I am amazed and enthralled with the FZ18. In comparison to my FZ5 I waited for the right camera to upgrade and it is above my expectations. I wanted wider angle and manual focus - got it. But the ease of use has improved even with all the added modes and features.
The camera is light - a need for this backpacking old lady but the construction is solid. With an adapter I can add any lenses or filters I want to carry.
It is a teeny bit bulkier than the FZ5 - enough that I can't carry it in a pocket and will need a bigger padded pouch for my belt.
I am impressed with the image quality - it is so far much better than the FZ5 - and I am shooting a lot in 5MP EZ. I can also do more macro w/out an added lens. The colors seem very true. I'm getting birds so much better. I can't speak to indoors because I am almost always taking pictures outdoors. So far I have not needed the flash indoors - the lens lets in enough light to get good images without.
Already my photos are up a notch and on a new level. Very exciting.
The controls are such an improvement and the joystick allows me to make quick corrections. It is a lot easier to change settings although it will take me a while to learn everything I can do. It is the most inuitive and flexible camera I have owned.
And it cost much less than my FZ5 did. At $300 street price I think it's a steal!
Problems:
None yet - will edit if I find any.
Room for improvement? The zoom and lens and ability to play are great so a better IQ and larger sensor are the only things I would want in another camera- someday.
It is a teeny bit bulkier than the FZ5 - enough that I can't carry it in a pocket and will need a bigger padded pouch for my belt.
The camera is light - a need for this backpacking old lady but the construction is solid. With an adapter I can add any lenses or filters I want to carry.
It is a teeny bit bulkier than the FZ5 - enough that I can't carry it in a pocket and will need a bigger padded pouch for my belt.
I am impressed with the image quality - it is so far much better than the FZ5 - and I am shooting a lot in 5MP EZ. I can also do more macro w/out an added lens. The colors seem very true. I'm getting birds so much better. I can't speak to indoors because I am almost always taking pictures outdoors. So far I have not needed the flash indoors - the lens lets in enough light to get good images without.
Already my photos are up a notch and on a new level. Very exciting.
The controls are such an improvement and the joystick allows me to make quick corrections. It is a lot easier to change settings although it will take me a while to learn everything I can do. It is the most inuitive and flexible camera I have owned.
And it cost much less than my FZ5 did. At $300 street price I think it's a steal!
Problems:
None yet - will edit if I find any.
Room for improvement? The zoom and lens and ability to play are great so a better IQ and larger sensor are the only things I would want in another camera- someday.
It is a teeny bit bulkier than the FZ5 - enough that I can't carry it in a pocket and will need a bigger padded pouch for my belt.