FZ18 for complete beginners???

[theranman]

I'm middle aged and have NEVER even owned a camera...period. It's time.

I was at first pretty set on the new FX55, but after all I've read (and the pics I've seen), the FZ18 kinda sorta has me drooling. Yes, I realize that there's a vast physical size difference between the two, but I'm also wondering if the FZ18 would be "too much" of a camera for a first-timer. Whatcha think?

btw-thanks for all the wonderful FZ18 pics and commentary!

 

[Trevor G]

I'm middle aged and have NEVER even owned a camera...period. It's time.
I'm also wondering if the FZ18 would be "too much" of a
camera for a first-timer. Whatcha think?

You could always leave it in full auto and point and shoot.

After you get used to it you can start playing...

Regards

Trevor Ginaus

http://trevorg.smugmug.com

 

[TEBnewyork]

Funny,

In some ways I actually think it is easier to start with a camera that has manual controls first and then head down the no controls route. First of all, you can set the camera in a mode like simple where it will work just like the fx55. Now back to manual controls and the FZ18, if you have a desire to learn about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how they interrelate, or depth of field with different aperture and focal lengths, the FZ18 would be a great learning tool. There are several excellent books and on-line resources to help teach these topics along with exercises to test out what you've learned.

In addition, the FZ18 is easier to hold steady and it has an electronic viewfinder which in middle age you might find useful.
I am sure some people will disagree but that's my 2 cents worth.
--
terry
http://tbanet.zenfolio.com/

 

[dcwatchmen]

...get the FZ18, use it as a point-and-shoot in the beginning, and learn manual controls as you get more familiar with it.

As far as the size/weight issues - the FZ18 is kind of in the middle between an ultracompact and a DSLR... ...so by puchasing an FZ18 you would be aiming at a camera that is neither the largest nor the smallest out there - and that might be a good idea for you until you have enough experience to determine your individual size/weight preferences are.

I have had a range of camera sizes and weights - and tend to like cameras of the size of the FZ18 (which I don't have) and the TZ3 (which I do). I think you would be safe with the size/weight of either the FX55 or the FZ18. And, have you considered a TZ3 with its 28-280 lens? It is closer to the FX55 in size/weight - still fits in a shirt pocket, but has almost 3x the zoom reach of the FX55.

My advice is to keep things simple at the beginning. If you opt for the FZ18 - try it out without getting a lot of accessories first - just a 46mm UV filter to protect the lens.

I would add that the FZ18's 28-504 lens has 5x the reach of the FX55's 28-100 lens... ...and early reviews and Panny Forum user comments underline that the FZ18's lens quality is very impressive - probably at the top of the superzooms in its class. The DPReview FZ18 review may come soon - and you could also opt to wait just a little to see what it might say that could hlp you.

The zoom-reach and zoom picture-framing flexibility you'll gain with the FZ18 may spoil you! And like Terry pointed out, when you get comfortable with some basics - you can begin learning more advanced techniques when you are ready.

Until then, "Zoom-that-Zoom"!!!... ...use IA (Intelligent Auto) for a start - and read the manual, what Panny users are learning and suggesting, etc. as you go.

I don't know the price of an FX55 - but with the FZ18 prices already beginning to dip a little, the two cams are probably not that far apart - and the FZ18 has a lot more going for it if the size/weight is really not an issue.

I think you may REALLY like the FZ18! As an All-In-One camera, it seems to have a compelling price and set of features that may make it very easy for you to use - both at the beginning - and as you grow in knowledge and experience.

Hope that helps,

Scott

 

[Trevor Carpenter]

I'm middle aged and have NEVER even owned a camera...period. It's time.
I was at first pretty set on the new FX55, but after all I've read
(and the pics I've seen), the FZ18 kinda sorta has me drooling. Yes,
I realize that there's a vast physical size difference between the
two, but I'm also wondering if the FZ18 would be "too much" of a
camera for a first-timer. Whatcha think?

btw-thanks for all the wonderful FZ18 pics and commentary!

I don't have an opinion on the cameras as an FZ50 user but I think the FZ18 is the answer providng:
You don't mind reading the manual...
and again...
and again...

You want to take lots of pictures. Take lots of pictures and you learn a lot, take not very many pictures and you learn very little.

You listen to what all the people on this forum tell you in response to your questions which they will be delighted to answer.

You will be taking good pictures with your FZ18 30 minutes after getting it out of the box. A lifetime later you will still be thinking there is much to learn, so you might as well start now.

--



eFZed50, Oly TeeCON17, RaynoxDCR150 DCR250
My Galleries are at
http://picasaweb.google.com/trevorfcarpenter

 

[bkb831]

I've never owned a SLR camera and honestly have never wanted one. I've always been one to keep it simple to get fast shots from a point-n-shoot. My old Oly was faltering and I almost purchased the Oly 550UZ but the mediocre to poor reviews made me wait for a better camera. My prayers were answered when the FZ18 came out and I am one of the lucky ones to already have one. I am very pleased with it and consider myself fortunate to own such a great all-around camera with great zoom capabilities. Pictures are very sharp, colors are accurate, the menu for all the features seems over-whelming at first but after only an hour of "fiddling" with the controls, I am making headway fast. What more could a person ask for unless you opted for a DSLR of greater magnitude. It's a great camera. I LOVE IT!!!
Brad

 

[John Miles]

My wife and I bought the similar FZ7 a while back for my Brother-in-Law on his 50th birthday. We bought it because we considered it a great first time camera. The FZ's are very full specification small packages that really leave you free to enjoy the photography. They operate from full auto to full manual and 35(now 28) to 430mm zoom. That in the 1990's was a full SLR camera bag (still can be). Nowadays that lot weighs nothing and hangs round your neck - an FZ.

