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Camera decision
Apr 14, 2013 15:41:53 #
I have had a desire,if not a need, to upgrade to a Nikon d7000 or 7100. But, if I do, I'm faced with a new body and lenses that may not do it justice (18-70 f/3.5-4.5 & 70-300 f4.5-5.6). Coupling that with the growing arthritis in my hands I'm considering a superzoom evr, which is lighter in weight. I'm leaning towords the Panasonic fz200. I've read all the reviews on it, the Canon, & Fujis xs-1.
The money I would spend is nowhere near what a quality prime 300mm would cost me. I currently have a well maintained D80 that I intend to keep. I'm sure there will be suggestions that will exceed the depth of my pocket. Has anyone used the fz200 and what are your opinions?
The money I would spend is nowhere near what a quality prime 300mm would cost me. I currently have a well maintained D80 that I intend to keep. I'm sure there will be suggestions that will exceed the depth of my pocket. Has anyone used the fz200 and what are your opinions?
Apr 14, 2013 16:23:31 #
Get a new glass for your D80, it would be a good choice. The lumix you have in mind can not compete with the D80 in quality and even less with a D7000 or D7100. It simply does not have the sensor size needed for high quality pics. But the need fir quality pics on the other hand depends on how you use your pics.. So if you are not doing large prints or looking at your pics on big screen tv etc then the lumix can be ok.
Apr 14, 2013 16:56:30 #
Hoosier in GA wrote:
I have had a desire,if not a need, to upgrade to a... (show quote)
In your case, I'd go with the Panasonic FZ200. Unless you are a professional and/or need very large high quality prints, the FZ200 is great. No need to throw more money at an expensive setup. I used to own a Lumix (different model), and I was very happy with it. I still have some shots I took with it that rival many shots I have today with a more expensive setup. Buy the equipment you plan to use because the best camera is the one you have with you. Good luck.
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Apr 14, 2013 20:56:04 #
Hoosier in GA wrote:
I have had a desire,if not a need, to upgrade to a... (show quote)
I am struggling with the same issue and am looking at the FZ200 also. Have asked my nephew who teaches photography and is extremely knowledgeable about photography to check out the 200 and let me know what he thinks. He said that he will also talk to several friends, one of who owns a professional photographers camera store. Will be happy to let you know what he says. dpReview gave the camera an 80 rating. The Fuji would be my second choice.
Apr 14, 2013 21:37:59 #
Don't underestimate the 70-300 4.5-5.6, it is a very good lens with excellent sharpness. I've had one for a few years and started using it on a D600. I think you will be very pleased with how it performs on a D7000 or D7100.
Can't speak to the 18-70, have no experience with it.
Can't speak to the 18-70, have no experience with it.
Apr 15, 2013 01:41:41 #
Don't rule out μ4/3 (ILM) cameras like the Olympus OMD or Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. Great image quality and light weight.
Apr 15, 2013 02:29:29 #
All I will add is would I pay the extra £400 for the D7100 over the D7000, not a chance.
Apr 15, 2013 06:09:43 #
I have The Lumax FZ150, the model before the 200. I takes very good landscape and flash photos. In decent light you will be happy with the result. Not so great for sports/action shots. Good zoom but not the best image quality at the high end of the zoom. I am quite satisfied with it for what it does. You might want to look at the Nikon P510 and the Canon SX50 for less money. Members here use both models and seem to like them.
Apr 15, 2013 09:22:29 #
I went thru the same thing...and finally settled on the SX50 for a few reasons.
*Shoots in RAW.
*Zoom is remarkable...even in the digital range (which surprised the hell out of me)
*Hot shoe
*Remote shutter release
*Shoots in RAW.
*Zoom is remarkable...even in the digital range (which surprised the hell out of me)
*Hot shoe
*Remote shutter release
Apr 15, 2013 10:26:24 #
If we are talking about the Panasonic FZ200 with constant f2.8 across the entire zoom, I would gladly trade all my SLR kit for this camera. Not the longest zoom, but 600mm at f2.8, wow. A bright and detailed viewfinder, articulated LCD! Not for everyone, but for my purposes, a very nice camera
Apr 15, 2013 11:43:48 #
wteffey wrote:
If we are talking about the Panasonic FZ200 with constant f2.8 across the entire zoom, I would gladly trade all my SLR kit for this camera. Not the longest zoom, but 600mm at f2.8, wow. A bright and detailed viewfinder, articulated LCD! Not for everyone, but for my purposes, a very nice camera
I have this camera and it is indeed a true miracle. I just can't say enough about it. For every ones information, it has been fully worked with video tutorials by a great teacher named Graham Houghton. His videos are on YouTube. Take a look at this guys work and detailed instrucional aids.
P.S. also shoots in RAW.
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Apr 15, 2013 18:05:49 #
I've recently purchased a Panasonic FZ 200 after having gone through all the same concerns-- quality, cost, weight'
and video vs still quality because I primarily create videos.
There's a great deal to learn about the camera, and so far
I haven't even gotten into RAW. Also as one person just
commented, the digital zoom is not bad (I vowed a long time ago to only go optical-- but I've recanted somewhat
depending on the siuation-- if the situation allows, I usually shoot 24x optical and then also do a further push into diigital territory). If you really want super sharp large prints then I'd recommend looking into refurbished DSLR equipment). Happy trails-- and happy trials!
and video vs still quality because I primarily create videos.
There's a great deal to learn about the camera, and so far
I haven't even gotten into RAW. Also as one person just
commented, the digital zoom is not bad (I vowed a long time ago to only go optical-- but I've recanted somewhat
depending on the siuation-- if the situation allows, I usually shoot 24x optical and then also do a further push into diigital territory). If you really want super sharp large prints then I'd recommend looking into refurbished DSLR equipment). Happy trails-- and happy trials!
4 recent Panasonic FZ200 pics
Apr 15, 2013 19:24:47 #
Please check out the videos on You tube by Graham Houghton. He really goes into the video aspects along with the stills. This guy is really good.
Apr 15, 2013 20:14:57 #
Thanks Otto, you're right. I believe I've seen them all. He does a wonderful job, and his videos were part of the reason that I got my FZ 200. Thanks for mentioning his excellent work.
Apr 15, 2013 21:11:11 #
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