fz8 owners questions

[oldgeek]

Ok, here it goes. I'm trying to settle on a camera. You know, the same ole, "which should I get". I've come to the conclusion that if I were to purchase this camera, I would enjoy it. Well, what I really would like is to hear from those who have purchased this camera with the intent on keeping it. No 2 week loaners, no "I borrowed my friends", no "I tried it at the store", no "well isn't obvious by the reviews" or the such. Please respond if you purchased this camera and please tell me some of the following:

What influenced your decision?
What do you appreciate the camera?

If you were asked by the manufacturer (yeah, get real!) what you would like to change, what would it be?
Is that feature/character a minor matter, or does it annoy you to death?
If you could go back, would you still make the same purchase?
Do you post process? Why? How often?
Is the difference without PP great?
How clear did you find the manual?
Any other points that you find significant or worthy of noting?

Now, I realize that most who have purchased this camera probably love it. I would just like to get an overall perspective. A good honest owners report. By pointing out some negative things will not mean that this isn't a great camera, that you don't like it (unless, of course, you don't like it!) Nothing is perfect, and I will never make that purchase if I think I will find the perfect camera.

Also, I need to consider the learning curve. My wife is quite intelligent. She lacks confidence. When faced with something new, it is "I can't" because of intimidation. But when she puts her mind to it, she will figure out just about anything, a lot better than me. I just have tenacity, won't let go till I understand, definitely not afraid to push buttons. Just takes me a bit longer, that's all. So, just how intimidating is this camera?

Now, I know many would advise to purchase a dslr. I'd absolutely love to. But the price of this camera is stretching my budget the way it is (sigh).

Thanks for the info.

Greg

 

[magpie5]

Ok, here it goes. I'm trying to settle on a camera. You know, the
same ole, "which should I get". I've come to the conclusion that if
I were to purchase this camera, I would enjoy it. Well, what I
really would like is to hear from those who have purchased this
camera with the intent on keeping it. No 2 week loaners, no "I
borrowed my friends", no "I tried it at the store", no "well isn't
obvious by the reviews" or the such. Please respond if you purchased
this camera and please tell me some of the following:

What influenced your decision?

google research, i knew nothing about cameras, all i wanted was a battery pack instead of AAA's!!(really!) i stumlbed on this site, read the reviews, compared different models, and settled on the FZ*, i have had it 4 months, and love it. i dodnt even know what iso or f stop was!!

What do you appreciate the camera?

it still takes a good shot on idiot mode!!

it takes fantastic frozen action shots of my kids playing netball, (daylight, outside!)

i am getting reasonable outdoor and indoor night shots(compared to point and shoot) and have a slave flash on the way.
it takes great portraits, even at night.
i have printed A4 and they look great

If you were asked by the manufacturer (yeah, get real!) what you
would like to change, what would it be?

a help menu that talks to me!!!!

Is that feature/character a minor matter, or does it annoy you to death?

its just me!

If you could go back, would you still make the same purchase?

a resounding yes!!

Do you post process? Why? How often?

only cropping on day pics - as i take a lot of fast action shots, and dont want to cut appendages off!
night shots, i despeckle thenoise, and brighten sometimes.

Is the difference without PP great?

night time yes

How clear did you find the manual?

very! anything it doesnt tell me i ask this forum!

Any other points that you find significant or worthy of noting?

its not to big, the battery lasts forever,

Now, I realize that most who have purchased this camera probably love
it. I would just like to get an overall perspective. A good honest
owners report. By pointing out some negative things will not mean
that this isn't a great camera, that you don't like it (unless, of
course, you don't like it!) Nothing is perfect, and I will never
make that purchase if I think I will find the perfect camera.

maybe a stronger flash, but i am asking a lot of a little camera, taking shots at night, outside!

Also, I need to consider the learning curve. My wife is quite
intelligent. She lacks confidence. When faced with something new,
it is "I can't" because of intimidation. But when she puts her mind
to it, she will figure out just about anything, a lot better than me.
I just have tenacity, won't let go till I understand, definitely not
afraid to push buttons. Just takes me a bit longer, that's all. So,
just how intimidating is this camera?

i found talking to people on this forum was the best way of demistifiying it!

i poured a red, and had a chat, did research, for me it was more learing about photography than the camera, i was a complete novice!

