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fz10 vs. z2

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RCC

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Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.

At the moment the price difference between the fz10 and the z2 here is in favour of the z2 by 170euro. I will mainly use it for action shots, but a dslr is out of my price range completly. And I really need 300mm+ for my shooting.

Could someone tell me if the FZ10:
1. Re-focusses between burst mode?
2. If the EVF blanks out during burst mode, or do you see a short last-shot?
3. Can you use the zoom during movie-mode?
4. Does the IS work during movie mode?

5. If you press the shutter half-way and move with a action subject does the autofocus capture this moving subject, even if it comes towards you?
 
On FZ10:
1) You can set continuous focus to "on" if you want to do this
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right after a burst

3) NO zoom during Movie Mode. You can zoom before starting the movie, but not during
4) The IS works well in Movie Mode, but will only use Mode 1 (continuous)

5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to pan the camera and blur the background.

Thanks,

Joe
RCC said:
Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.

At the moment the price difference between the fz10 and the z2 here
is in favour of the z2 by 170euro. I will mainly use it for action
shots, but a dslr is out of my price range completly. And I really
need 300mm+ for my shooting.

Could someone tell me if the FZ10:
1. Re-focusses between burst mode?
2. If the EVF blanks out during burst mode, or do you see a short
last-shot?
3. Can you use the zoom during movie-mode?
4. Does the IS work during movie mode?
5. If you press the shutter half-way and move with a action subject
does the autofocus capture this moving subject, even if it comes
towards you?
Click to expand...
 
jdef said:
1) You can set continuous focus to "on" if you want to do this
Click to expand...
GOOD
jdef said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
jdef said:
3) NO zoom during Movie Mode. You can zoom before starting the
movie, but not during
Click to expand...
OKAY
jdef said:
4) The IS works well in Movie Mode, but will only use Mode 1
(continuous)
Click to expand...
OKAY
jdef said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
jdef said:
Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...
THANKS A LOT,
CIAO RCC
 
Dear RCC,

Remember, the A1, although it is a 7x zoom, is 28mm - 200mm, so even with the TCON17 you'll only be at 340mm (vs. 420mm for the FZ10).

As to the Z2 vs. the FZ10, I must admit I've never tried the Z2, however, I did try that Z1 and it was no contest between the two cameras. The Z1, quite frankly felt like a toy, while the FZ10 felt like a solid, professional camera. More importantly, however, when I tried to take hand held zoom photos in the store with both cameras I could not get sharp images out of the Z1 but I did from the FZ10 (the shutter speeds inside the photo store were in the 1/30s range). Since the Z2 has no IS, I imagine you'll have the same experience.

The price difference at the time was $599 for the FZ-10 vs. a little over $300 for the Z1 (i.e. a 2 to 1 ratio) yet I still bought the FZ-10.

Cheers,

Chris
RCC said:
Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.

At the moment the price difference between the fz10 and the z2 here
is in favour of the z2 by 170euro. I will mainly use it for action
shots, but a dslr is out of my price range completly. And I really
need 300mm+ for my shooting.

Could someone tell me if the FZ10:
1. Re-focusses between burst mode?
2. If the EVF blanks out during burst mode, or do you see a short
last-shot?
3. Can you use the zoom during movie-mode?
4. Does the IS work during movie mode?
5. If you press the shutter half-way and move with a action subject
does the autofocus capture this moving subject, even if it comes
towards you?
Click to expand...
 
I realize there is a significant price difference between the FZ10 and the Minolta Z2, but if the Z2 is anything like the Z1, there's a reason. The Z1 didn't even compare well in image quality, construction, and function to my Panasonic FZ1 -- I don't think it's even in the same class as the FZ10, and definitely nowhere near the Minolta A1 (even tho they're both made by Minolta).

If you're looking for a high zoom camera for action shots, you're going to want something with a stabilized lens, especially if the zoom is anything over 6x. I found the Minolta Z1 very difficult to handhold and get a sharp pictures at full zoom. My subject was bouncing all over the place in the viewfinder, and I have relatively young, steady hands.

If price is such a factor, you may want to consider buying a new Panasonic FZ1 (and upgrade the firmware) or an FZ2 (since they're available in Europe). These two cameras will give you the same wonderful stabilized 12x lens thats on the FZ10, a pretty good array of manual features (not full manual though), it's much smaller than the FZ10 and A1, and still say it blows the doors of the Minolta Z1 (and probably the Minolta Z2).

Here's the summary of an earlier message I posted about the Minolta Z1 (compared to the Panasonic FZ1 -- I kept the FZ1):

======================

1. Full auto mode is not up to par with my Panasonic FZ1. Granted the Minolta has full manual mode, but for the majority of my pictures, I don't have time to set manual settings and then frame the shot -- by then, I've missed it.

