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LUMIX Anonymous
I'm picking a camera rite now, and wondering if you guys can give me an advice. After all the research, I think that this camera is the most optimal option there is.

Panasonic DMC-FZ50 10.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

Discuss.
>> Anonymous
Canon S3 IS 12x optical manual modes blah blah just a better camera generally.
>> ac
>>39144
Now, just to be clear, are you confusing "Better" with "I own one"? Can you give a few reasons why it's better, perhaps?
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
For $500-$650 dollars, why not get an actual SLR? It's not like you're getting a convenient, pocket sized point and shoot here.

Why not a Nikon D40 or D40x instead? Very decent entry level SLR with a very decent kit lens, with the capability to use damn near any Nikon lens going back 40 years.
>> des
>>39152
I'm fairly certain the D40 can only use AF-S lenses
>> Anonymous
OP here. This camera has video w/sound. And it ain't weak either.
Plus - 12x optical zoom. I don't know an SLR which can beat that for $500-600 kit.
>> thefamilyman
>>39158
it can use any lens, but AF-S if you want AF, any other lens is would be MF.
so the D40 isn't just limited to AF-S only.
anyway, almost all new lenses you would buy now are AF-S so its not such a big problem ppl make it out to be and the kit lens is quite good too.
>> ac
>>39163
Really depends on what you want it for. If you want the best quality still pictures, an SLR is going to be a lot better for you. But yeah, you won't get the insane zoom or the video capabilities.

Personally, since I sold my 7x zoom P&S and got my dSLR, I haven't missed either the video ability or the zoom range. On the other hand, I much, *much* prefer the low-light ability of my dSLR (totally clear at iso400) with a fast prime lens (35mm, f/2.0).
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>39163
I'm almost positive that that claimed zoom range is due to digital zooms, which are done via decreasing overall pictures resolution. If it actually had a 35-500mm lens, I would... I would cry.

I'm just saying that if all you're looking for is a camera to take pictures of friends, family events, that sort of thing, any point and shoot can do that for you, in very convenient packages. But if you ever want to take photography beyond just being a hobby, you almost certainly need a real, big boy SLR.
>> Anonymous
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Well I picked up a refurbished (by panasonic) FZ-10 on the cheap 2 years ago (for less than 300 bucks). It has a 35-420 Lens and the 12x zoom is fully optical. I love this camera. The zoom is NICE. Its great having a manual focusing ring, lcd sight, and hotshoe on a non-dslr. I would love to have a Fz-50 for its ISO 1600 sensitivy.

I really can't say a bad thing about this camera. I'm not sure how the canon equivelent compares, but I think the more importand decision is whether you save your money for a dslr.

I'm pretty sure the picture below was taken at full zoom on my Fz-10.

Cheers

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakePanasonicCamera ModelDMC-FZ10Camera SoftwareVer1.05Maximum Lens Aperturef/2.8Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern2036Focal Length (35mm Equiv)432 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:03:26 15:46:20Exposure Time1/400 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating50Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceDaylightFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length72.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1280Image Height960RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeDistant ViewImage QualityStandardWhite BalanceAutoFocus ModeAutoSpot ModeOffImage StabilizerMode 1Macro ModeNormalShooting ModeProgramAudioNoFlash Bias0.00 EVColor EffectOff
>> Anonymous
How's the noise?
>> ac
>>39179
You've got to keep in mind that the focal length ranges on these superzooms is due to their wee tiny sensor. It's a lot easier to make a hugely telephoto lens when the image it has to project would make a frame of 110 or disc film feel like Gigantor.

Its actual zoom range is 7.4mm to 88.8mm with a ~4.7x crop factor. 7.4mm to 88.8mm is a much smaller range than, say, 75-300mm, 80-200mm, or 28-135.

If you really want to feel like you've got that zoom range, just go ahead and crop all of your shots to a tiny chunk in the center.
>> heavyweather !4AIf7oXcbA
>>39340
Thank you for saying what I was trying to, but was too dumb to know all the specifics of.