Now, I know many would advise to purchase a dslr. I'd absolutely
love to. But the price of this camera is stretching my budget the
way it is (sigh).

too hard! have to set it up, i like to just point and shoot sometimes, or you can miss action you were not expecting!
jo

Thanks for the info.

Greg

 

[Newtsche]

The form factor. Not so small it'll fit in a pocket but the next best thing. I find it the most comfortable digicam I've used.

Excellent EVF! A viewfinder is the user's interface with the subject and the FZ8's is a good as you could hope for. Throw on an Orion rubber eyecup and go to town.

Leica optics, 12X zoom, and RAW. An amazing package for the $.

I'd like a wider angle, 28mm equivalent soon available with the FZ18. I'll be greedy, I'd like 21mm-24mm equivalent but that's just me.

A hot shoe would be really nice.

Nittiest pick? Strap lugs on one end so camera hangs vertically.

 

[Erik Ohlson]

Greg,

I'm an old Geek, too. I read these FZ8 posts eagerly - trying to decide if I should 'upgrade' the ol' FZ4.

Basically, the FZ8 is very similar to the FZ4, virtually the same size and most functions except for the 'joy stick'.

What influenced your decision?

A lot of reading - I didn't find this wonderful forum until after buying the FZ4.

What do you appreciate [about] the camera?

Quality & small size! makes me wonder why you say:

Now, I know many would advise to purchase a dslr. I'd absolutely
love to. But the price of this camera is stretching my budget the
way it is (sigh).

Personally, I carried a film SLR for too many years wishing for something smaller - finally wound up using an Olympus XA pocket 35mm camera almost exclusivly, and the SLR sitting at home in a drawer.

I wouldn't have a dSLR on a bet. Bulky, lenses even more bulk, and you never seem to have the right lens at the right time.

If you could go back, would you still make the same purchase?

YES - unless I'd waited for a while, in which case I'd have an FZ8. I have a TZ-1, also, in my pocket at all times. I rarely go out just to take pictures - I sort of "record the passing scene": the neat stuff one sees in daily life.

Do you post process? Why? How often?

Almost always. No, not a huge difference, I'm just picky - and I'm so thrilled not to have to sit in a darkroom smelling all those chemicals & all the wet cleanup. Digital PP is all fun alongside that.

I crop & do a bit of brightness & contrast type stuff, & USM pretty often to increase the photo's "pop".

Also, I need to consider the learning curve. My wife is quite
intelligent. She lacks confidence. When faced with something new,
it is "I can't" because of intimidation. But when she puts her mind
to it, she will figure out just about anything, a lot better than me.
I just have tenacity, won't let go till I understand, definitely not
afraid to push buttons. Just takes me a bit longer, that's all. So,
just how intimidating is this camera?

Hard to say - a lot less intimidating than a film camera IMHO.

Looks like you'll figure it all out OK & then give your wife pointers - just like me & my wife.

If you were asked by the manufacturer (yeah, get real!) what you
would like to change, what would it be?

Put the features of an FZ 50 in the little FZ8 body ("yeah, get real").

I'd say: Go for it ! -Erik

--

 

[PhotosByBlueRidge]

I was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago.. I narrowed my search down to a Panasonic FZ8, Canon S3 IS, or Fuji 9600.. after researching.. such as reviews by professionals (dpreview.. steve's digicam.. few others).. then checking actual owners reviews.. then checking posts with picture samples from actual owners.. i narrowed it down to the FZ8..

What influenced your decision?

few things..

It took SDHC SD cards (the fuji takes xD cards) which I already had some SD cards.

That it came with a li-on battery with charger.. (saved me atleast $50US right there and I priced replacements and i got some from i guy off ebay recommended by users here for less then $20 for 2.. cant beat that).. the zoom of course.. also how it felt in my hands.. the fz8 felt better to me.. lighter too.. but like i said i also was thinking bout the canon s3 is.. the last thing was price.. the day i was going to buy them.. i decided whichever i could find at the best price so i would have extra $ in my budget for extra SD cards, a carry case, UV/ND filters, extra batteries, raynox macro lens.. etc.. so I found the FZ8 after coupon at circuit city for $249.99.. i could not beat that.. and pick it up that afternoon instead of waiting for a shipment the next work week. I couldnt pass it up..

What do you appreciate the camera?

12x zoom.. lightweight.. the actual feel of it in my hands.. and also what i said above.. price!!

