FZ10 upgrade to FZ30?

I have read the extensive comments on this question in the February thread, but none of them really answered the particular question that interests me. Namely, image quality. I use my FZ10 almost exclusively outside in reasonable lighting conditions to record detail in difficult-to-access cliffs. If I can't use ISO 50 or 100 then I wait for better weather. The FZ10's combination of low weight, long zoom combined with staibilisation, and ease of use make it the best camera I have yet seen for this type of work. I can stand awkwardly balanced on steep slopes and still get a sharp, more-or-less parallax-free picture of distant cliffs that can be used to make relatively accurate measurements. When I was using a Nikon+Velvia I needed a bag of lenses, a tripod, a lot more money, and could rarely shoot from the best viewing places. Hence, I am not particularly interested in the improved ergonomics of the FZ30, nor bothered by noise. What does interest me is the image quality. Simply put, I would like to be able to see more detaill in the pictures. 8MP sounds as if it should be a big improvement on 4MP, but neither the reviewers nor many of those on this forum seem to have given image quality as a reason to upgrade. Any advice/comments gratefully received.

PS I have considered buying a D70S to make use of the Nikon lenses I already have, but the thought of lugging all that wieght around and then trying to set up a tripod on a 45degree slope does not appeal.

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'Happy Shootin'



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I'm sitting here right now, with a perfectly good FZ10, thats suits me just fine. The problem is, I "want" to buy a new camera, but just can not figure out a good reason to get one.

I'm thinking about a FZ30 or FZ7, but can not force myself to spend the money yet, without a good reason.

I upgraded from FZ10 to Fz30. The difference in image quality is immediately noticeable. IQ is diificult to quantify, but once I used the FZ30, I never ever used the FZ10 again.
FZ30 sample below.



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Kevin Coppalotti
http://razorsharp.smugmug.com

Sorry image samole below



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Kevin Coppalotti
http://razorsharp.smugmug.com

Your first sentence sounds like I wrote it. With minor exceptions, I couldn't be happier with anything other than my FZ10. However, people with the FZ30 have raved so much about it that I must admit It's been hard to not go for it myself. This late in the game however, I plan on toughing it out long enough to see what the next generation may bring. Who knows, Panasonic might release one qualified for HR from Simon.

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Cheers, Gene (The one in Oregon)

Oly D-450 Z - DMC FZ1v2 - FZ10

FZ30 is great with flash and sunshine..
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If I have uploaded an image don't hesitate to de-noise it, correct the WB, clone out dust and dead pixels, saturation, USM, resize, print and send me the result..
Also advice and criticise.
Try this Forum FZ30 only http://www.fz30focus.com join up..

Kind Rgds

Heath

FZ30 is so addictive.
I'm heading for an early divorce.
The wife: 'either it goes or I do!' ----------- The hubby:'TAXI'!!
(The Amateur amateur in training)
FZ30
S7000(in sons hands now)
Tcon17
Raynox DCR 150 & DCR 250
Nikon SB24+omnibounce
Tripod
CamCane

FZ10 to FZ30, one step. Big improvement. I was happy w/the FZ10 compared to my 2 MP FZ1, the FZ30 is even better. My tests, and more official tests, show that not only does it have more MP but the lens is sharper as well, so you get the best of everything. I also have a Canon 350 w/some really sharp primes, a Oly C-8080, one of the sharpest camera's ever, and I'm not afraid the leave them at home and only take the FZ30. You know how it goes - the camera that's just a littel behind gets left behind. Recently it's been the C-8080 that gets left behind.

If detail is you're concern, go for it!

If you're doing a lot of full zoom stuff, you'll miss the ƒ2.8 (on the FZ30).

8^}

I have the FZ10 and was thinking about upgrading to the FZ30, however I do think I will miss the F2.8 at the high end of the zoom. Looking at the review of the FZ30 here it says the sharpness increase from the FZ20 to the FZ30 is not much. Now I am thinking maybe I should pick up an FZ20, can get a decent deal now that it is not the current model.

I went from the FZ15 to the 30 and have not regretted it for a minute. Much higher detail in good light and noise has not been an issue for me.

1.) Remember that he said he only took pictures in bright light at ISO 80. Lens speed isn't an issue. I try to reply in the context of the original question : )

2.) The FZ30 had something like the highest resolution ever tested for a prosumer camera on this web site. It spanked the Sony, Oly, Nikon, Minolta, etc. Considering it has the widest zoom range that's very impressive.

What the test's don't show is that it has an even bigger improrvement in the corners. The diagonal resolution almost improved by almost 2:1 over the FZ20! That's amazing. Usually a 10-20% improvement is nice - but an 80% improvement?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz30/page15.asp

3.) I would consider the FZ30 a worthwhile improvement just for the ergonomics alone.

http://www.onlinephotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=43297.0

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http://www.fototime.com/ {82B1769B-41EC-4681-9475-1AB7968FF96A} picture.JPG
MSGT JIMMIE BURTON USAF RETIRED 1983
Private Pilot & RC Nut
Panasonic ... FZ30
B300, A200, TCON14, C-180, C210
Tokina 3x piece of Junk!
If they make it I stack it.
Epson 750Z - Old Faithful Wifey's

http://www.angelfire.com/ar/thecameranutjwb/ Stacked Lens Examples
http://www.onlinephotographers.com/yabbse/index.php My Main Hangout... ;o)