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FZ50, FZ8 or FUJI ?? Help !!

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Purple Serenity

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I am new to the site and forum. I have learned a lot from all of you who frequent here. I am ready to buy a camera, and would greatly appreciate input, thoughts, etc.

I am an 'advanced point and shooter', who is very comfortable with cameras. I have used an FZ7 for some time, yet, I do NOT like the LCD as it is not clear enough for me. I usually shoot in: scene modes, simple, or P, adjust the ISO, and have been quite happy with the results.

My main subjects of photography are my two beautiful children. My two very active children are the focus of my life, and my camera. I am torn between the FZ50, and the FZ8. My kids play outdoor soccer, indoor basketball, boogie-boarding in the ocean, along with lots of numerous activities. I have never handled the FZ50, as I do not have anything local which carries it. That said, I have handled the FZ30, absolutely LOVED the manual focus ring, and was not bothered by the size. I have read discussion here re: using the FZ50 as a point n shoot set to auto. Can I use the FZ50 in the scene modes, simple, P, and adjust the ISO as I have with the FZ7, and get just as good (better) results?

With outdoor soccer, especially, is the FZ50 FAST enough? If the mp are set lower, then is the FZ50 fast enough? I definitely want to capture action shots of my children; but, certainly do not have the $ for a dslr. Actually, purchasing an FZ50 is pushing it financially for me.

I do a fair amount of indoor photography as well.

I noticed someone mentioned the Fuji 6000 for similar types of photography to someone else. The 6000 has 'selectable' picture stabilization.....is it good stabilization? can I get the action shots?

WHOLE lot of questions.......Thoughts, and input would be GREATLY appreciated. Kindly, Purple Serenity
 
The FZ8 definitely is a step up from the FZ7 in that it has a much better LCD and EVF, and it will shoot in RAW which can be handy for getting the best results under really difficult shooting situations. It is an amazingly capable camera in a darned small and affordable package. I do not have an FZ8 but I did have an FZ7.

The FZ50 has the exact same feel you liked so well when you tried the FZ30. It's much the same camera. It does have 10mp instead of 8mp, which in good light may be a benefit (I consider it one) while in lower light situations it may cause a bit more photo noise. Also the FZ50 has the Venus III processing engine which is rather aggressive in noise reduction at higher ISO settings. I seldom shoot above ISO200 myself but your needs may vary. Even so, the FZ50 has a larger sensor and to my eyes comparing the photos in the reviews, the FZ50 takes better pictures and with less noise than the smaller-sensored FZ8 or FZ7.

If either cameral is going to do what you want, the FZ50 is the one most likely to. The articulated LCD is great, the manual focus and zoom rings are too. I think of it as the Lexus of non-DSLR cameras and am extremely pleased with mine. If you need to shoot a lot of low-light action photography, it may not be the ticket, but if most of your shooting is in decent light, I think you'd be happy with it. By the way, both models have the Leica 12x zoom lens which I think is regarded as the best of its type in the zoom digicam classes.
 
Since you don't mind the size of the FZ30 that you played with, I'd suggest the FZ50. It has the scene modes you want, and it also has that articulating screen that midwest mentioned. It's very handy.

The hotshoe is handy if you ever want to get more pleasant flash images (bounce flash is often quite amazing indoors).

If you put the jpg quality down the standard compression, you can do high speed burst of 5 shots which is not too bad for those sports sequences. I believe the FZ7 was 5 shots in high quality, I find 5 shots work quite well.

The Fuji's however, has "last 3" which is neat, you can hold down the shutter while the camera fires, and when you finally see something you want to keep, you release the shutter, and the last 3 shots will be recorded. Sounds handy, I haven't tried it, I wonder if how tracking the action while shooting works through the LCD/EVF. The continuous burst is much slower than the FZ50 though....

The Fuji's stablization really isn't stabalization at all, it's just a variable ISO, which will boost the ISO to get better shutter speeds when needed. Obviously at the risk of noise. Though, the noise is comparitively less.

