Just can't do it (FZ30 -> DSLR)

Unda Covalava · Mar 28, 2006

I just can't get myself to get a DSLR. I have the money set aside (yet again) but just can't pull the trigger. On my last trip, the FZ30 performed admirably. I used the full 35-420mm of zoom, macro, all the ISOs, and the O.I.S. I even took some movie clips and used an external flash.

I want a DSLR for more useable high iso, shallow depth of field portraits, and more dynamic range. I can't afford to have both, so if I get a DSLR I'd have to give up the FZ30. That's the sticking point. At this point, I just can't give up the 30 and all that it offers in one package.

Anyone own both the FZ30 and a DSLR? Which do you use when, and when you travel, what do you take?

D50 · Mar 28, 2006

D50 for low light pics and landscape pics
fz20 for zoo and day sports
fz5 for nba games

if you get a dslr it will cost more to replace the fz30's lens than you can sell the fz30 for so plan on keeping it or waiting

sigma makes a 70-300 lens that's supposed to be good in good light but may not AF as fast as the fz30 for BIFs or sports

--
Thanks

Randy

http://randyr.smugmug.com/

Barry Fitzgerald · Mar 28, 2006

I gave up my fz-5 for a KM-5D...

Sure I miss it, but the picture quality leaves it in the dust...no more dodgy metering, no more blown highlights, or af problems..

the FZ-5 is a fine camera..but I am glad I made the move

Skyrat1 · Mar 28, 2006

I don't have the FZ30, but I do have the FZ20. Also had to have a DSLR, so got the 5D. Love both cameras - but if I could only have one, it would be the FZ20. I carry both with me all the time. They each have their pluses and minuses - but when it comes to wanting to make sure the picture I get on the fly turn out, it's the FZ20 I use.
--
http://www.picturetrail.com/skyrat1

Robiro · Mar 28, 2006

If you just can't do it, then don't do it...

How simple.

D50 · Mar 28, 2006

think about 10 yrs from now when the kids are grown and looking back on this decision...plus u owe it to yourself...u only live once
wheww, that's it for me

--
Thanks

Randy

http://randyr.smugmug.com/

seiko4pulsar · Mar 28, 2006

I think that having both is possible.

You could look for a secondhand dslr like a canon d30 or d60 with a 50mm 1,8 lens. It's not that expensive, and you wouldn't have to give up your FZ30. (A d30 with 50mm 1,8 lens should be possible for less than 350 euros)

I wouldn't give up the FZ30 if you're that happy with it. A dslr with the same versatility in lenses is just too expensive and big to carry around all the time.

--

'Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better' - Andre Gide

sunblizzard332075 · Mar 28, 2006

I have purchased 2 dslr's and returned them both because I don't care to spend the $$$$ to get a lens that I like as well as my fz20. I've pretty much decided that I'm just not aggressive enough to go the dslr route. Rather I just see too many variables involved and my '20 serves MOST of my needs.

I'm seriously considering th tz1, however, because it's so small and has 10X zoom ..........

Considering I already have 6 digicams, what the heck am I still shopping for

genece · Mar 28, 2006

I have a FZ20 ...FZ30 and a D50.....and for only $1500.00 more than I have already spent, (a 80 to 400mm VR lens) I will be able to do anything the FZ30 can do, with the D50...I will even be able to do it better, but not more conveniently or less expensively.

After seeing first hand the differences .....Perhaps a larger more expensive FZ camera, would not seem to be a bad Idea.....if they could just give a clean, higher ISO.

But I can not see giving up my FZ30 unless it would be, for perhaps a FZ40.

--
.

------------------------------------------------------------
Gene
From Western PA.

Panasonic FZ 20 and FZ30

D50 and lenses.

http://imageevent.com/grc6

Just trying to learn and it's slow going!

Rossuziers · Mar 28, 2006

Unda Covalava said:
I have the money set aside
(yet again) but just can't pull the trigger.
I can't afford to have both, so if I get a DSLR I'd have to give up the FZ30.
That's the sticking point.

Ya got some contradictions...

If you already have the cash saved for the Dslr {yet again} then why can'y you keep both??? Evidently you can if the money's already saved & you still have the Fz30... Is there some self-imposed monetary figure you've set that your camera gear can't excceed??
--

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin'

* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz * EffZeeThreeZero / CeeEightZeroEightZeroDoubleUZee / CeeTwoOneZeroZeroUZee / EOneHuderedAreEss

wymjym · Mar 28, 2006

I have the FZ30 and a KM5D.

