and a bigger file I can crop, plus the ability to shoot noise-free at 400 ISO. On the other hand it weighs 6X as much and cost 5X as much as well.

Plus I like the movie feature on the FZ10. It may be a bit corny, but its better than nothing.

On the DSLR, I like the optical viewfinder much better, and the quick start-up times. However, changing lenses to get wide angle was a real pain (I was using a 17-40L).

Kylie252326 · Sep 10, 2004

I personally think that most of like the idea of having two cameras - one for carrying all the time, and one for when you know you are doing a "serious" shoot. If you can afford it, I say go for it!!!

banderson317 said:
BobT said:

Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

Click to expand...

I'm wondering the same exact thing. In my case I'm wondering if I
should opt for a dSLR instead of an FZ camera. I've been reading
the Panasonic boards for months now and really want to get a
digital camera so I can do much more experimentation with the
manual modes. Much better than shooting a roll of film, waiting
for the pictures to come back and then trying to remember the
settings I used for each picture.

Anyways, I first wanted something I could use in manual mode, with
long zoom and fairly light weight. I'm sort of tired of carrying
around a camera bag and everything else that goes along with being
a dad BUT still want quality pictures. I also don't want to spend
over a $1000 for a camera with the thought of buying more and more
lenses in the future.

Then I got some good advice that really made be think - thanks Lin
. I could buy a used dSLR camera for about the same $$$ as a new
FZ20 and get much better pictures with greater flexability to get
those shots I just couldn't get with the FZ20. But now I back to
wanting more lenses and a heavy camera bag.

Now I'm thinking I should get a good digicam like a FZxx to improve
my picture taking. Its still fairly lightweight with a great zoom
and lens. If I truely get the photobug, I can still buy a new or
used dSLR at a later time and keep the digicam for those times when
I want to pack a smaller camera and still get quality photos.

How does that sound. I'm practicing on you guys before I approach
the wife with the "master plan".

Brian

Jerry Johnson197351 · Sep 10, 2004

I think your plan of getting a good digicam like a FZxx to improve your picture taking is a good idea. While you CAN spend about the same amount as a new FZ20 on a used dSLR, I don't know that you really would.

I'm fairly new to more "serious" photography and have actually done the opposite. I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel about a year ago for around $800. Over the next 6 months I ended up purchasing 4 more lenses...fast indoor lens, longish zoom, IS lens, etc. Even though I bought some used and shopped around, I still ended up with about $1800 invested...and I didn't come close to f/2.8 at over 400mm.

While I really loved the camera, and it took fantastic pictures, I just didn't take it everywhere I would have liked to because it was too much to carry. So I've sold everything and ordered an FZ15...it should take care of the vast majority of shots I'll take...and even though it isn't much smaller than a dSLR, I don't have to take the additional lenses with me...and I'll still have over $1000 to spare.

--Jerry

banderson317 said:
BobT said:

Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

Click to expand...

I'm wondering the same exact thing. In my case I'm wondering if I
should opt for a dSLR instead of an FZ camera. I've been reading
the Panasonic boards for months now and really want to get a
digital camera so I can do much more experimentation with the
manual modes. Much better than shooting a roll of film, waiting
for the pictures to come back and then trying to remember the
settings I used for each picture.

Anyways, I first wanted something I could use in manual mode, with
long zoom and fairly light weight. I'm sort of tired of carrying
around a camera bag and everything else that goes along with being
a dad BUT still want quality pictures. I also don't want to spend
over a $1000 for a camera with the thought of buying more and more
lenses in the future.

Then I got some good advice that really made be think - thanks Lin
. I could buy a used dSLR camera for about the same $$$ as a new
FZ20 and get much better pictures with greater flexability to get
those shots I just couldn't get with the FZ20. But now I back to
wanting more lenses and a heavy camera bag.

Now I'm thinking I should get a good digicam like a FZxx to improve
my picture taking. Its still fairly lightweight with a great zoom
and lens. If I truely get the photobug, I can still buy a new or
used dSLR at a later time and keep the digicam for those times when
I want to pack a smaller camera and still get quality photos.

How does that sound. I'm practicing on you guys before I approach
the wife with the "master plan".

Brian

banderson317 · Sep 10, 2004

Kylie said:
I personally think that most of like the idea of having two cameras

one for carrying all the time, and one for when you know you are

doing a "serious" shoot. If you can afford it, I say go for it!!!

