Lumix?

[Greg K.]

With all the excitement around here over the Canon S2, I can't help but notice that there has been scant mention of one of its closest competitors in the mega-zoom market, the Panasonic/Lumix FZ5. It seems to have similar specs, and its close cousin, the FZ20 even has a Leica lens. Reviews elsewhere online have been quite positive. And I notice that Panasonic is about to release what may be an impressive upgrade, the FZ7, which promises to push the ISO to 1600 (though it's anybody's guess just how effective, or noisy, that will be...).

Thoughts?

 

[Dan Murphy]

The lack of a swivel LCD pretty much knocked that one out for me, as well as the newer Sony megazoom, IS.

 

[elizke]

I used to have an FZ2, and even with a measly 2 MP it could take some fantastic photos.

But for my shooting style (in a hurry, snap away, no time for thought, etc...) it just didn't work out. The buttons and menus were just alittle to convoluted for my straight-line thinking brain. I also had many problems with the auto white balance, but this may be improved on current models.

I still think they are a great line of camera though, for the right person....

E.

 

[LordAthens]

The new models are FANTASTIC!

Thought I'm highly disappointed that they dropped the straight f/2.8 glass, that was a super bright VERY fast lense.

As for the swivel display, meh. I've been behind an SLR for so long that it doesn't do much for me. When I got into digital I started with a loaded Nikon 5700 with the battery grip, SB-50DX speedlight, etc etc. I think I may have used the swivel display on it a half dozen times and even then, I was just playing with the swivel because it was there.

 

[fiffy]

the FZ20 even has a Leica lens.

actually it doesn't. It has a lense that panosonic built based on a leica spec sheet and paid for the leica name to be on it but don't confuse that with a true leica lense. Much like some of the small point and shoot camera's with a "schneider" lense. Its just a marketing ploy to increase sales. As far as bridge cameras go its decent, but for the money your spending on it you might as well get an SLR. Just my opinion though.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Fiffy beat me to it (re: Leica Lens)

 

[Greg K.]

As far as bridge cameras go its decent, but for the money your spending on it you might as well get an SLR. Just my opinion though.

I don't know about that. I know what you're saying, and understand why you're saying it. But these little doobies only run about $400 or so. I have a hard time justifying spending $1200-$1500 or more for a system that will spend most of its lifespan sitting in my closet, waiting to be taken out for vacations once or twice a year. Unless you're a real enthusiast, and have the time and inclination to devote the the art of photography, it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to me.

I have a Canon SLR already (not digital). I won't deny it takes gorgeous pix. But I only paid around $300 for it several years ago. That's a big difference. (Also, since I've made the digital leap, it's gone mostly unused...sigh.)

 

[A Sunny Day]

I own the FZ20. I haven't used all it's features but I get alot of use out of the zoom feature. I'm far from a camera or photography expert but will try to answer any questions you have.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Another poster posted that a Pentasx dSLR including kit lens is only US$600. You may want to look at that as an option.

 

[Greg K.]

Another poster posted that a Pentasx dSLR including kit lens is only US$600. You may want to look at that as an option.

Um, Kelly, that poster would be me .... Yeah, the guy looking at the Lumix is also mulling the Pentax...and about to make the dSLR leap, I think.

Further investigation has found that the folks at BuyDig have the same Pentax kit (complete with 18-55 mm lens!) for $528 -- and they don't charge tax, and they offer free shipping.

Looking mighty attractive...!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Woo hoo!!!!!!! Pentax, baby!