panasonic fz28 **need help** I just purchased this camera and have read the manual front to back. I am not use to dealing with shutter speeds, aperture values and raw vs. jpeg photos. I am trying to make sense of it all, but could really use some advice. Please feel free to dumb it down. I would appreciate any help I can get. panasonic fz28 **need help** I just purchased this camera and have read the manual front to back. I am not use to dealing with shutter speeds, aperture values and raw vs. jpeg photos. I am trying... » Read More panasonic fz28 **need help** I just purchased this camera and have read the manual front to back. I am not use to dealing with shutter speeds, aperture values and raw vs. jpeg photos. I am trying to make sense of it all, but could really use some advice. Please feel free to dumb it down. I would appreciate any help I can get. « Show Less
1136873
I have had this camera about a month and came a cross this site. http://www.tlc-systems.com/artzen2-0083.htm It is the most helpful piece of info on how to use the darn thing as well as explain the good and bad points of taking pictures with this particular camera. The pix's are amazing and the author is an excellant writer. Hope you get as much out of it. It is a bit long but take it one piece at a at time and by the end of the piece you will have more than enough info to Move forward in using this amazing camera and making some amazing photo memories. Good luck
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « Show Less
1198691
As someone who spent months in research (and finally decided on the NIKON) allow me to offer my advice: The NIKON P80 has a new sensor with 10.1MP (size 1/2.33" and a pixel density of 36MP/cm2). On its plus side, the small size (although it turns long when zoomed all in), the comprehensive menu and the overall built. On the minus side, the NIKON, although perfectly capable, will not take the best photo if left on Auto. The PANASONIC FZ18 has an older 8.1MP sensor (size 1/2.5" and a pixel density of 32MP/cm2). On its plus size, the impeccable LEICA lens system (and quite short even at maximum zoom), the handy joystick, the great image quality and the mechanical stabilization (the only one of these three that comes with it). On the minus side, the FZ18 is a bit larger that the P80 - and is bound to be replaced by Christmas. The FUJI S8100FD was never a contender for me. With a 10MP sensor (size 1/2.3" and a pixel density of 35MP/cm2) it is not too shabby. Yet, its overall design was not to my liking at all (of course that is a personal preference). The best advice a professional photographer gave me was this: choose the best lens and then the best sensor. Then make sure it is a camera for your level. The PANASONIC has the best lens whereas the NIKON has the best sensor (these cameras are still Point&Shoot, nowhere near the sensor sizes of a DSLR). Bottom line: if new to digital photography or do not care to be concerned with all the tweaking, go with the PANASONIC - it has a much better intelligent Auto (iA) function. If more experienced or would like to be more involved in taking a photo, go with the NIKON. Happy shooting!
1691038
Michael, I own a Panasonic DMC-FZ30. If I had the money I would switch to this S100 for one main reason, that being low light capability. The 30 is limited to ISO 400, I see the 50 can go all the way up to 1600 so that may do the trick. Other than that I'm quite happy with the 30. I've had it three years, taken 1000's of photos of which I'm pretty happy. However the low light limits me quite often. The 30/50 have sensors much smaller than the s100. I think Fuji would have been better off with the large sensor they used but with 8 megapixels which would have improved photo quality, especially at the higher ISOs. The megapixel race is one of the biggest problems in the digital camera arena today. There again the 50 and S100 aren't that far apart in the megapixel race but look at the size of the Fjui sensor - wow! I would enjoy the 2 1/2 inch LCD over the 30/50's 2". I wouldn't miss the rotating feature on the Panasonic as I mostly use it in vertical modes and the Fuji provides that. Another thing I'd want is better video. Even though the three cameras have the same specs I'm disappointed with the Panasonic results. The video from my 30 aren't as good as my wife's Sony W50 point-and-shoot. I guess I'd have to hold them in my hand to compare the Fuji 100 vs the Panasonic 50. My conclusion for you? If I had the 50 in hand already I wouldn't be looking to upgrade. The Panasonic is bound to have more noise due to the smaller sensor. The Fuji looks like it has less noise but there are rampant complaints about purple fringing although most say it only shows up on hard contrast shots. The Panasonic is better at purple fringing but worse on noise - choose your weakness. Battery life is awesome on my 30 and it is indicated to be lower on the S100. Are these differences worth the difference in price (50=$579 S100=$655 9/19/08 on Amazon). If it was me purchasing today I'd go for the S100. What did you decide?