My bet for you would be the FZ50, it's a nice step up from the FZ7, but you'll still feel familiar.
--
Cloverdale, B.C., Canada
Panasonic Lumix FZ50, Pentax *ist D
http://joesiv.smugmug.com
 
Joesiv said:
Since you don't mind the size of the FZ30 that you played with, I'd
suggest the FZ50. It has the scene modes you want, and it also has
that articulating screen that midwest mentioned. It's very handy.

The hotshoe is handy if you ever want to get more pleasant flash
images (bounce flash is often quite amazing indoors).
Click to expand...
External flash will probably be allowed in school gyms for B-Ball too...
Joesiv said:
If you put the jpg quality down the standard compression, you can
do high speed burst of 5 shots which is not too bad for those
sports sequences. I believe the FZ7 was 5 shots in high quality, I
find 5 shots work quite well.

The Fuji's however, has "last 3" which is neat, you can hold down
the shutter while the camera fires, and when you finally see
something you want to keep, you release the shutter, and the last 3
shots will be recorded. Sounds handy, I haven't tried it, I wonder
if how tracking the action while shooting works through the
LCD/EVF. The continuous burst is much slower than the FZ50
though....

The Fuji's stablization really isn't stabalization at all, it's
just a variable ISO, which will boost the ISO to get better shutter
speeds when needed. Obviously at the risk of noise. Though, the
noise is comparitively less.
Click to expand...
You forgot to mention I-Iso which might be beneficial along with 'Real' stabilization in the 50... So you get both with the 50...
Joesiv said:
My bet for you would be the FZ50, it's a nice step up from the FZ7,
but you'll still feel familiar.
Click to expand...
The 50 & 8 will reach a good bit further out on the soccer field too, especially set @ 6mp..

In the house, without flash, would possibly be Fuji territory but with flash, more or less a toss-up...

All i know is, I'd take the reach & 'Real' OIS over the Fuji & due to the TTL external flash capability, the 50 over the 8... And while I rarely use the LCD... When I do, it's usually in twisting swiveliing kinda way... All other times it's EVF... Plus, dispite not being the best movie mode out there... The 50 is zoomable during movies & it's only limited by the card capacity... If movies floats your boat....
--

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limmericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!



* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz * EffZeeThreeZero / CeeEightZeroEightZeroDoubleUZee / CeeTwoOneZeroZeroUZee / EOneHuderedAreEss
 
As owner of an earlier Fuji and user of FZ3 & FZ5 - and just upgraded to FZ50 this week, I'd say one very useful attraction is the ability to use 'bounce flash' with the external flash shoe.

With a cheap (you don't need a dedicated unit) flash gun with a tilt head, you can bounce the flash off the ceiling and get much more attractive light distribution without red-eye. The children seem less distracted by it too!

(I like the fact that the FZ50 recognises the gun when plugged in and switched on. I lost a lot of good shots with the Fuji, forgetting to switch the 'external flash' to 'off' when I stopped!)

Mike
 
Thank you so very much for all of your input, and thoughts. Yes, I LOVED the FZ30's manual focus ring....what a joy!

If I'm understanding your comments, then, I could use the FZ50 JUST LIKE the FZ8, ie. scene modes, P, change ISO, or auto (nothing fancy), and get at least the same results; probably better....correct?

CAN the FZ50 be as 'easy' to use as the FZ7 then? given my use with the FZ7 ?

My dad feels the FZ50 may REQUIRE using manual settings, exposure, WB, etc.

My ONLY fear with the FZ50 is that it will be too much for me ; which is why using it in scene modes, P, changing ISO, or auto is important to me.

On the FZ50, do I HAVE to use BOTH focus rings? Can I use just one to 'zoom' in on what I want ? I sure wish someone local had this :)

I truly appreciate all who have taken their time to respond, and yes, I think I'm addicted to this sight....I've learned so much !!!!