2. End product quality when comparing the two cameras output side by side simply told me to keep the FZ1. The Z1 was frequently not in focus, difficult to hand-hold for a zoomed shot (no stabilization like the Panasonic has), and the Minolta seems to choose the worst possible automatic settings for a given environment (ISO too high, shutter too long, aperature set to an undesireable depth of field, etc.)

3. Seemed cheaply made -- very clunky, clattery, and plastic feeling. I know, I've just described every modern piece of electronics, but it seemed a bit excessive on the Minolta Z1. The lens motor is very noisey, and when in video mode there's a lot of shutter/lens/whatever noise going on as you pan around into different lighting, etc. -- and you can hear it on the video.

4. One of the main reasons I wanted the Z1 is the incredible video mode. However, the video mode is pretty much blatant false advertising because they really shouldn't brag about such high resolution/frame rate video if the sound is going to be significantly off from the video like it is. I find myself right back down at 320x200x10fps in order to completely eliminate audio lag. I would've been happy with 320x200x30fps, but even at the lower resolution video setting, there was still audio lag.

5. The idea of a "real time" 60fps LCD/EVF was also appealing. However, it is not 60fps at all times. After you achieve focus lock, the frames per second of the LCD/EVF reduces down to what looks like the usual 30fps of all other digicams. I didn't mind the shared LCD display thing going on with the EVF/LCD, but it does seem clunky (makes a lot of noise switching back and forth), which does make me wonder if that's not a future weakness in the camera. I admittedly have nothing to substantiate that -- it's just me looking at something logically and sort of thinking out loud.

6. The onboard flash isn't very good (not even when compared to other digicams I've owned), and I don't feel like buying into proprietary Minolta flashes because of the proprietary hotshoe. I should've read up more on the hotshoe -- that was my fault.

What I liked about the Minolta Z1:

1. Ergonomics. It was unusual at first, but only because I didn't have to contort my fingers like I do on other digicams (including my Panasonic FZ1). Other manufacturers need to realize that the people have more than one joint on each finger!

2. Video mode sure sounded sweet, and I admire Minolta for at least trying.

3. You're getting a heck of a lot of features (including full manual) for a heck of a low price.

======================

By all means, get the camera you want or can afford, but I would definitely advise trying out the Z2 in person before buying it online or from some place that you cannot return it. If you want a Minolta and can afford it, I would recommend the A1 much more than the Z1/Z2. The differences between those two (actually three) models (A1 and Z1/Z2) is night and day!

--
Chris
 
RCC said:
Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.
Click to expand...
You might use the TL-55 instead of the TCON-17, the quality is better (sharper, less CA), but it only magnifies 1.5 instead of 1.7 times.

Best wishes,

Tels

--
You will be offended by my photos*:

http://bloodgate.com/photos?c=black
  • If not, I'll refund your money and try again.
 
Could someone still reply on the below 2 questions?
Thanks a lot!!
RCC said:
RCC said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
Click to expand...
RCC said:
RCC said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
Click to expand...
 
I don't have my camera with me right now but I don't think the EVF blanks until the end of the burst, I believe it keeps showing you what the lens sees. Given that the camera can take 4 or 5 images in a second there really isn't time for a "preview" between shots.

If a subject is moving right toward you and you fire a burst of shots the camera will try to refocus each shot (assuming it's set in Continuous AF mode) ... whether it will be successful of course depends on how fast the subject is moving.
RCC said:
RCC said:
RCC said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
Click to expand...
RCC said:
RCC said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thank you, this is VERY important to me (see a short preview during burst)
anyone else who has the camera in reach could try it
out in the different burst settings and reply.

Thanks a lot to all up front!!
Christopher Kierkus said:
If a subject is moving right toward you and you fire a burst of
shots the camera will try to refocus each shot (assuming it's set
in Continuous AF mode) ... whether it will be successful of course
depends on how fast the subject is moving.
RCC said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
Click to expand...
Christopher Kierkus said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I have the FZ10 and a "regular" (i.e. kinda slow) Sandisk 256MB memory card.

When I depress the shutter the EVF does go black for a moment at the start of a burst. It then comes back and "tracks" the action shot after shot (giving you a preview of each one). The black period lasts for at most the first shot out of five.

It seems to me that the camera refocuses after every shot ... I pointed the camera at my hand and then moved my hand toward the lens as I fired a burst, each picture, except for the last one, looks sharp (I think the last one is fuzzy because I moved my hand too close to the camera for it to focus properly).

I don't know if my results will replicate with other SD cards, but I hope this info is helpful to you.

