Panasonic FZ18

[manning]

f=4.6-82.8mm (35mm equiv.: 28-504mm)

28mm wide


http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-...s/model.DMC-FZ18K.S_11002_7000000000000005702

 

[Disneynut322]

WOW, what a zoom! That's crazy! I have the Panasonic Lumix FZ7, if I knew this was coming out, I would've waited! Oh well, I'm very happy with the one I have!

 

[alan]

Is anyone shooting with the Panasonic FZ18? I'm considering one now that the insurance company has labelled my Canon Pro1 as "Beyond economic repair".

Any impressions of the camera or photographs you can post would be much appreciated

regards,
/alan

 

[Code]

No personal experience but PopPhoto has a recent shootout of the 3 18x superzooms on the market and they ranked the FZ18 as the best of the 3.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4836/shootout-18x-evf-superzooms.html

 

[alan]

Thanks for the link - I went and bought one!

Background is I had a Canon Pro1. Beautiful camera at low ISO, outstanding image quality with a 28-200mm equivalent L series lens. And, unfortunately, broken "beyond economic repair", according to the breakdown insurance company.

When the insurance company proposed an IXUS (Elph) in replacement (8megapixel, sir) I laughed at them and eventually sorted out compensation in the form of gift vouchers.

After much humming and hawing, I went for the FZ-18. It really came to a choice between it and the S5IS. The S5IS had the Canon hotshoe, build quality and zooming during movies, the FZ18 had a wider wide end and RAW. In the end, the RAW and 28mm equivalent swung it for me.

I hope I don't normaly fall for the "gee whizz" of a megazoom, but the lens range on this little fellow does impress. Here's a picture taken on a murky morning at the wide end of the zoom, looking towards the Forth Rail Bridge:

Look above the "K" of "Binks" and you see a small island nestling under the bridge. I switched to the longest zoom and took this. At 1/40, hand-held at 504mm equivalent!

So far the weather has been so grey I've not had a chance to try it outdoors. And I constantly worry about whether I might miss a proper flashgun (eg the Princess' pavilions at DW). But I suppose that's what the SLR is for. For 90% of the outdoor shots I take, this FZ18 shows tremendous flexibility and I hope will be great fun!

I shall continue to post my impressions as I get to use it a little more.

regards,
/alan

 

[alan]

Being used to the way that Canons process images, I am having to work heard to learn to love the FZ18. It certainly isn't a good camera for pixel peepers.

But that image-stabilised zoom could become something I learn to love. Here are some bird that I shot while out for a lunchtime walk.

One day I'll get some worthwhile light to try it out with properly. My first rule for buying a new camera - don't do it in the wintertime!

1. Not sure what this is

2. A robin

3. Starling

4. Blackbird

5. Chaffinches

regards,
/alan

PS The identifications aren't mine; someone else told me what they were!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Very nice! I believe the first one is a dove.

I bought my S3 late last fall and I agree, it was rather difficult trying to learn how to use it in the winter.

 

[MinnieMouse73]

I am thinking of upgrading to a 'super-zoom' camera. Does anyone have any comments on either of these cameras please, or which might be better?

I don't know yet about using manual settings but I'd like to learn. I know the Panasonic allows either shutter or aperture priority - does anyone know if the Fuji allows the same options?

Thanks!

 

[YEKCIM]

They seem very well matched. I believe both offer various exposure modes, including A, S, and M

Comparison

~Y

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Thanks very much The comparison does make it seem like they're very similar, but the Fuji is considerably cheaper which makes me think it isn't as good!

Does anyone have any experience of either?

TIA

 

[MinnieMouse73]

OK, I've just ordered the FZ18. No doubt I'll have lots of questions once I've got it!

 

[wkrider]

Congrats on the purchase. I have a Fuji s5000, older but still a great camera. I now have a DSLR but take the Fuji with me where ever I take the DSLR. If for no other reason to have it as a back-up and my DW uses it. Make sure you post some of your pics. I looked at the comparison and think I might have gone the same direction you did. Very similar though.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Ok I have done a search and seen that a couple of Diser's have this camera - but thats pretty much all I found out!

I am trying to decide between this, the Olympus SP-560 and possibly one of the Fuji superzooms. Definately leaning towards the panasonic at the moment - and the reveiws on the Amazon UK sight are very positive.

Just wondering if anyone can give me some first hand feedback?

 

[Bojo]

I got one for my DW as her first digital camera. So far, she absolutely loves it. I think the 18X zoom will come in very handy on our Yellowstone trip this summer.

I guess it really depends on what you want in a camera, but I think the FZ18 is a good choice for a first digital camera or for more "reach".

 

[Daysleeper40]

I would like a camera that I can learn with - mostly to take outdoor shots of wildlife, but also as a regular camera for pics of the family / weddings etc.

I don't feel ready (or wealthy enough!) to delve into the the world of the DSLR though!

From what you have said, I am thinking along the right lines with the FZ18

 

[Bojo]

Yes, you should be happy with the FZ18 for a while; but, watch out, because that DSLR bug will bite very, very soon!

 

[MinnieMouse73]

I would like a camera that I can learn with - mostly to take outdoor shots of wildlife, but also as a regular camera for pics of the family / weddings etc.

I don't feel ready (or wealthy enough!) to delve into the the world of the DSLR though!

This was exactly how I felt - I wanted to move up from my old little basic camera and learn about the manual settings, but wasn't brave enough to jump right in and buy a DSLR. I am enjoying learning with the FZ18, it's a nice camera (from my limited experience!). So far I have nothing negative to report

 

[MinnieMouse73]

Yes, you should be happy with the FZ18 for a while; but, watch out, because that DSLR bug will bite very, very soon!

Hmm, well I can't argue with that ...

 

[Daysleeper40]

Thankyou for the advice - I am definately sold on this camera... now I just need to scrape together the cash to buy it, and a camera bag, and some SD picture cards, and maybe a tripod... and I'm sure there is other stuff that I am forgetting!

 

[tyedye]

double post...