190424
Fuji has inconsistent quality control, which I found when I purchased the F10. The first camera took VERY blurry photos, the second 1/3 and the third maybe 1/5 (in default settings). Don't doubt yourself and your picture snapping skills. If you've read the manual and you are still having problems I would recommend an exchange.
1306624
Good to know and good answer, Les. Clears it up. Still, I wonder why there is only one amazon review so far. I have the FZ28 and would upgrade w more positive comments -28 would go to girlfriend or son BTW [or backup (just in case)].Oct 20: Went to the girlfriend -got the FZ40. Very pleased.
831205
Depends on what you need. 45mb/s works well for just portraits. And even fine for speed as long as you shoot in jpeg. But I was shooting fast in RAW on full frame and 45 was not doing it for me.But if it says 45 then it is. But if you have no problems no need to upgrade
1419976
Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the... » Read More Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. « Show Less
1689681
I figured out the aperture mode. This seems to be where the HS10 can take decent pictures. NOT pleased with exr auto, that is a crap shoot. So I am still so confused as to what camera is right for me. So frustrating. Still need to try the video as well. Oh, the free sony software was easier to use. I am having so many problems with SilkyPics. sends pics to my windows photo shop poorly, sometimes combining two pictures. GRRR
399093
First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd buy one that Panasonic makes for the FZ200. I have no experience with any of them. Sorry... First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd... » Read More First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd buy one that Panasonic makes for the FZ200. I have no experience with any of them. Sorry... « Show Less
1813534
I love how this always works out for me. I wanted this camera for my cruise on the 18th, but went ahead and got the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Red) last week because I didn't think the Nikon would be here in time. Now that it's here, what should I do? I like the GPS on the Panasonic, but it takes HORRIBLE low light pics. Any help would be appreciated!
274308
Thanks for the reply. According to CNET, the shutter speeds are comparable. In addition, the cameras weigh about the same (I think one weights about 5.6 oz and the other 5.8 oz) so there is a few tenths of an ounce difference. Since I'm mostly a 4x6 or occasional 5x7 type of person, is there a difference to me at that print size between the two cameras? The price gap between the cameras is closing, so really the main feature difference for me is the optical viewfinder. And, I'm wondering if the "step ups" in the SD870 are worth it. Thanks again. Thanks for the reply. According to CNET, the shutter speeds are comparable. In addition, the cameras weigh about the same (I think one weights about 5.6 oz and the other 5.8 oz) so there is a few tenths of an ounce difference. Since I'm mostly a 4x6 or occasional 5x7 type of person, is there a difference to me at that print size between the two cameras? The price gap between the cameras is closing, so really the main feature difference for me is the optical viewfinder. And, I'm wondering if the "step ups" in the SD870 are worth it. Thanks again.
1647032
There is a webpage discussing the difference between FZ 200 and FZ 200K. See link:http://versus.com/en/panasonic-dmc-fz200k-vs-panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz200
831209
Depends on what you need. 45mb/s works well for just portraits. And even fine for speed as long as you shoot in jpeg. But I was shooting fast in RAW on full frame and 45 was not doing it for me. But if it says 45 then it is. But if you have no problems no need to upgrade
1646833
Hi Henry, FZ30 Iso are...Light sensitivity Auto ISO, ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400..ok?Its an old camera now, buy the FZ200 is a much better buy.
2236556
I currently own the FZ35, last week I received the FZ100 and within two days sent it back..yesterday, I received the FZ40 and have spend some time compairing the pictures side by side and I have to say the FZ40 is better..the pictures are more sharper and detail is very good. I enjoy the 3" screen and the video is excellent. Since I take mostly pictures of my dogs, this camera responds very well..Hope this helps
1646832
Hi Henry, FZ30 Iso are...Light sensitivity Auto ISO, ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400..ok? Its an old camera now, buy the FZ200 is a much better buy.