Cheers,

Chris
RCC said:
Thanks a lot to all up front!!
Christopher Kierkus said:
If a subject is moving right toward you and you fire a burst of
shots the camera will try to refocus each shot (assuming it's set
in Continuous AF mode) ... whether it will be successful of course
depends on how fast the subject is moving.
RCC said:
RCC said:
RCC said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
Click to expand...
RCC said:
RCC said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thank you VERY much Christopher!!!

Could you also do it in the 7 frame burst mode (i.e. lower quality setting) and test?

Thanks a lot to up front AGAIN!!
Christopher Kierkus said:
When I depress the shutter the EVF does go black for a moment at
the start of a burst. It then comes back and "tracks" the action
shot after shot (giving you a preview of each one). The black
period lasts for at most the first shot out of five.

It seems to me that the camera refocuses after every shot ... I
pointed the camera at my hand and then moved my hand toward the
lens as I fired a burst, each picture, except for the last one,
looks sharp (I think the last one is fuzzy because I moved my hand
too close to the camera for it to focus properly).

I don't know if my results will replicate with other SD cards, but
I hope this info is helpful to you.

Cheers,

Chris
RCC said:
Thanks a lot to all up front!!
Christopher Kierkus said:
If a subject is moving right toward you and you fire a burst of
shots the camera will try to refocus each shot (assuming it's set
in Continuous AF mode) ... whether it will be successful of course
depends on how fast the subject is moving.
RCC said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
2) You can turn the "Preview" off if you want to see the EVF right
after a burst
Click to expand...
I MEAN DURING A BURST SESSION BETWEEN THE SHOTS,
DO YOU SEE A SMALL PREVIEW OF THE LAST SHOT OR BLANKS IT OUT
UNTIL THE END OF THE BURST?
Click to expand...
Christopher Kierkus said:
Christopher Kierkus said:
5) The FZ10 has a setting for moving subjects that allows you to
pan the camera and blur the background.
Click to expand...
BUT IF THE SUBJECT MOVES TOWARDS YOU IT WILL BE OUT OF FOCUS?
THIS MEANS YOU HAVE TO RE-FOCUS AGAIN?
AND DOES THE CAMERA GET THIS AND MAKES YOU FOCUS AGAIN?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thank you VERY much Christopher!!!

Could you also do it in the 7 frame burst mode (i.e. lower quality setting) and test?

Thanks a lot to up front AGAIN!!
Christopher Kierkus said:
I have the FZ10 and a "regular" (i.e. kinda slow) Sandisk 256MB
memory card.

When I depress the shutter the EVF does go black for a moment at
the start of a burst. It then comes back and "tracks" the action
shot after shot (giving you a preview of each one). The black
period lasts for at most the first shot out of five.

It seems to me that the camera refocuses after every shot ... I
pointed the camera at my hand and then moved my hand toward the
lens as I fired a burst, each picture, except for the last one,
looks sharp (I think the last one is fuzzy because I moved my hand
too close to the camera for it to focus properly).

I don't know if my results will replicate with other SD cards, but
I hope this info is helpful to you.

Cheers,

Chris
Click to expand...
 
RCC said:
Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.

At the moment the price difference between the fz10 and the z2 here
is in favour of the z2 by 170euro. I will mainly use it for action
shots, but a dslr is out of my price range completly. And I really
need 300mm+ for my shooting.

Could someone tell me if the FZ10:
1. Re-focusses between burst mode?
Click to expand...
Nope
RCC said:
2. If the EVF blanks out during burst mode, or do you see a short
last-shot?
Click to expand...
Nope - you get a quick view inbetween.
RCC said:
3. Can you use the zoom during movie-mode?
Click to expand...
Nope
RCC said:
4. Does the IS work during movie mode?
Click to expand...
Yes - it's on continuous mode
RCC said:
5. If you press the shutter half-way and move with a action subject
does the autofocus capture this moving subject, even if it comes
towards you?
Click to expand...
Bit confused about this one. Pressing the shutter half way locks the exposure and focus. So I guess the answer is no. It does have continuous focus mode, but I don't find it particularly useful personally..

Phil
 
Or the Sony HGD1758, which is 1.7x and excellent quality to..
Tels said:
RCC said:
Hi there,

I am in serious doubt buying a new camera.
Decision is between the A1 with TCON17 (if it really gives
better images I am willing to pay extra) or the FZ10 and Z2.
Click to expand...
You might use the TL-55 instead of the TCON-17, the quality is
better (sharper, less CA), but it only magnifies 1.5 instead of 1.7
times.

Best wishes,

Tels

--
You will be offended by my photos*:

http://bloodgate.com/photos?c=black
  • If not, I'll refund your money and try again.
Click to expand...
 
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