Coltifer
Member
Why get the FZ's over TZ's? Besides the fact that FZ's have manual focus...TZ's are smaller and offer the same specs for the most part. Is there something I'm missing?
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Lumix FZ vs TZ
- Thread starter Coltifer
- Start date
Erik Ohlson
Forum Pro
I have a TZ1 & an FZ4.
I prefer the TZ for portability and fast start-up. By the time the FZ cranks out it's lens, it always seems that the "moment" has passed. The TZ lens is always ready at it's widest setting and doesn't even begin to extend unless you zoom.
The TZ fits (just) in pants pocket, the FZ needs to hang by a strap or ride in a fanny-pack.
The FZ4 has a lens cap which requires putting fingers in exactly the right holes to remove, while the TZ lens cap has it's locking lugs on the sides & can just be flipped off. Much more convenient to remove and replace.
With the TZ the various modes actually give pretty good control over exposure, and the "exposure compensation" and "auto-bracket" features give even more control. Probably more control than most folks will actually need, or actually use.
Auto bracket is especially nice: three rapid shots at varying exposures. The FZ 4 has these features, too.
I find that the FZ spends most of it's time on the shelf, while the TZ1 is always with me.
I prefer the TZ for portability and fast start-up. By the time the FZ cranks out it's lens, it always seems that the "moment" has passed. The TZ lens is always ready at it's widest setting and doesn't even begin to extend unless you zoom.
The TZ fits (just) in pants pocket, the FZ needs to hang by a strap or ride in a fanny-pack.
The FZ4 has a lens cap which requires putting fingers in exactly the right holes to remove, while the TZ lens cap has it's locking lugs on the sides & can just be flipped off. Much more convenient to remove and replace.
With the TZ the various modes actually give pretty good control over exposure, and the "exposure compensation" and "auto-bracket" features give even more control. Probably more control than most folks will actually need, or actually use.
Auto bracket is especially nice: three rapid shots at varying exposures. The FZ 4 has these features, too.
I find that the FZ spends most of it's time on the shelf, while the TZ1 is always with me.
Apriki
Forum Enthusiast
--I have both and use the TZ1 when compactness is the primary virtue. However, I like using the FZ because of its somewhat greater mass. I find that my handheld FZ shots are often sharper than my handheld TZ shots, perhaps due to less hand movement. Also, I sometimes like using the FZ's viewfinder. With the TZ, you are restricted to using the LCD screen, which can be an issue in bright sunlight.
--Riki
--Riki
Coltifer
Member
so the TZ, I can't manually adjust anything? That's about the only difference? If so, why is the FZ so much bigger? And what exactly can't I adjust, ISO, Shutter speed, etc?
Coltifer
Member
Also, how are Panasonic's in cold weather? Not that I'm going to the anartic, but I do live in Chicago.
theranman
Senior Member
I live in the heart of Chi-town as well, and plan on getting the new TZ3. I'm guessing that you shouldn't leave it in an outter pocket for very long when we have those 0° days. Probably only above 32°.
The long end of the TZs is 280mm while it's 420 and 432mm for the FZ50 and FZ8 respectively. The FZ50 has a larger sensors, so it's different ballgame, while the FZ8 has a faster lens. Oh, not to forget, the TZs don't have EVFs.
Erik Ohlson
Forum Pro
Long end of the TZ1 is 420 - essentially the same as the FZ 4
jinhamasaki
Forum Enthusiast
I have an FX01 and it worked fine at 20 degrees and heavy snow with my Sandisk Extreme III. I was worried that the LCD may crack because of the expansion of fluid but it was fine!
You can change ISO on the TZs, but you can't manually change the shutter speed. But there are other somewhat reliable methods to speed up or slow down the shutter.
Oh, and having a EVF and a heavier body allows you to use OIS to its full potential
You can change ISO on the TZs, but you can't manually change the shutter speed. But there are other somewhat reliable methods to speed up or slow down the shutter.
Oh, and having a EVF and a heavier body allows you to use OIS to its full potential
TEBnewyork
Forum Pro
To speed up shutter you can use a sports setting in scene mode.
dcwatchmen
Senior Member
Long end of the TZ3 is also 420.
The 'old' TZ1 has a 35-350mm lens and a smaller sensor (1/2.8"). With the same crop factor, the FZx have '485mm' reach, and the FZx0 598mm. Essentially not the same as 350mm.
Where did you read this figure?
dcwatchmen
Senior Member
The TZ3 range is 28-280 but set to 3mp is 420... ...its an in-camera crop function... Those interested in the TZ3 on this forum gave me the info during the last few days.
You might also be interested to know that apparently, the TZ3 @28mm set to 16:9 format shoots wider than at 28mm in 4:3 or 3:2 formats... Check the Panasonic website examples...
There were a few posters who concluded that the full range of the TZ3 is something like 24-420 when necessary settings are applied. This REALLY appeals to me - as I have been searching for a small/light camera with as much range as possible... ...other limitations aside.
Do a search on the TZ3 in this forum... ...the discussions presented are probably the best help. Many posters helped me understand - and I will be buying a TZ3.
Scott
You might also be interested to know that apparently, the TZ3 @28mm set to 16:9 format shoots wider than at 28mm in 4:3 or 3:2 formats... Check the Panasonic website examples...
There were a few posters who concluded that the full range of the TZ3 is something like 24-420 when necessary settings are applied. This REALLY appeals to me - as I have been searching for a small/light camera with as much range as possible... ...other limitations aside.
Do a search on the TZ3 in this forum... ...the discussions presented are probably the best help. Many posters helped me understand - and I will be buying a TZ3.
Scott
Ok, but normally people refer to the zoom range in full resolution to avoid any misunderstanding. Eg. in 3mp mode, the FZ8 has 648mm.
dcwatchmen
Senior Member
Point taken - you are right Greg - I'm learning.
Scott
Scott
My thoughts....FZ7 - longer zoom (sometimes I find trhis nice), viewfinder (I personally like anchoring the camera to my face for stability), manual controls (useful in some situations), and overall ergonomics (I can personally just hold it better than a smaller light camera).
Also, can you add a lens hood, filters, etc to the TZ series? It doesn't look like it from the photos. That would be another important aspect for me.
--
Stujoe -
http://www.DigitalPhotoPeople.com
Nikon D50 (Sigma 10-20mm, Nikon 18-55mm, Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Vivitar 2x Macro Teleconverter)
Panasonic FZ7
Fuji F20
Also, can you add a lens hood, filters, etc to the TZ series? It doesn't look like it from the photos. That would be another important aspect for me.
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Stujoe -
http://www.DigitalPhotoPeople.com
Nikon D50 (Sigma 10-20mm, Nikon 18-55mm, Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Vivitar 2x Macro Teleconverter)
Panasonic FZ7
Fuji F20
dcwatchmen
Senior Member
Stujoe:
Part of the reason I like the TZ3 is for it's simplicity... ...no filters, lenses, lens cap, flash, etc. etc. etc. It's just what it is... ...simple, AND light and small - things I wanted for long distance backpacking/hiking...
But I agree. The TZ3 is not an FZ7/8 or an FZ30/50, an SP-550 or H9, or whatever... It's just a TZ3.
I like it - and think it will be FUN!
Scott
Part of the reason I like the TZ3 is for it's simplicity... ...no filters, lenses, lens cap, flash, etc. etc. etc. It's just what it is... ...simple, AND light and small - things I wanted for long distance backpacking/hiking...
But I agree. The TZ3 is not an FZ7/8 or an FZ30/50, an SP-550 or H9, or whatever... It's just a TZ3.
I like it - and think it will be FUN!
Scott
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