Kindly,
purple serenity
 
Purple Serenity said:
Thank you so very much for all of your input, and thoughts. Yes, I
LOVED the FZ30's manual focus ring....what a joy!
Click to expand...
Actually, while The ring is the best form of manual focus out there, ya probably won't need to use it very often... The auto-focus works well in most situations.. Personally i use Manual focus for macro but only because I want to not because the AF can't handle it...
Purple Serenity said:
If I'm understanding your comments, then, I could use the FZ50 JUST
LIKE the FZ8, ie. scene modes, P, change ISO, or auto (nothing
fancy), and get at least the same results; probably
better....correct?
Click to expand...
Yup, All Panys have scene & full-auto modes, which allows the camera to adjust everything & anything to get what the cam thinks it needs to get the shot... And the Fz's also have P, which is almost full auto but allows you to tweek exposure via ±EV or if you wish, use program-shift to dial in a different Aperture & unlike Full-auto the ISO won't change unless you have auto-iso or I-Iso enabled or you set a specific Iso.... And as well both the 8 & 50 also give you the option to delve into 'A', 'S' or full 'M' exposure modes, if you choose to delve....
Purple Serenity said:
CAN the FZ50 be as 'easy' to use as the FZ7 then? given my use
with the FZ7 ?
Click to expand...
Yup full auto modes are full auto no matter what Pany you get....
Purple Serenity said:
My dad feels the FZ50 may REQUIRE using manual settings, exposure,
WB, etc.
Click to expand...
Whether it's "REQUIRED" or not I can't really say since I've only used the Fz30 in 'P', 'A' or 'M'... I've never used full-auto & don't often use 'S'....
Purple Serenity said:
My ONLY fear with the FZ50 is that it will be too much for me ;
Click to expand...
Not if you don't want it to be too much for you... In Full Auto either the 8 or 50 are no more than than an Fx or Tz.... And should you grow in confidence & photographic skill to the point where you might wanna choose settings yourself rather than let the cam decide everything, either the 8 or 50 allows you to decide how much or how little you can make changes & choices.. All or nothing or anything in between.. The only difference is whether you do it with rings & dials with the 50 or buttons & the joystick on the 8... And of course the size difference.... I prefer dials & rings & enjoy the larger size... Many others prefer the smaller 8 size no matter what... Large size doesn't neccessarily mean more difficulty... Personally IMO, once one decides to get more involved... The rings & dials is actually easier & there's really nothing faster & easier than the 'Zoom' ring compared to the motorized zooms...

Aside from physical size, a couple more MP, hotshoe & tilt/swivel screen on the 50, there's really no difference between the 8 & 50 as far as how much or how little you want to get involved..
Purple Serenity said:
which is why using it in scene modes, P, changing ISO, or auto is
important to me.
Click to expand...
It's really no different than the 8 other than having the rings for MF & zoom & dials instead of buttons & the joystick to change settings...
Purple Serenity said:
On the FZ50, do I HAVE to use BOTH focus rings? Can I use just one
to 'zoom' in on what I want ? I sure wish someone local had this :)
Click to expand...
Yes one ring is for zoom & the other is for MF & like I typed above, ya probably won't need to use the MF ring much & even if you accidentally move the MF ring when you're set for AF it won't even be active so it won't screw up the auto focus... It won't be active till you set the cam to MF... And likewise if you do set the cam to MF.. AF will be inactive & then the ½-press of the shutter will only adjust exposure, except if you're in MF & 'M', which then means you're in full manual mode and the cam will do nothing unless you set everything & likewise that's available to you with the 8 as well....
Purple Serenity said:
I truly appreciate all who have taken their time to respond, and
yes, I think I'm addicted to this sight....I've learned so much !!!!

Kindly,
purple serenity
Click to expand...
--

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limmericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!



* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz * EffZeeThreeZero / CeeEightZeroEightZeroDoubleUZee / CeeTwoOneZeroZeroUZee / EOneHuderedAreEss
 
Oh, my god, thank you !