Love the FZ30 for all the reasons of others, dislike it for several reasons. That dislike was my impetuous to purchase the 5D.

Along with the 5D I have a selection of low~mid grade lens (in the 2~5 hundred dollar range).

I could go on and on but to answer your question.....if I had to only have one camera and my shooting style and interest had not changed...the FZ30 would be the keeper.
wj

--
Xg-5D-FZ30-C770

Ron in BC · Mar 28, 2006

I bought a dslr, (Canon 10D), first. Got tired of packing around all the camera and lenses. Got tired of cleaning the sensor. It has had trouble focusing since new and Canon wants big bucks to calibrate it. It now hangs on the wall in a back pack along with several lenses! Bought the FZ-30 and for me it is great! With 420mm it is only ounces in my hand not 7 pounds with a 300mm lens on the dslr. I've owned many cameras over the last 50 odd years and the FZ-30 works for me.

Ron

B_Algood · Mar 28, 2006

I have them both, Rebel XT.. FZ30, the dslr for low light, fast action shots, the Fz30 for evrything else, you only go around once, get the Dslr and keep the FZ...Bill~
--
'Always be good' * Current camera and lens set-up in profile...

Gallery: http://doogla.smugmug.com/

KateRK · Mar 28, 2006

I own an FZ20 and a KM5D. I bought the DSLR to fill in for the gaps that the FZ series of cameras have, just as you stated. Low light, low noise, high ISO, better IQ. I make no attempt to "replace" the capabilities of the FZ20 in the KM5D. The long zoom, EVF, F2.8 throughout the range would cost a fortune in a DSLR if it could be found. Instead, I use the FZ20 for its strengths and the 5D for that camera's strengths. In addition, each is a backup camera for the other, should one have a problem on a trip.

Just my own opinion but I think a DSLR would be more affordable if you just bought one or two lenses, a medium zoom and a wide angle, instead of trying to replicate the FZ's capabilities in the DSLR.

-- Kate

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.
-- Edward W. Bok

Steve82 · Mar 28, 2006

Randy, What's up with the name change?

rondeann · Mar 28, 2006

Pentax *ist DL + Pentax DA 18-55mm + Pentax DA 50-200mm = $680 for low light and action (very compact package with 27mm-300mm effective coverage and 200-3200 ISO)).
Kept FZ10 for travel.

Waiting to trade both in on an EVIL(electronic viewfinder interchangable lens) camera if they ever make one that does the job as well as this combination.

LaRee · Mar 28, 2006

Rossuziers said:
Unda Covalava said:

I have the money set aside
(yet again) but just can't pull the trigger.
I can't afford to have both, so if I get a DSLR I'd have to give up the FZ30.
That's the sticking point.

Click to expand...

Ya got some contradictions...
If you already have the cash saved for the Dslr {yet again} then
why can'y you keep both??? Evidently you can if the money's already
saved & you still have the Fz30... Is there some self-imposed
monetary figure you've set that your camera gear can't excceed??
--
The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin'

*
[email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz * EffZeeThreeZero /
CeeEightZeroEightZeroDoubleUZee / CeeTwoOneZeroZeroUZee /
EOneHuderedAreEss

--
~~LaRee~~

D50 · Mar 28, 2006

banned...just time for a chg
--
Thanks

Randy

http://randyr.smugmug.com/

Unda Covalava · Mar 28, 2006

It would seem so. However, it's easy to save up for a camera + kit lens and something different to save up for an entire system. Any camera sold would be used to finance a nice lens. None of this takes into account the lens buying that will surely ensue.

Rossuziers said:
If you already have the cash saved for the Dslr {yet again} then
why can'y you keep both??? Evidently you can if the money's already
saved & you still have the Fz30... Is there some self-imposed
monetary figure you've set that your camera gear can't excceed??
--
The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin'

Unda Covalava · Mar 28, 2006

It's hard to rationalize your way out of the 'only live once' thought process. Ultimately, you're right. Thanks.

D50 said:
think about 10 yrs from now when the kids are grown and looking
back on this decision...plus u owe it to yourself...u only live once
wheww, that's it for me

--
Thanks

Randy

http://randyr.smugmug.com/

Just can't do it (FZ30 -> DSLR)

Veteran Member

Senior Member

Barry Fitzgerald

Guest

Leading Member

Veteran Member

Senior Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Forum Pro

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Active member

Forum Pro

Veteran Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Forum Pro

Senior Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Keyboard shortcuts