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Fz1/Fz2 as pocket camera?

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Chyn

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Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany) and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at all time?

Appreciate any insights on this!
Chyn
 
Guten Morgen,
Chyn said:
Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany)
Click to expand...
Foto-Koch no longer seems to carry them, but I hope others still have them :)
Chyn said:
and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic
reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can
take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost
all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and
doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a
silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?
Click to expand...
I carry my FZ2 all the time with me. Either in the pocket of my jacket or in my backpack (which I also carry almost everywhere with me, but for different reasons). I leave the plastic hood adapter on it all the time although that makes it a bit more bulky.

The FZ2 is perfect for this - and you never miss an opportunity to take photos :) Quite a lot of my photos were taken whilegoing to/from work, or shoppig etc.

Cheers,

Tels

--
You will be offended by my photos*:

http://bloodgate.com/photos?c=black
  • If not, I'll refund your money and try again.
 
I've been carrying around my FZ1v2 (black) with me as I go wandering around Chicago since I found my Canon 10D to be way too large for being on foot and public transport. The FZ1v2 fits well in my hipbag, winter jacket pocket, or simply thrown into my small book bag I usually carry. I don't ever feel burdened by its weight.

That being said, the dimensions suggest you aren't really reducing size going from G2 to the FZ1/2. The FZ weighs less than the G2, but difference is like 75g.

What I find makes the FZ1/2 worth carrying around, and I am sure other owners would agree, is the 12x stabilized optical zoom is incredible given the camera's size. I don't start a megapixel argument, but keep in mind FZ1/2 has less pixels than G2. So depending on how you're using/processing your shots, the pixel count may be significant factor.

Of course, best thing to do is find to try out (at store, or borrow a friend's). You can also download unprocessed out of camera images and see how the pixel count affects your specific uses. I have some unedited out of camera images available on my website. Feel free to use them to see how the pixels affect your application. It'll also give you an idea of how images look when the camera is used by someone clueless in photography.

http://www.vacillo.com/Photo.htm

(The May images are from FZ1v2. The full 1600x1200 ones are straight from camera while smaller ones were resized due to space consideration.)
Chyn said:
Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany)
and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic
reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can
take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost
all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and
doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a
silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?

Appreciate any insights on this!
Chyn
Click to expand...
 
KicKstop said:
What I find makes the FZ1/2 worth carrying around, and I am sure
other owners would agree, is the 12x stabilized optical zoom is
incredible given the camera's size. I don't start a megapixel
argument, but keep in mind FZ1/2 has less pixels than G2. So
depending on how you're using/processing your shots, the pixel
count may be significant factor.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's exactly why I would get the FZ1/2. If the G2 had the same zoom capability, it would be perfect. 2 megapixel is decent enough. Before the G2, I was carrying around a 1.3 megapixel camera (Fuji MX-1200) for three years and thoroughly enjoyed using it ( http://www.pbase.com/chynyj/poland ). It was small, had no zoom, but it was just the right form factor and took no-nonsense p&s. I need something which could be turned on quickly for spontaneous shots. The G2 is truly wonderful, but its greatly limited by a 3X zoom and no IS.
KicKstop said:
http://www.vacillo.com/Photo.htm
Click to expand...
Great looking photos!
 
Well, another difference between the FZ1 and the G2 is startup time, which I think is excessive for the G2. If you're walking along and see a scene you'd like to shoot, you can turn on the FZ1, and by the time you lift it to your eye level, it's ready to zoom, frame, and shoot. And with its long zoom and small size, it's really a bit deceptive; you can take people shots at a distance, when they don't realize they're being photographed. I have mine with me always; if not on my person, in my car or office, within easy reach.
--
John Reed

Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (w/FZ2 upgrade), Dusty Nikon CoolPix 4500
 
That's a good point about the startup time. The FZ1 has a pretty quick startup considering it has to extend the lens out and move to wideangle.

The small size and relatively conventional look of the FZ1 allows me to pull my camera out in urban Chicago without drawing too much attention. When I have to pull out my 10D, I feel like I just pinned a sign on my back saying "Expensive camera that can be pawned! Please mug me now!"
John_Reed said:
Well, another difference between the FZ1 and the G2 is startup
time, which I think is excessive for the G2. If you're walking
along and see a scene you'd like to shoot, you can turn on the FZ1,
and by the time you lift it to your eye level, it's ready to zoom,
frame, and shoot. And with its long zoom and small size, it's
really a bit deceptive; you can take people shots at a distance,
when they don't realize they're being photographed. I have mine
with me always; if not on my person, in my car or office, within
easy reach.
--
John Reed

Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (w/FZ2 upgrade), Dusty Nikon CoolPix 4500
Click to expand...
 
bobbyz said:
I have found opposite to be true. Every consumer digicam out there
is silver.
Click to expand...
Actually, many are now available in black and silver. A few are even only available in black. For the longest time, cameras were ony available in dull greyish brownish blackish color.