So, let me repeat, to be sure I've got it...the FZ50 rings are NOT BOTH always 'activated'. When I'm in AF, only the zoom ring will be active, and the time to get to that point of focus is much faster than a lever/switch.

I thought the AF speed , and shutter to picture speed of the FZ7 was quite good (not perfect) Is the 50 faster to take the picture?

Yes, I've looked at the specs, however, I believe handling a camera , and in this case, both of these , is the best way to tell. Do you have this experience, and would you share?
I think I'm falling in love with the 50 more and more.
Thank you kindly
 
Purple Serenity said:
Oh, my god, thank you !
So, let me repeat, to be sure I've got it...the FZ50 rings are NOT
BOTH always 'activated'. When I'm in AF, only the zoom ring will
be active, and the time to get to that point of focus is much
faster than a lever/switch.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The focus ring only functions in manual focus. The zoom ring is always functional. Instead of zooming via a switch and a motorized system, the zoom operates at all times off of the manual ring. One nice feature of the FZ50 (and other FZ's I presume) is that the front lens element doesn't rotate with the zoom or focus rings, so if you for example have a circular polarizer on the camera and have it set properly for the light conditions of your subject, you can zoom and manually focus and the polarizer stays in the same position. Small detail but a nice one.
Purple Serenity said:
I thought the AF speed , and shutter to picture speed of the FZ7
was quite good (not perfect) Is the 50 faster to take the picture?
Click to expand...
I don't know though I believe the FZ50 is regarded as very good. Check the ratings for the FZ50 on this site, and look under 'timings and sizes'.

I have owned my FZ50 for two or three months and I love it. I know tht it's not a DSLR when it comes to taking low light photos and I work around its limitations; other than that it's a joy and I have not had a moment's doubt or regret at my choice.
 
thank you!

I believe using ONE ring instead of a switch for zoom, is no big deal in terms of difficulty of use.

Taking pictures in AF, and simply using one dial as the zoom, seems pretty uncomplicated to me.
I am thrilled you have no regrets in buying the 50.

I just want to be overly, overly careful in doing my homework/research before dropping that kind of money. Buying the 50 is truly at the top of my financial limit, but, it sounds like it would be worth it, and as close to a DSLR as I am financially capable of at this point in my life. Being home with my children is much more important to me.

Thanks for clarifying its just one ring which would be active in AF, which simply replaces the switch for zooming....

I would love to hear from you and anyone else re: the FZ50's speed to take the picture in comparison to the FZ7. My concern is that the FZ50 is AT LEAST as fast as the FZ7; preferably faster, especially when one can drop the mp to increase speed.
thanks again !!!
 
