Waniac wrote:
I've been using this camera for about 4 to 5 months now on a regular basis. I bought the camera when I had some money to burn, not expecting much. Assumptions are not always accurate. I am delighted with the camera - it way more than exceeded my expectations, and I have made many shots I couldn't have otherwise executed with the other gear I have.
What is this "other gear" you have that you compare it too ?
A camera review without pictures means very little .
I'd be interested in seeing some , to see what it can really do , under various conditions .
It has a rather complex operating system, but it just takes some time to learn. The build quality is excellent. The weight and handling are superb, especially when using the maximum zoom (1568mm in 35mm equivalent). I use that lots. I can easily hand-hold shots and get outstanding results.
I'd love to see some , with the EXIF data intact .
That is contrary to one of my worst assumptions - how in the world can one hand-hold a 1568mm zoom?
This is the best small-sensor bridge camera I've ever used. Period. The only remaining question for me is durability and support. I can't answer the questions regarding what happens when something breaks - warranty work, etc. But, I'm seriously considering getting another unit for backup.
What are the other bridge cameras you've used to compare it too ?
If it's the only bridge camera you've used , it doesn't have a high target to beat !
The only negative issue I've had is that under certain (undefined) lighting conditions I've had mild vignetting occur, especially in the upper left corner.
That means the lens is decentred .
Vignetting is on the wide-angle shots and is even all round the frame in the corners .
If it's just one corner then the lens has been badly put together and is faulty .
it will likely as not effect sharpness amongst other things .
This only seems to have affected about 5 percent of the images I've made with the camera - I'm up to about 500 count. I have not been able to predict when it will be a concern, and I usually get enough images of a target/subject that excellent quality images are also made in that session.
This is also the best low-light small-sensor camera I've ever used. I've made slow-shutter speed shots at max zoom with more than satisfactory results.
Please provide sample shots .
Again, I didn't expect much because of the issues regarding licensing of historical brand names, but whatever company actually makes this thing has done a good job. I'm hopeful support is there when needed - I just don't know about that.
When these cameras first came out it was clear there are no support for them .
If they became faulty within a warranty providing it's not a grey import , at best the supplier will provide an exchange .
After that , the cameras scrap , there is no back up support for repairs etc .