This camera covers a focal range that no other comes close to matching.
For this reason it will not be appropriate for everyone.
This camera works best in good light when zoomed in but also works well in low light when using the wide end.
Shooting at the extreme telephoto end (3000mm) is not as easy as 'point & shoot'. Even though the image stabiliser is very effective, there are many factors that can degrade the final image. For this reason I would advise that you have some photographic experience before purchasing. (Atmospheric effects can degrade the quality even if everything else is perfect)
The menu system is quite well laid out and comprehensive in its features allowing several adjustments to be mapped to certain controls like the lens ring and user button on top of the camera.
There is one function I really miss from Canon, Sony & Pentax cameras. In picture review mode when looking at photos taken, you cannot scroll through them while zoomed-in. This makes it VERY difficult to check for the best focus between several shots.
Viewfinder is very good and the screen is fully articulated which is great. Focus has several modes and works well in decent light.
Video quality is good and coupled with the zoom range can produce impressive results BUT you'll need a good tripod to get the most out of it.
Conclusion:
Having such a huge zoom range the compromise is to have a small sensor. This reduces the light sensitivity of the camera so it definitely performs best in good light. It can produce impressive quality images but its not for 'pixel peepers' who over scrutinise the pictures zoomed in all the way.
This camera is best suited to wildlife photography or any subject that might be far away. (Great for moon shots of course and even Jupiter & Saturn)
Its perhaps not the best walk around camera as there are smaller and lighter alternatives that don't have such extreme focal range.
But if you intend to use the 3000mm telephoto end then this is your only practical option as the alternative would be several feet long, weigh several Kilos and cost tens of thousands.
Its not for everyone but shooting at 3000mm lets you capture the world like no other camera can.
For this reason it will not be appropriate for everyone.
This camera works best in good light when zoomed in but also works well in low light when using the wide end.
Shooting at the extreme telephoto end (3000mm) is not as easy as 'point & shoot'. Even though the image stabiliser is very effective, there are many factors that can degrade the final image. For this reason I would advise that you have some photographic experience before purchasing. (Atmospheric effects can degrade the quality even if everything else is perfect)
The menu system is quite well laid out and comprehensive in its features allowing several adjustments to be mapped to certain controls like the lens ring and user button on top of the camera.
There is one function I really miss from Canon, Sony & Pentax cameras. In picture review mode when looking at photos taken, you cannot scroll through them while zoomed-in. This makes it VERY difficult to check for the best focus between several shots.
Viewfinder is very good and the screen is fully articulated which is great. Focus has several modes and works well in decent light.
Video quality is good and coupled with the zoom range can produce impressive results BUT you'll need a good tripod to get the most out of it.
Conclusion:
Having such a huge zoom range the compromise is to have a small sensor. This reduces the light sensitivity of the camera so it definitely performs best in good light. It can produce impressive quality images but its not for 'pixel peepers' who over scrutinise the pictures zoomed in all the way.
This camera is best suited to wildlife photography or any subject that might be far away. (Great for moon shots of course and even Jupiter & Saturn)
Its perhaps not the best walk around camera as there are smaller and lighter alternatives that don't have such extreme focal range.
But if you intend to use the 3000mm telephoto end then this is your only practical option as the alternative would be several feet long, weigh several Kilos and cost tens of thousands.
Its not for everyone but shooting at 3000mm lets you capture the world like no other camera can.
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