New camera, which one ???

[Wiggy2k7]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy a new camera but I'm struggling to choose which one, I'm hoping some of you can help me decide.

Ill be using it for a mixture of things - wildlife, concerts, fishing trips, eBay listings ect. I'll also be using it to make a few videos.

I was originally going to go with the FZ70 which i can get for £190 brand new, but after reading a few reviews online it seems to get mixed reviews. So I'm now also looking into maybe buying a 2nd hand FZ150 or maybe even an FZ62 instead. I don't want to pay FZ200 prices so that's off the menu. On either of these cameras i would probably only use around 10MP photo size.

What do you suggest ??? Is the FZ70 really as bad as some people make out? Zoom aside, how does the FZ150 and FZ62 stack up against it ?

I appreciate your opinions... Thanks

 

[Ronomy]

All I can say is that the FZ150 has the most praise on this forum. It takes great images!

 

[tjwaggoner]

Have seen great stuff from the fz150 here without a doubt. I would suggest the fz200 used. Ive seen them on KEH for 299 usd with the original box included. Always been pleased with their condition standards. Henrys in canada also sells used stuff and extended warranties if thats a concern.

You won't go wrong with the fz150 but I love the constant 2.8 of the 200. Lets you handhold shots you normally wouldn't be able to.

 

[Wiggy2k7]

Thanks for your replies.

So the FZ150 is the one to get, the FZ70 just looked like a good bargain as i can get on new for not much more than a used FZ150 is going to cost me.

 

[GeraldW]

If it were my decision, I'd go with the FZ150, no question. I'm currently using an FZ200; mainly because of the better EVF, better feel in my hands, and the constant f/2.8 lens. I've also owned the FZ150, and as far as image quality goes, it's at least as good as the FZ200.

The FZ150 lens is f/2.8 at wide and f/5.2 at tele; but if you were to make a graph of f/# Vs focal length, you'd see the line is shaped like a hockey stick, staying at fairly wide apertures until around 450-500 mm at which point it rapidly shifts to nearer f/5.2. So the lens is "faster" than the end point numbers would indicate; and you're not giving up that much speed to the FZ200's f/2.8.

 

[Sactojim]

The IQ between the FZ70, FZ60, and the FZ200 is minute and it gets down to technique. I give a slight nod to the FZ150's IQ from what I have seen here, Flickr, and reviews. The FZ70 initially got panned from a few users and review sites because of somewhat soft images, but if you back off the NR to -2, you will get a sharp image. If you look at photographyblog and cameralabs they are all in the same image quality boat with the FZ150 slightly higher. I had the FZ60 and it was a fine camera, but I wanted more length. They all have their strengths and for certain the fast 2.8 constant lens and best in class EVF of the FZ200 is a outstanding features. The FZ150's are going for a premium and not sure I would pay their used price. Have you thought about heading to a camera shop with your SD card to get some snaps and then viewing at home? I do this at Mike's Camera or Ritz Camera, heck, even Target obliged me.

 

[Wiggy2k7]

This is turning into quite a tough decision, the FZ150 is sounding like a great camera but now that Sactojim has said about turning the NR down on the FZ70 im stuck between the two again. And the fact that i would have to buy the FZ150 used - for not much less than i could get a new FZ70, is making it quite difficult to decide

 

[Wiggy2k7]

Just to let you guys know, i ended up buying an FZ150, should receive it on Saturday.

Got it for £140, its 6 months old in new/unmarked condition and comes with a bonus UV filter and memory card.

The 60x zoom was very tempting on the FZ70 but some of the negative reviews were putting me off. I thought id play it safe and go with the FZ150, only time will tell if i made the right decision.

 

[Jerrich]

I think you got a good deal. I'm of the opinion that any modern camera will do the job for email and forum participation, it depends on your purpose I suppose. Are you a picture person or a pixel person? Most small sensor cameras are disappointing at 100% imo. Note I said "most". Do post some of your shots here and let us know how you like it.

JR

 

[kkardster]

Just to let you guys know, i ended up buying an FZ150, should receive it on Saturday.

Got it for £140, its 6 months old in new/unmarked condition and comes with a bonus UV filter and memory card.

The 60x zoom was very tempting on the FZ70 but some of the negative reviews were putting me off. I thought id play it safe and go with the FZ150, only time will tell if i made the right decision.

Congrats! There is no wrong decision when it comes to the FZ150 - have fun!

 

[Wiggy2k7]

Thanks guys, hopefully i made the right choice. Im only a beginner really but if i get some good photos ill post some on the forum.

Cheers

 

[Lepewhi]

I'm not sure, but I believe that the FZ150 has a flip screen like my fz200 and the FZ70 doesn't. This is something that I really like.

 

[kkardster]

I'm not sure, but I believe that the FZ150 has a flip screen like my fz200 and the FZ70 doesn't. This is something that I really like.

Yes, the FZ150 has the same articulating screen as the FZ200. The FZ70 screen is fixed.

 

[Wiggy2k7]

Got the camera today.

Just charged the battery and saw this gold finch on the washing line, not a great pic but its a start

Yes, the FZ150 does have the rotating screen