Looking to buy a new camera....
Jan 29, 2020 21:09:21 #
I want to start off by saying that I found this site several months ago and I appreciate the insight that the members provide to mere amateurs like myself. I am looking to purchase a new camera and I have two in mind.
They are the Lumix FZ 300 and the FZ 1000. Did I forget to mention that I'm a real penny pincher
The FZ offers longer reach (600mm), a smaller sensor, a couple hundred$$ cheaper and the specs say that it is sealed to protect against dust.
The FZ 1000 offers not quite as much reach (400 mm), 1'' sensor, not sealed against dust and more expensive.
My gut says to go with the larger sensor of the FZ 1000 and the added cost will be worth it over many years.
My favorite type of photography is taking hikes and looking for nature shots.
I am thinking a larger sensor is more valuable then the additional reach.
Thanks for any feedback.
They are the Lumix FZ 300 and the FZ 1000. Did I forget to mention that I'm a real penny pincher
The FZ offers longer reach (600mm), a smaller sensor, a couple hundred$$ cheaper and the specs say that it is sealed to protect against dust.
The FZ 1000 offers not quite as much reach (400 mm), 1'' sensor, not sealed against dust and more expensive.
My gut says to go with the larger sensor of the FZ 1000 and the added cost will be worth it over many years.
My favorite type of photography is taking hikes and looking for nature shots.
I am thinking a larger sensor is more valuable then the additional reach.
Thanks for any feedback.
Jan 29, 2020 21:13:39 #
Is there a camera shop nearby where you can see each and see how they feel; where the controls are located? You might like one more ergonomically.
Jan 29, 2020 21:19:35 #
Diver Joe wrote:
I want to start off by saying that I found this s... (show quote)
My gut agrees with your gut!
Jan 29, 2020 21:41:10 #
I was in a somewhat similar position several months ago, although I was between the Lumix FZ300 and the Sony RX10 IV. Their zoom range is similar, but the Sony has the larger sensor. I compared them side by side. To my eye the LUMIX quality was as good as the Sony. There are cases where the larger sensor will be better, but for me it’s what I see.
What sold me on the LUMIX was that its weight is about a pound less making it easier to hold steady for handheld shots at full zoom. The other LUMIX advantage is that the aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range. That’s incredibly useful, particularly for wildlife photography.
So I went with the LUMIX FZ300 and have not regretted my decision.
What sold me on the LUMIX was that its weight is about a pound less making it easier to hold steady for handheld shots at full zoom. The other LUMIX advantage is that the aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range. That’s incredibly useful, particularly for wildlife photography.
So I went with the LUMIX FZ300 and have not regretted my decision.
Jan 29, 2020 21:43:54 #
Jan 29, 2020 21:52:36 #
Diver Joe wrote:
I want to start off by saying that I found this s... (show quote)
As some here have suggested on other items, why not rent either for a few days to get the feel of both prior to purchasing.
Jan 30, 2020 02:09:50 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
Diver Joe wrote:
I want to start off by saying that I found this s... (show quote)
All good advice so far. As far as wildlife, 400 is where one would want to reach. Both cameras meet this requirement. You didn't indicate if either has IS so I will assume no IS. This means that the long 600 would be harder to steady, and many times may search as far as focus is concerned, when shoot distant objects at the 600. I am sure the focusing has improved since my Olympus SP-550, but it can be an issue. I would pick the larger sensor especially if the pixels are bigger which I suspect they are. Even though I shoot with a 4/3rds camera, there is a point that ISO in low light, and the width of the depth of field, may not meet your needs. The larger sensor should give you a higher acceptable ISO and a narrower depth of field. All in all, looking at all brands (in your price range first, the other requirements second), trying them out at the store, and/or renting the finalist cameras are great ideas.
Jan 30, 2020 04:44:07 #
Don't forget to also consider ergonomics. Not all cameras feel the same, or are equally comfortable for everyone. A camera that is comfortable to operate (button and dial layout, weight distribution, overall shape and size, etc.) will result in a more enjoyable experience, which may possibly have a positive impact on the output.
Jan 30, 2020 05:41:17 #
wdross wrote:
All good advice so far. As far as wildlife, 400 is... (show quote)
I believe both of these cameras offer Image Stabilzation. Most super zoom bridge cameras offer some type of Image Stabilization built in. It would also be good to note that the FZ300 has just a 12MP sensor. The FZ1000 offers 18.1 megapixels. This could be a factor if the OP intends to make large prints. The FZ1000 with the 1" sensor is an an outstanding value for the purchase price. The only advantage of the FZ300, in my opinion, would be if there is a significant need for weather sealing.
Jan 30, 2020 06:58:14 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Actually, all of the Panasonic Bridge cameras are very good. I first saw a Panasonic FZ70 at a Best Buy Store. It was a clearance Sale, and I regret not purchasing it immediately. They had sold out in one day. I'm still stuck with my Nikon Bridge camera of 4 years old. It has a focal range up to 855mm, and a tiny 1/2.3" sensor. You can't go wrong with purchasing any Panasonic Bridge cameras. Whether it is a 1/2.3" sensor or 1" sensor. You will get better resolution with the 1" sensor. But, you will pay more for it. I recommend the FZ1000, it has good reviews. Good luck.
Jan 30, 2020 07:21:13 #
Floyd wrote:
As some here have suggested on other items, why not rent either for a few days to get the feel of both prior to purchasing.
Do they rent these 2 cameras?
Jan 30, 2020 07:37:52 #
Diver Joe wrote:
I want to start off by saying that I found this s... (show quote)
A short time ago I was considering getting the FZ300. I read about it and watched videos. It sounded attractive with the constant 2.8, weather sealing, and low price. What led me to no longer consider it was a video by someone who had owned one. He was very positive about how it was a great camera. Someone asked him how it compared to a camera with a 1 inch sensor, it may have been the FZ1000...he recommended that camera with the 1 inch sensor would be a better choice because of the photo quality.
Jan 30, 2020 07:56:18 #
You're "looking to" buy a new camera? In which direction are you looking? North, south, east or west? You may look all around, but "thinking about" buying a new camera might be the better course of action. BTW....I hate the phrase "looking to" and I'm giving you a hard time!! 
Jan 30, 2020 08:29:06 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Do they rent these 2 cameras?
I checked LensRentals.com - they do rent the 1000 but I couldn't find the 300. Here's a link: https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/panasonic-lumix-dc-fz1000-ii
I rented the Sony RX10 IV to take to Costa Rica thinking it would be a great solution for hiking. I was very disappointed with sharpness at the longer range. Admittedly it was handheld, but I don't usually have trouble with sharpness hand holding my Sony A7iii with a Sigma 120-400 lens.
I'm glad I rented because I won't buy that camera. Others may have different results - especially if you're using a mono or tripod.
Just my 2 cents....
Jan 30, 2020 08:44:02 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Diver Joe wrote:
I want to start off by saying that I found this s... (show quote)
You may also want to look into the Sony line of RX 100 models. They are all excellent. And they have Zeiss lenses that produce excellent results.
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