Vandyu wrote: "Looking back in Panasonic history to 2005, when the constant 2.8 FZ20 was replaced with the FZ30, it was a new ball game and the replacement lens was no longer the much adored 2.8, but rather a variable 2.8-3.7. So, there is precedent for such a change.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz30/
"The FZ30 and the FZ50 were approaching that "perfect" combination of features that we're all clamoring for again, especially the manual zoom. And, yes, I might add, the only cameras in the FZ lineup to include a rubber eyecup. I'd pay $590 for another FZ of that calibre, wouldn't you?"
Apologies for my delayed reply, Vandyu.
Aside from the fact I sympathise with your opinion re the lack of eyecups, I’ll begin by answering your closing question with a resounding NO, I would not pay $590 for any kind of FZ camera resembling the FZ30/50 design. To be fair, I wouldn’t even pay half that price and I guess you’ll want to know why? ;-)
I’ve been a photographer of sorts for 40-odd years, during which time I’ve used all manner of cameras to take all manner of subjects, including functions/events, people and animal/fish portraits, landscapes, architecture, intricate close-ups of retail goods and much more – often with film SLRs. By the early 2000’s, however, I was keen on the digital bridge camera design. In a relatively short time, the image quality attainable with small sensors had matched that of 35mm film (to my eyes), and by 2004 I owned an FZ20, which I immediately felt comfortable with. It felt kind of new and refreshing to use a camera with such a vast (then) optical range, and I soon became used to and liked the design of the motor zoom. No more twisting and turning a DSLR lens barrel – and the toggle switch around the shutter button enabled me to shoot from 35mm to 420mm with one hand, a convenience I still find very useful with later FZ cameras today in terms of taking wildlife shots, which is by far my main interest these days.
Anyway, whilst I fully appreciated my old FZ20 with its constant F2.8 motor zoom, in my opinion and experience, the later and manually operated FZ50 (which unfortunately handled too much like a twist/turn DSLR-type model I was trying to avoid) was and still is overrated and absolutely limited to ISO 100 if, as I am, users are sticklers for fur and feather detail retention in their animal and bird images. In anything but reasonable light, ISO 400 and upward was/is absolutely dreadful and subject to alarming levels of colour bleed. Focus speed at full tele on the FZ50 was far from ideal either, not much better than my older 20 really. And although I used an FZ50 for just 4-weeks about 3 to 4 years ago, I’ll never forget just how much of a drudge the weighty and cumbersome thing was to carry around when compared to the more lighter/plastic models we’ve seen since the return to the motor zoom design.
Let’s not forget that FZs were first and foremost motor zoom cameras, and that the manual incarnations of the 30 and 50 merely interrupted arguably a far more popular trend. Admittedly, any updated FZ complete with manual lens would benefit in the eyes of most from the advanced technologies of today, and to the point that some would buy such a model But even then, I’d venture to guess that a few of those who continue to preach the already worn-out sermon of the 50 would still find plenty to moan about if the design were ever to resurface. Either the zoom would be too long, not long enough, the wide end not wide enough, the new venus engine nowhere near as good as the old venus 3 (although it would actually be heaps better), the inclusion of video unnecessary, a function button missing or ill-placed, etc, etc, etc.
As I mentioned in a previous post, there is no way that Panasonic can possibly please everyone with its FZ line. But I have to say that so long as the majority of users are being catered for, the company can hardly be criticised for doing all it can to survive in these difficult economic times. So, personally, whilst I understand that some tastes of enthusiastic FZ users are not being catered for, I’m a million miles away from agreeing that a return to the 30/50 design would be a wise move beyond a very limited and niche market – and despite the fact that FZ50 fans may well argue otherwise. ;-)
Truth is, not everyone wants to see FZs fitted with manual zooms, and that’s most likely the reason why Panasonic continues to give its bulk users motorized versions – and as a chap who fully appreciated what motor zooms offer, I’m really interested in the 1200mm reach of brand new FZ70, assuming of course there's to be no FZ250 with identical magnification and an overall more appealing spec this year.
Cheers…