I've noticed that the higher up in price you go with consumer cameras, the more likely you are to find it available in black (maybe even only in black). I think this is because it's now an amateur photographer's rule that professional photographers buy black equipment. By putting out a consumer digicam in black, it makes it look like it's more of a "pro" model.

--
Chris
FZ1Club.com
 
Chyn said:
Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?
Click to expand...
I carry mine with me everywhere, every time I leave the house, and it resides on my kitchen bar next to my favorite easy chair when I'm at home (within arm's reach).

I carry my FZ1v2 with an installed battery and a 256mb SD card along with an extra battery and two extra SD cards (256mb & 64mb) in a "hip bag" that I mostly throw over my shoulder rather than wear around my waist. It is nice to carry it around the waist when doing any serious touring, hiking, walking, etc.

Since buying my first FZ1 over a year ago, I find myself looking at the world as "what can I capture with this 12x zoom?" So, when I'm out and about (even just picking up the kids at school or whatever), I'm frequently pulling over to the side of the road to take a snapshot or two. It just kills me the few times I've forgotten it at home and then encounterd a snapshot opportunity!

--
Chris
FZ1Club.com
 
Someone needs to create a motorized eyetracking shoulder mount for the camera. Sure you'd get strange looks, but you'd be assured to catch any opportunity that comes along. =)
Effzeeone said:
Effzeeone said:
Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?
Click to expand...
I carry mine with me everywhere, every time I leave the house, and
it resides on my kitchen bar next to my favorite easy chair when
I'm at home (within arm's reach).

I carry my FZ1v2 with an installed battery and a 256mb SD card
along with an extra battery and two extra SD cards (256mb & 64mb)
in a "hip bag" that I mostly throw over my shoulder rather than
wear around my waist. It is nice to carry it around the waist when
doing any serious touring, hiking, walking, etc.

Since buying my first FZ1 over a year ago, I find myself looking at
the world as "what can I capture with this 12x zoom?" So, when I'm
out and about (even just picking up the kids at school or
whatever), I'm frequently pulling over to the side of the road to
take a snapshot or two. It just kills me the few times I've
forgotten it at home and then encounterd a snapshot opportunity!

--
Chris
FZ1Club.com
Click to expand...
 
I agree. What I meant was, if one has the silver camera, nobody cares what you shooting. If you a balck one and bigger cam, everyone is aware of you, as they think you are a professional.
Effzeeone said:
bobbyz said:
I have found opposite to be true. Every consumer digicam out there
is silver.
Click to expand...
Actually, many are now available in black and silver. A few are
even only available in black. For the longest time, cameras were
ony available in dull greyish brownish blackish color.

I've noticed that the higher up in price you go with consumer
cameras, the more likely you are to find it available in black
(maybe even only in black). I think this is because it's now an
amateur photographer's rule that professional photographers buy
black equipment. By putting out a consumer digicam in black, it
makes it look like it's more of a "pro" model.

--
Chris
FZ1Club.com
Click to expand...
--
Bobby

http://bobbyz.smugmug.com
 
Could try sticking feathers on it and pass it off as a parrot.....okay, maybe that wouldn't help. Hehe
John_Reed said:
LOL. Wouldn't that sorta detract from the "stealth" factor a little
bit?
--
John Reed

Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (w/FZ2 upgrade), Dusty Nikon CoolPix 4500
Click to expand...
 
Hi Kickstop

What do you mean when you say FZ1\2? Also how does the fz1\2 work indoors and in low light.. ?

Thanks
Rastus
KicKstop said:
That being said, the dimensions suggest you aren't really reducing
size going from G2 to the FZ1/2. The FZ weighs less than the G2,
but difference is like 75g.

What I find makes the FZ1/2 worth carrying around, and I am sure
other owners would agree, is the 12x stabilized optical zoom is
incredible given the camera's size. I don't start a megapixel
argument, but keep in mind FZ1/2 has less pixels than G2. So
depending on how you're using/processing your shots, the pixel
count may be significant factor.

Of course, best thing to do is find to try out (at store, or borrow
a friend's). You can also download unprocessed out of camera
images and see how the pixel count affects your specific uses. I
have some unedited out of camera images available on my website.
Feel free to use them to see how the pixels affect your
application. It'll also give you an idea of how images look when
the camera is used by someone clueless in photography.

http://www.vacillo.com/Photo.htm

(The May images are from FZ1v2. The full 1600x1200 ones are
straight from camera while smaller ones were resized due to space
consideration.)
Chyn said:
Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany)
and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic
reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can
take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost
all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and
doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a
silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?