If you were asked by the manufacturer (yeah, get real!) what you
would like to change, what would it be?

well most zoom cameras.. well most digital cameras in general.. have noise issues.. you would think by now they would figure out how to minimize the noise.. or put a bigger CCD in there

Is that feature/character a minor matter, or does it annoy you to death?

just minor.. so far all my pics have been great.. of course you just delete the ones that you dont like.. easy as that..

If you could go back, would you still make the same purchase?

if i would have to stick to my original budget.. yes w/o a doubt.. if i had unlimited $ then i would of got a DSLR but that of course I couldnt afford right now.. plus i didnt want something TOO big that I cant keep it with me at all times or worry about letting someone else try it

Do you post process? Why? How often?

yes and no.. most of the pics i have are perfectly fine.. but i do resize them for the web to show friends.. family.. etc..

Is the difference without PP great?

nope.. the auto bracketing feature helps out alot.. taking 3 photos automatically of the same object with + - helps you get good exposure

How clear did you find the manual?

easy.. plus you have dpreview and tons of other sites as well as the flickr fz8 group to help you if you have questions like this

Any other points that you find significant or worthy of noting?

Go if you can to a store and actually feel each in your hand.. it may feel great for me but not for you.. its a personal choice.. that is the #1 thing I recommend to anyone purchasing a new digital camera..

Now, I realize that most who have purchased this camera probably love
it. I would just like to get an overall perspective. A good honest
owners report. By pointing out some negative things will not mean
that this isn't a great camera, that you don't like it (unless, of
course, you don't like it!) Nothing is perfect, and I will never
make that purchase if I think I will find the perfect camera.

Also, I need to consider the learning curve. My wife is quite
intelligent. She lacks confidence. When faced with something new,
it is "I can't" because of intimidation. But when she puts her mind
to it, she will figure out just about anything, a lot better than me.
I just have tenacity, won't let go till I understand, definitely not
afraid to push buttons. Just takes me a bit longer, that's all. So,
just how intimidating is this camera?

my wife doesnt know anything about ISO or Shutter/Apeture mode..etc.. but she takes pics with it all the time.. sorta 'point and shoot' and the pics come out fine..

Now, I know many would advise to purchase a dslr. I'd absolutely
love to. But the price of this camera is stretching my budget the
way it is (sigh).

thats my reason for getting the fz8.. more in my budget to allow me to purchase extra SD cards.. bag.. etc..

--
Dave
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

 

[PhotosByBlueRidge]

forgot RAW mode was another plus that made me go with the fz8
--
Dave
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

 

[Boston5]

Hi Greg,

I bought my FZ8 about 4 months ago, and I love it. Prior ot that I had a Nikon 3200 which was a real basic point and shoot 3xzoom digital camera. I wanted to upgrade and so I did my homework and research, and found this forum and made my decision from the posters here.

My reason for buying this particular camera were it's size and weight, and the price. I figured I had so much to learn that it would be a good camera for me, and I am confident I made the right decision. I am still learning and have a long way to go, but I am really enjoying the ease of use and I am very happy with the quality of my pictures........and the ones that I don't like are because of the photographer (which would be me ), not the camera.

I would say the only thing I wish that it had would be wide angle. Otherwise, it has everything that I need at this point.

Good luck with your decision!
Carol

 

[ManuH]

What influenced your decision?

Reviews and this forum and I already had the FZ5 which I liked so much but I needed to upgrade the video mode (320x240 vs 848x480). The RAW mode and the bigger LCD were nice to have also.

What do you appreciate the camera?

Everything but... noise ;-) Seriously, the lens is the best-in-class (f3.3 at max zoom), the speed is very good (fast AF, fast burst mode), the controls are well placed and it's very easy to access the main parameters. And it's very small so I can take it everywhere. And it's cheap.

If you were asked by the manufacturer (yeah, get real!) what you
would like to change, what would it be?

More control over noise (it's OK with RAW), a hot shoe, articulated LCD, zooming during video, focus ring.

Is that feature/character a minor matter, or does it annoy you to death?

No, the camera has no "annoying-to-death" "feature" IMO. There are some features I'd like very much to have though (articulated LCD, hot shoe).

If you could go back, would you still make the same purchase?

Yes.

Do you post process? Why? How often?

Not that much, unless I try some difficult shots at > 100ISO. The Venus III engine is awful at removing noise. Shooting RAW without any NR applied is much better.

Is the difference without PP great?

at ISO 100, there is not much to do if the picture is well exposed. You can always improve with PP but I'll do it only on the best shots.

