ILFarmer

I am strictly a point and shooter. I am not a photographer, but I take hundreds of pictures most years. I have several cameras located so I can usually get to a camera when I see something I think interests me. My two favorite cameras are a Nikon PL900 and a Panasonic FZ1000. We are taking a trip next summer and I have the itch to get a Panasonic FZ2500. I think Sony probably makes a better camera, but it is much more expensive. I would think I am probably not the only on this site with the" gotta have the newer camera" disease. I would think several of you had the itch and bought the newer camera. Was it worth it? Do you think you wasted your money?

Some of the reviews state the 2500 is difficult, the manual that comes with it is worthless. and the online manual is 300 pages. Is it so difficult that I will miss pictures on our trip because I cannot figure it out? I would appreciate your advice. As of now, both the P900 and the FZ1000 will go on the trip with us. I am 75 years old, but still farm and can handle carrying those cameras.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I am seven years older than you and still worked till I was 77 so I know what you mean but age does catch up to you. My physical strength has waned in last three or so years so weight and size is some thing to be concerned about. As for as learning the camera I have not had that much trouble at that. I use Canon and there are some good field manuals for them written by several authors. I always get one when I upgrade for that camera model. I have a total of four manuals, one for each camera. I have found that if go through and read the manual and familiarize my self with it and then start going through the settings and the functions in a couple of weeks with practice I am starting to get the hand of things.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Just got the Sony RX10M4. horrible menu, lots and lots of options, but great camera. Yes it does deliver. At some focal lengths the Panasonic is just as good, but at the short and long end I think the Sony is a little better.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Whether or not 20 or 80 years old, buying the Panasonic FZ2500 as an new option is a great idea. You will not be disappointed. It will be worth the cost and not a waste of money.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Waste of money. I've "upgraded" several times and each time it wasn't because of a real need, it was because of the grass being greener. I would be embarrassed to tell you what cameras I've owned and how many lenses I've owned. Suffice it to say I could have bought a car for what I've spent on this boloney.

I know I'm in the minority but my advice is; invest in experiences, not gear. Do your thing with your current gear and spend more time experiencing life.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

I have just bought the Sony RX10 IV and am experiencing the same menu problems.
I went on line and D/L Gary L. Friedman's book on the camera, (Not very expensive). He wrights books on just about every camera that Sony comes out with.
Look him up and I feel that you will find just all of your questions answered.
I am going thru it now, and he offers how to set up the Menu system in a way that make the camera work better.
He answers all the questions.

Have good luck.

Charles

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Waste of Money. The FZ1000 and FZ2500 have basically the same sensor and practically the same specs and capabilities. Not enough of a difference to justify spending $200 for the upgrade, never mind $1200.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

No camera manual is worthless! Many people simply don't take the time to properly study the manual, and only look at it when they can't figure out how to do something... and then are naturally overwhelmed by the massive number of pages of information. Whenever I get a new camera, the first thing I do is spend a few days reading the manual, experimenting with the settings, and jotting down (or bookmarking) information that I think will be especially relevant to me; sometimes I will even print out a few select pages from the manual to use as a handy guide. Studying the manual beforehand prepares me to use the camera efficiently and take advantage of its many functions. A large manual is usually indicative that the camera has many features.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Worthwhile advice.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

The paper manual that came with my Coolpix B700 was heavily abridged. To get a full manual I had to download it from the Nikon Website. I've never read a manual cover to cover. I use them like a dictionary, just looking up things I don't understand.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Concur.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

While I have advised otherwise, and to a certain degree you are in the minority, your advice is not without merit. One must be judicious with how they decide. I am sorry for your experiences in upgrading that have gone "bad". When I was in my professional photographer's guild, most of us had in our business plans the upgrading of our cameras every 3 to 5 years. That meant a portion of profit had to go to a business saving account for future cameras. Now that I am no longer a small time professional, I now wait until there has been enough changes in features that will make it easier for me to create the images I envision. Therefore, almost all my upgrades have made it easier to produce the images that I want to produce. For me, my upgrades have been totally worth the effort. Yes, one needs to learn and use their equipment to it's maximum ability. That allows one to gain those experiences you have talked about. But at some point, one's equipment can become the preventer of new and better experiences. It can end up slowing or stopping one's creativity. At that point, one must consider upgrading their equipment.

It is now up to the OP to decide if it is his time to upgrade. His equipment is older but still good and good condition. But will he be able to do more of what he wants to do with new equipment? I think he will be able to do what he wants to do quicker and easier with the newer camera. That, to me would not be a waste of money. Hopefully with your advise, my advise, and the other UHH's advise, he will be able to find his answer.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

traderjohn Loc: New York City

"I know I'm in the minority but my advice is; invest in experiences, not gear. Do your thing with your current gear and spend more time experiencing life."
I think you are spot on.

leftj Loc: Texas

I always have to laugh when someone says read the manual from cover to cover when you first get a new camera. Beyond the "getting started" section of the manual much that you read will be meaningless until you start shooting with the camera. Use the manual as a resource as you gain experience with the gear.