Appreciate any insights on this!
Chyn
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
http://rastus.smugmug.com/
 
John_Reed said:
LOL. Wouldn't that sorta detract from the "stealth" factor a little
bit?
--
John Reed
Click to expand...
Just put a "drool cup" as part of the design, walk a little funny, and then people will think there's something "wrong" with you and will do the "avoid staring" reaction where at best they'll be looking at you out of the corner of their eye. The parrot feathers would hide the camera nicely from a sidelong glance.

I've got digital camera so much on my mind that the other day I was driving a tad fast in a 30mph zone when I noticed "some lady" standing by the side of the road up ahead of me, taking a picture down the length of the road. I live in a tourist town, so this was only a little surprising, but I looked in my review mirror and thought, "What a stupid shot...who would want a picture of that?". As a passed this lady with the camera, I realized that she was actually a plain-clothes police officer with an unmarked car a little ways off the road behind a hedge and it wasn't a camera, but a speed detection device. She yanked a couple of speeders (I guess speeding more than me) off the road right behind me. Given that I thought she was a tourist taking pictures, had she tried to stop me and motion me to the side of the road, I probably would've driven around her, wondering what her problem was!

I guess I just assume that everyone carries their digital camera of choice with them!

--
Chris
FZ1Club.com
 
bump
Rastus said:
What do you mean when you say FZ1\2? Also how does the fz1\2 work
indoors and in low light.. ?

Thanks
Rastus
KicKstop said:
That being said, the dimensions suggest you aren't really reducing
size going from G2 to the FZ1/2. The FZ weighs less than the G2,
but difference is like 75g.

What I find makes the FZ1/2 worth carrying around, and I am sure
other owners would agree, is the 12x stabilized optical zoom is
incredible given the camera's size. I don't start a megapixel
argument, but keep in mind FZ1/2 has less pixels than G2. So
depending on how you're using/processing your shots, the pixel
count may be significant factor.

Of course, best thing to do is find to try out (at store, or borrow
a friend's). You can also download unprocessed out of camera
images and see how the pixel count affects your specific uses. I
have some unedited out of camera images available on my website.
Feel free to use them to see how the pixels affect your
application. It'll also give you an idea of how images look when
the camera is used by someone clueless in photography.

http://www.vacillo.com/Photo.htm

(The May images are from FZ1v2. The full 1600x1200 ones are
straight from camera while smaller ones were resized due to space
consideration.)
Chyn said:
Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany)
and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic
reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can
take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost
all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and
doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a
silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?

Appreciate any insights on this!
Chyn
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
http://rastus.smugmug.com/
Click to expand...
--
http://rastus.smugmug.com/
 
I mean that the FZ1 and FZ2 are essentially same camera especially when FZ1 is running the updated firmware.

I found the FZ1 with its original firmware to be bit difficult to use indoors/low light. But after the firmware update, the gain was boosted on the EVF and the camera actually focuses in low light a whole heck of a lot better. Doesn't match my 10D obviously, but it does a better job than a lot of consumer digital cameras I've used.
Rastus said:
What do you mean when you say FZ1\2? Also how does the fz1\2 work
indoors and in low light.. ?

Thanks
Rastus
KicKstop said:
That being said, the dimensions suggest you aren't really reducing
size going from G2 to the FZ1/2. The FZ weighs less than the G2,
but difference is like 75g.

What I find makes the FZ1/2 worth carrying around, and I am sure
other owners would agree, is the 12x stabilized optical zoom is
incredible given the camera's size. I don't start a megapixel
argument, but keep in mind FZ1/2 has less pixels than G2. So
depending on how you're using/processing your shots, the pixel
count may be significant factor.

Of course, best thing to do is find to try out (at store, or borrow
a friend's). You can also download unprocessed out of camera
images and see how the pixel count affects your specific uses. I
have some unedited out of camera images available on my website.
Feel free to use them to see how the pixels affect your
application. It'll also give you an idea of how images look when
the camera is used by someone clueless in photography.

http://www.vacillo.com/Photo.htm

(The May images are from FZ1v2. The full 1600x1200 ones are
straight from camera while smaller ones were resized due to space
consideration.)
Chyn said:
Hi,

I'm very intrigued by the FZ1 (we have the FZ2s here in Germany)
and I've been lurking for a few months and reading the enthusiastic
reports and positive comments regarding it.

I'd like to get a camera that has a decent zoom rating which I can
take along with me. I have a Canon G2 which I bring with me almost
all the time, but it's still too bulky with the lens adapter and
doesn't quite have the reach that I want. Taking photos with a
silvery-looking camera also attracts too much attention.

Are there any FZ1/FZ2 owners who carry their cameras with them at
all time?

Appreciate any insights on this!
Chyn
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
http://rastus.smugmug.com/
Click to expand...
 
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