Kylie -

First of all, nice to see you back. Who should have to "research" everything before they post. You were simply giving your opinion and so what the website didn't work one minute and then it did the next. Anyways, nice to have you back.

I see you went ahead and bought the Kodak. It sure has a lot of pre-programmed modes. Does it have a manual mode - I can't remember. Why not the Panasonic in the end?

Anyways, I'm thinking you're right about two cameras. Start slow, practice and if you get hooked, buy a dSLR. Then keep the digicam for quality shots at the fair, the kids school BBQ, walking the dog at the park and so on. Besides, just think what kind of dSLR we can get 3-4 years from now. (12MP for less than $600) The used market should be incredible.

Have a good one.

Brian

banderson317 · Sep 10, 2004

Jerry,

Thanks for your comments. Why did you opt for the FZ15 and not the FZ20?

Brian

Jerry Johnson said:
I'm fairly new to more "serious" photography and have actually done
the opposite. I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel about a year ago
for around $800. Over the next 6 months I ended up purchasing 4
more lenses...fast indoor lens, longish zoom, IS lens, etc. Even
though I bought some used and shopped around, I still ended up with
about $1800 invested...and I didn't come close to f/2.8 at over
400mm.

While I really loved the camera, and it took fantastic pictures, I
just didn't take it everywhere I would have liked to because it was
too much to carry. So I've sold everything and ordered an
FZ15...it should take care of the vast majority of shots I'll
take...and even though it isn't much smaller than a dSLR, I don't
have to take the additional lenses with me...and I'll still have
over $1000 to spare.

--Jerry

banderson317 said:

BobT said:

Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

Click to expand...

I'm wondering the same exact thing. In my case I'm wondering if I
should opt for a dSLR instead of an FZ camera. I've been reading
the Panasonic boards for months now and really want to get a
digital camera so I can do much more experimentation with the
manual modes. Much better than shooting a roll of film, waiting
for the pictures to come back and then trying to remember the
settings I used for each picture.

Anyways, I first wanted something I could use in manual mode, with
long zoom and fairly light weight. I'm sort of tired of carrying
around a camera bag and everything else that goes along with being
a dad BUT still want quality pictures. I also don't want to spend
over a $1000 for a camera with the thought of buying more and more
lenses in the future.

Then I got some good advice that really made be think - thanks Lin
. I could buy a used dSLR camera for about the same $$$ as a new
FZ20 and get much better pictures with greater flexability to get
those shots I just couldn't get with the FZ20. But now I back to
wanting more lenses and a heavy camera bag.

Now I'm thinking I should get a good digicam like a FZxx to improve
my picture taking. Its still fairly lightweight with a great zoom
and lens. If I truely get the photobug, I can still buy a new or
used dSLR at a later time and keep the digicam for those times when
I want to pack a smaller camera and still get quality photos.

How does that sound. I'm practicing on you guys before I approach
the wife with the "master plan".

Brian

Click to expand...

David B. · Sep 10, 2004

My first digital was Kodak's DC120 back in '97. My first "serious" digital was Sony's D700. The next was Minolta's Dimage 7i. Hated the EVF, so I went to the Fuji S1. Lousy AF accuracy, tried the S2. Much better, but thought I needed better shot-to-shot times and framing rate, so I bought Canon's 1D Mark I. Dynamite camera, but overkill.

So now I'm back to the ZLR digitals. My FZ20 should arrive Tues. next week. Selling points (in no particular order):

Lens
Lens speed
IS
Familiar shape
3x Mag. for manual focus
1/250 flash sync
Live histogram
Hot Shoe

For what I want to do, and the samples I've seen, to paraphrase Farmer Hoggett: It'll do.

David B.

BobT said:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

Godfrey · Sep 10, 2004

No one camera is perfect for all uses.

I have a full Canon 10D kit (body and 7 pro-quality lenses, accessories, blah blah), the Panasonic FZ10 kit and a Sony DSC-U60. The FZ10 is good enough that I use it the most and get a lot of good results with it, but the Canon is capable at doing things that are very difficult to impossible with the FZ10, and the Sony fits in my pocket and can take pictures even underwater.

From my perspective, a good DSLR kit is a $3500-6000 investment (body and lenses, batteries, memory, etc). An FZ10 plus a couple of 512M memory cards and batteries is less than $1000 and can do about 85% of what the DSLR can do, and it's a heck of a lot less equipment to tote around. That's a good enough trade off for many people.