Add to that the great folk I get to talk to in this forum, and you have a very enjoyable combination indeed.

 

[SaraO]

I have a (by current standards) old FZ5, which was one of the forerunners of the FZ18. In many ways these cameras are perfect for beginners: they are easier to hold than the little dinky ones which fit in your pocket, I think and you can use them as a point and shoot to start with and then start fiddling around with all the controls. Go for it...I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[theranman]

Geez, guys, I'm overwhelmed by all the great responses.
THANKS!!!!

Originally, I absolutely, positively wanted something pocketable. I even went to the store and played around with the TZ3, put it alongside a Canon SD800, and it looked HUGE by comparison. For ME, the TZ3 wasn't nearly pocketable enough, and by "pocketable", I mean comfortably fitting in my front pants pocket. Yes, it could fit in ANY jacket pocket, but during the summer, I don't wear jackets.

If I wore a purse all the time, which I don't...because I'm a guy, the TZ3 would be the perfect answer.

Now I'm wondering if all the versatility (and IQ) of the FZ18 makes up for the pocketability of something like the FX55. To REAL photographers, no question about it. To casual P&S'ers, not such an easy question. I guess it all boils down to how often I'd REALLY carry a pocketable around with me. I'd like to think "absolutely...all the time", just like women who carry them in their purses all the time. But the reality may be quite different. Then, I remember all the times I've read "the best camera is the one you carry with you, the best pics are the ones you actually take..etc. etc."

Bottom line: I have to make a decision. Will I be happier with the better tool, but use it a bit less often, or will I get the more pocketable tool, use it a bit more often, but be considerably more limited???
I HATE THESE DECISIONS!

One thing I WILL say, and that's when I last handled a Canon S3 at Best Buy a year or so ago, I was not terribly put off by its size. In fact, it looked kinda neat. Is the FZ18 that much bigger? Methinks I need to make a trip to BB, CC, or Costco to get a feeling for its size. Also, are there any advantages to choosing silver or black over one another? I suppose that black looks a bit more pro, eh?

Again, MANY MANY thanks for all of your combined wisdom. Almost final decision time....

Ran

 

[sherman_levine]

Buy the camera you'll use

The fz18 weighs nothing. Take out the battery and you'll think somebody sold you an empty camera body - The issue is solely volume. In that regard you might want to look at the "smallest fz18 case" thread to see what you'd be carrying around.

You probably won't want to carry FZ18 "all the time" - and if that's your goal, you want something the size of a deck of cards - or a cell phone with a camera.

You could always buy both, and sell the one you don't want on eBay

 

[normsmith]

Don't worry about not having used a camera before, it will just take you 3 days instead of 2 to become an expert

I think a decent zoom is a LOT of fun. In your shoes, I would be choosing bewteen the FZ18 and the TZ3, purely for the zooms. The TZ3 is very compact considering it's capabilty.

If you don't need the x18 zoom and don't think you will want to get into manual controls and want a camera that will be with you often, then the TZ3 is suitable and it can fit into a coat pocket.

If you want the extra reach and / or want some extra control over settings then the FZ18 is the way to go - on the understanding that taking it out with you becomes a more deliberate decision because it is not pocketable. However, it must be said that it is the lightest 'bigger' camera that I have ever held.

 

[ecoach]

where it will work just like the fx55. Now back to manual controls
and the FZ18, if you have a desire to learn about aperture, shutter
speed and ISO and how they interrelate, or depth of field with
different aperture and focal lengths, the FZ18 would be a great
learning tool. There are several excellent books and on-line
resources to help teach these topics along with exercises to test out

Hi Terry, could you please tell me where i can find these online
tools you mention?
Are they in combination with or specific for the FZ18??

Eagerly awaiting your tips!

Cheers

Ray

--
Shooting with his new FZ18, WOW!

 

[JosephScha]

Just had to answer the original question: "I'm also wondering if the FZ18 would be "too much" of a camera for a first-timer. Whatcha think?"

I think the answer depends a great deal on whether you are determined to remain at 1st timer level, and leave the camera in simple mode all the time. If that is your goal, then perhaps the FZ18 is a bit of overkill, it has very many useful controls that aren't used in "simple" mode.

But, if you want a camera that will definitely support you as a 1st timer AND that you'll be able to grow with and take control of as you gain experience, then the FZ18 is an excellent camera for you!

To quote Derrick Story, from "Digital Photography Pocket Guide": "[this] path is much different ... Down this road you and your camera will become close friends. You'll get to know each feature and how it can help you make outstanding images. In a sense, your camera will become an extension of your vision. And that means you're the one making the decisions, not the camera. ... The difference between these two paths is CONTROL. So, who's in charge, you or the camera?"

If you choose to be in control I highly recommend his very small, information packed book. It will help you not be a 1st timer for too long!

Good luck and I hope you do choose the FZ18!

-- Joe S (FZ7 owner)

 

[theranman]

Thanks, Joe, and everybody else. ALL of your comments are very helpful. I'm now leaning 60/40 in favor of the FZ18, partly due to the FZ's growth potential, and partly due to the fact that I'd want to keep the FX55 in a protective case or add one of those Delkin shades screen protectors..which definitely increases its carry size. I still wanna see a couple pro reviews of BOTH cams before making the absolute final decision, and I definitely wanna my hands on them to see how they pass the touch test.

thanks again