How clear did you find the manual?

It's very good and to the point.

Any other points that you find significant or worthy of noting?

It's the best in class along with the Canon S5.

Also, I need to consider the learning curve. My wife is quite
intelligent. She lacks confidence. When faced with something new,
it is "I can't" because of intimidation. But when she puts her mind
to it, she will figure out just about anything, a lot better than me.
I just have tenacity, won't let go till I understand, definitely not
afraid to push buttons. Just takes me a bit longer, that's all. So,
just how intimidating is this camera?

Very simple. My 5-years old took some pictures with it, it's dead simple. You have the "heart" mode, an "idiot-proof" mode that works well. The stabilizer is helping a ton with these "beginners"

--
Manu

 

[richardalanfox]

I wanted a small, inexpensive, long zoom camera with raw, the FZ8 was my only choice.

If I knew that the FZ18 would be announced one month after my purchase I would have waited.

FZ18 has the AE lock button, closer focus at tele and stretched zoom at both ends, tiny bit bigger, might be street price a bit more.

--
Look-See-Do.com

 

[cbcman]

Like a lot of people, I'm a former 35mm fillm guy, so I had to read up on everything digital.

What got me on the FZ8 was really one thing...owning something with the name "Lieca" on it. I figured this was the closest I would get to a Leica!

Really, though, after you look at everything and read reviews and handle the cameras, it may just come down to that "I know if I don't get this I will kick myself" feature. I know that if I got any other brand, I would forever be saying "I coulda had a Leica".

"...for of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: "It might have been". "

But I digress. Luckily, the camera is fantastic... no complaints (ok, that wide-angle thing). Also, the FZ8 to me is the slickest-looking non-slr out there, period. If a Porsche was a camera, it would be an FZ8. If I'm going to spend $300 bucks, I better like the looks.
Enjoy your camera!

 

[mjonesgraphics]

If I'm going to spend $300 bucks, I better like the looks.
Enjoy your camera!

Yes except for the huge red lettering on the barrel. Couldn't they have made that a sticker?

Mark.

 

[oldgeek]

The lens is also a big pull for me. Mainly I just want to be a Leica snob. Just go up to someone with another brand of camera and say "is your optics made by Leica? Oh, no? Well, I'm sure it takes good pictures too." And the run before I get beaten to a pulp.

Seriously, it does seem that this has the best optics for this class of camera.

 

[Blake Cook]

Actually the FZ8 is slightly larger that the FZ5. Just enough larger that it is not quite a pocket fit anymore. Nonetheless a fabulous little camera and a huge improvement over the FZ5.

Greg,

Basically, the FZ8 is very similar to the FZ4, virtually the same
size and most functions except for the 'joy stick'.

--
Blake in Vancouver

 

[photoshooter1]

Wanted a fast lens with broad zoom capabilities. The highly rated lens as well as reviews and price. I have a Canon 400 DSLR which I love, but appreciated the quality, light weight, features and and photo output of this camera. It gives photos oftentime comprable to DSLR.

 

[RF Cat]

The yellow L indicates Leica designed it, the Red L indicates Leica built it.

I bought it for my wife for action photography, IS and raw. At this stage I have 2 main complaints, the fist is noise (to be expected at high ISO) second, the tendency to overexpose whites.

I am still playing with it to see how I can reduce the overexposure without underexposing the darker parts of the scene. The flash is a lot beter than most people rate it, I have turned it down 1.7 ev and the shots a beautiful, much better than the daylight shots. Colour is more accurate with the flash in my opinion.

IS is very good, but you need to watch the shutter speed just the same.
--
Ian the RF Cat.



RFCat (Vee Kay three Y A Y) aka irm
LOVE MY tenD
Melbourne - Oz
Have fun while learning photography. Always learning.
http://www.pbase.com/ianm_au
equipment in profile

 

[mjonesgraphics]

The yellow L indicates Leica designed it, the Red L indicates Leica
built it.

The V-LUX 1 has a red dot. Did Leica bild that? If they did, couldn't they have styled it a bit different from the FZ?.

But I believe Leica did at least oversee the production of the lens, and it's made to Leica specs and under their inspection. I guess to be a "real" Leica it has to pass under the hands of the magical Leica elves...

personally I don't care if uncle Marty, living in a van by the river, made the lens. Long as it stays as sharp.

He can put a big green "M" on it too.