Godfrey

BobT said:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

SirSeth · Sep 10, 2004

Hey,

I think your master plan is spot on. This month at Photokina, DSLR options are going to nearly double. Also, it seems that price and technology are going opposite directions fast--better cameras for cheaper every 6 months. If you spend less than 800.00 on a FZ setup now, it will give you miles of room to grow with, and will be easier on the buget in the long run (because better used DSLRs will be on the cheap in more abundant quantities). Besides, the FZs take plenty good enough pictures to convince your wife that your photo talent deserves more equipment. grin

Why I'm going for the FZ15 over the FZ20... in the linked post below:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=10207618

Cheers, Seth
--
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

MisterKing · Sep 11, 2004

Hello All,

Here's my two cents...

I've had an FZ-10 since April, and have been quite happy with it. I came from the world of 35mm (mostly used a Nikon 8008). I generally shoot in manual mode (seems like I always like to stop things down a little vs. where Auto Exposure likes to put things).

Recently found a good independent pro-sumer photo lab in the neighborhood, and am happy to report that a full-frame 11x14 print shows no digital distortion upon up-close naked eye inspection.

Purple fringing is occasionally an issue, esp. at full zoom, but otherwise not a major problem.

It's my opinion that the FZxx is more than enough camera for the serious pro-sumer. Having said that, I look forward to upgrading to a digital SLR. One of my only complaints with the camera is that tweaking exposure in full Manual Mode is a bit cumbersome when in a fast-changing light situation. Also: The EVF is so small to be almost unusable. And I don't use it.

If this camera had some kind of quick-dial for exposure time, I wouldn't even be thinking about upgrading. I've been very pleased!

Almost all of the photographs on my website were taken with the FZ-10. Have a look if you get a chance:

http://www.king23.com

And thanks to this forum for all the good info. It's what made me decide on the FZ-10 in the first place.

Godspeed,
Mr. King

banderson317 said:
BobT said:

Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.

Click to expand...

I'm wondering the same exact thing. In my case I'm wondering if I
should opt for a dSLR instead of an FZ camera. I've been reading
the Panasonic boards for months now and really want to get a
digital camera so I can do much more experimentation with the
manual modes. Much better than shooting a roll of film, waiting
for the pictures to come back and then trying to remember the
settings I used for each picture.

Anyways, I first wanted something I could use in manual mode, with
long zoom and fairly light weight. I'm sort of tired of carrying
around a camera bag and everything else that goes along with being
a dad BUT still want quality pictures. I also don't want to spend
over a $1000 for a camera with the thought of buying more and more
lenses in the future.

Then I got some good advice that really made be think - thanks Lin
. I could buy a used dSLR camera for about the same $$$ as a new
FZ20 and get much better pictures with greater flexability to get
those shots I just couldn't get with the FZ20. But now I back to
wanting more lenses and a heavy camera bag.

Now I'm thinking I should get a good digicam like a FZxx to improve
my picture taking. Its still fairly lightweight with a great zoom
and lens. If I truely get the photobug, I can still buy a new or
used dSLR at a later time and keep the digicam for those times when
I want to pack a smaller camera and still get quality photos.

How does that sound. I'm practicing on you guys before I approach
the wife with the "master plan".

Brian

thw · Sep 11, 2004

have the same problem. It's really simple. Turn down the auto-exposure setting (I suppose this is possible with the FZ10) and use aperture priority. So, all you need to choose in future is just the aperture size.

Barry Kernerman · Sep 11, 2004

I would think that would depend upon your requirements. The FZ10/20 are not everything to everone as a dSLR might be - assuming that you have an assortment of lenses for it. I can't see how they could possibly replace a dSLR though, considering their limitations for all-round shooting.

On the other hand, I know there are more than a few Pros that own them for use in certain shooting situations. I doubt if many of them would ever admit it publicly though.
Barry

BobT said:
Has anyone here actually opted for one of the Panasonic longer
ranged zooms(ie. FZ10)over any DSLR cameras? I'm refering to your
using the digicam instead of the DSLR.
I had a FZ10 several months ago, and swaped it for a DSLR. Not
sure that I did the right thing.
Made the trade-off due to the purple fringing and lag time.
Thanks for your comments.

Panasonic over any DSLRs

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