Purple Serenity said:
Oh, my god, thank you !
So, let me repeat, to be sure I've got it...the FZ50 rings are NOT
BOTH always 'activated'. When I'm in AF, only the zoom ring will
be active,
Click to expand...
Yup just like Midwest described...
Purple Serenity said:
and the time to get to that point of focus is much
faster than a lever/switch.
Click to expand...
The lever/motor zoo is slow & depending on how precise you might wanna frame you can be rockin' back & forth in that zoom lever to get it just right, after waiting for it to get to the general vacinity in the 1st place... Wheras, with the ring... it's only limited by how fast & accurate your wrist is capable of twisting & stopping exactly where you want... Very little twisting back & forth for those minescule framing adjs to get it just so...
Purple Serenity said:
I thought the AF speed , and shutter to picture speed of the FZ7
was quite good (not perfect) Is the 50 faster to take the picture?
Click to expand...
I can't compare, having never actually used a smaller Fz...
Purple Serenity said:
Yes, I've looked at the specs, however, I believe handling a camera
, and in this case, both of these , is the best way to tell.
Click to expand...
That feel thing was an immediate hit in favor of the 50 for me, as well as the rings & EVF.. The smaller Fz was an immediat miss so never even looked through the EVf or checked focus or speed differences... I have previous experience with other motorized zooms both in a rigid barrel as well as the exposed extending lens type as the Fz8 has & I hate te extending lens design more than the rigid/enclosed barrel design... No need for extra tubes merely to screw on a filter or Tele/WA adapter... Which for some isn't even a consideration... Like I typed before, many prefer the smaller size no matter what... For me the Fz30/50 holstered in my belt in the most minimal holster is no more difficult than having the Fz5/7/8 in a jacket pocket, especially when it's too hot for a jacket... And i doubt there's a pant or shirt pocket on the planet to fit either... Plus, if one is of the protection filter philosophy of having a filter on at all times for protection, the convenience of the smaller size of the 5/7/8 is all but lost but for any pocket other than really unusually large jacket pockets...
Purple Serenity said:
Do
you have this experience, and would you share?
Click to expand...
No I think we just about covered everything... At least, I can't think of anything else at the moment...
Purple Serenity said:
I think I'm falling in love with the 50 more and more.
Thank you kindly
Click to expand...
It is really about as close to a DSLR in handling & navigating features & settings as a fixed lensm small sensor cam can be... Actually some DSLR's don't even have two dials for apperture & shutter adj & I don't think there's another fixed lens bridge that has both... They either use a single dial/button combo action or just buttons, either dedicated or combined dual-button combo moves... After two years, I still forget which button i have to press for the dial on my 8080 to revert from changing apperture to shutter changes... Which shows ya how seldom I shoot 'M' as well as how terible a memory i have or how lazy i am at reading manuals....

--

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limmericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!



* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz * EffZeeThreeZero / CeeEightZeroEightZeroDoubleUZee / CeeTwoOneZeroZeroUZee / EOneHuderedAreEss
 
yes, I realize I don't NEED a focus ring; yet, it was SUCH A THRILL when I tried it on the FZ30 in town months ago.

Would you please be so kind as to share if the burst rate on the 50 CAN be faster than the 8 if the mp were dropped? I have read many reviews that the 50's burst rate was a bit slower; especially on the full 10 mp resolution.
Thanks again !
 
I usually shoot at ISO 100, and it seems to be just fine.

Yes, I believe the 50 is the Lexus of non-Dslr's as well. To me, the zoom ring feels like I have a Dslr; even though I don't have the money to really have one.

No, the amount of basketball (indoor action photography) is minimal. Outdoor soccer is definitely where my kids find the sports thrill . Thank you for all your help, its been most appreciated.
 
Yes, the articulating screen is a plus to me as well. I'm relieved you re-confirmed the mp reduction in jpeg to bring a 5 quick frames when needed. I would be happy to shoot at 5 mp; as long as it would quicken up my 'feels like a dslr' 50.

My three year old HP with 8 optical zoom camera, simply does not have the speed. My daughter has inherited it, and loves it.
Sounds like the 50 is the right camera for me....thanks ! :)
 
Movies are not my primary purpose.
Yes, they allow external flash use @ indoor basketball here.

Most of the work I did on the FZ7 was at ISO 100, and I was OK with the results. Even indoors, the 7 did OK with the kids in the house....surprisingly. The articulating screen.....I agree, is a great bonus to have. There are many times on the soccer field where the sun gets in the way, or indoors when I"m shooting around corners.
Thanks again for all your thoughts, and input.

As long as the FZ50 can shoot AT LEAST as fast as the 7; even with the dropped mp is OK, then, I believe the 50 is the answer.
You've been a HUGE help!
 
the feel of a dslr was an immediate grab for me as well. I would be comfortable using the zoom ring instead of a zoom switch without a problem.

I doubt I'd try anything manual for some time. The scenes, and P, with ISO set at 100 seemed to work well with the 7.

As staying home with my children is the priority, I doubt I'd have the money for a dslr for many years, so, with the 50, the 'feel' and zoom ring is as close as I can get, and get the shots I want.
You have truly been most helpful, and your input, and time most appreciated.
 
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