Panasonic: Like a Step down from DSLR

[disneymarie]

There are so many models on the Panasonic site, so confusing. This is my work horse camera for Insurance investigations as in Fires, flooding, tractor trailers that tear off gutters, rec centers with torn up greens. Trees falling onto roofs, along with car damage, to document the odometer, the door frame and dash vin's.

Son has a Lumix point and shoot I love the quality and options.But, I do not want the need to learn the SLR settings, just interested in long zoom and at least 12 mp.

My Kodak Z 718 had a 12 X zoom and was nice because it had the rechargable batteries that last for ever. Died after getting water in the battery compartment at Niagara Falls.

So I looked at the Kodak Z 981 and it had 4 AA rechargable and I really do not want to go that route. It was marked down to $209, but I would rather spend $399 and get something with the rechargable in it.

Looked at the Cannon with the Viewfinder and LCD screen for $369. it was okay. But I really would like the Panasonic, The D3100 is SLR and going to be too much for me unless it has an auto setting. I would put the extra money out after the holidays, but I have too much on my mind any more to take time with shots.
Really need:
12-14 mp
12-21 zoom capability
Ready flash
View finder,
Recharge battery
Nice lens. Fast action not a delay that stinks.

Any thoughts?
Di

 

[Groucho]

There's nothing more to learn on an SLR versus a point and shoot. The only real difference in terms of ease of use how you compose the photo - with an optical viewfinder held up to your eye or with an LCD held out in front of you. The SLR gives much more flexibility for the more advanced shooter, but there's nothing special to learn if you keep it in the Auto mode.

That being said, you'd probably be fine with a PnS (point-n-shoot) since you want a lot of zoom (that costs a big more in the SLR world.)

Don't get hung up on megapixels - they are not that important, especially with point-n-shoots. If they look at the photos on a PC, you're probably looking at them at less than 2mp. Even printed, you are probably not going to tell the difference between, say, an 8mp and a 14mp print coming off a PnS.

AAs are not that big of a deal either, if you get precharged/low-discharge rechargeables. They're ready when you need them and still last a long time. Usually not as long as proprietary batteries but then again, they're easy to find replacements in a pinch.

It sounds like you're already sold on the Panasonic. So what's holding you back?

 

[Frantasmic]

Some reviews from around the web:

http://http://gadgetophilia.com/10-best-point-and-shoot-cameras-for-2010/

http://http://reviews.cnet.com/best-compact-cameras/

 

[disneymarie]

Thanks for the added information.

I really wanted a Panasonic but there were soooooo many models choosing the one I wanted was overewhelming. Price wise I want the i think it was a Z35 but it was $699.

Then the Sony d3100 was $$$$

I had a Kodak Z812 or something like that, It was great for work and family. However, larger then the point and shoot Sony Cybershot W350 I got half off at Sams, display model that has a 4x zoom.
Not good for work, but getting me through.On auto it is setting the shot up, alerting the twilight, boxing the shot and focusing it.
OMG it is so slim and small! I love that for carrying every where, as does dd 15. I will give it to her when I get my new one.

That said, to get through I bought a Canon, 30 IS tha is a 14 mg and 32X zoom. $369 but the bundle was $399. This one has a viewfinder and LCD screen, recharable battery.

I may not be happy, but for the cost and needs it will meet them. I would rather take the 36 yr old son for a good DSLR after the new year. He loves shooting trains and this will make him happy to get shots of wildlife not being able to hunt anymore.

I just hope that I am happy with the purchase.
Di

 

[coloneldebugger]

If you're talking about Panasonic FZ35 I have used this camera and picture quality is excellent when using it in its automatic setting. It is in no way going to cost you $700. Here is a link to the camera for $245.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._DMC_FZ35K_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_Digital_Camera.html

 

[disneymarie]

If you're talking about Panasonic FZ35 I have used this camera and picture quality is excellent when using it in its automatic setting. It is in no way going to cost you $700. Here is a link to the camera for $245.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._DMC_FZ35K_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_Digital_Camera.html

That's the one, Perfect! I must have been looking at a different model. In fact I think I was looking at their SLR that was in the photo mag I had.
Thanks so much
Di

 

[FINFAN]

That's the one, Perfect! I must have been looking at a different model. In fact I think I was looking at their SLR that was in the photo mag I had.
Thanks so much
Di

my dd has the FZ35 , it's quite the awesome camera...she LOVES the frame stop feature for all her reference images, and the zoom totally rocks!
$245 is a great price for it, I hope you grabbed it!

 

[disneymarie]

my dd has the FZ35 , it's quite the awesome camera...she LOVES the frame stop feature for all her reference images, and the zoom totally rocks!
$245 is a great price for it, I hope you grabbed it!

Will the flash pop up automatically, or does it give a prompt to raise flash?
Thanks for the info
di

 

[FINFAN]

Will the flash pop up automatically, or does it give a prompt to raise flash?
Thanks for the info
di

So sorry...I completely forgot to get back to this thread!
DD has to prompt the flash, small toggle switch to the left of the camera. I have to say we are huge Lumix fans, DD had the Z28, I have the compact DMC-Z53 and now DD has the FZ35. One thing that works out nicely is the battery form the Z28 is compatible with the Z35 so she always charges one battery while the other is in use. DD's friend who is a photographer swears by Lumix as well, he sais if she had purchased anything else he would have had to make her return it for a Lumix.

 

[disneymarie]

Thanks so much for all the information. I may have said I first met thte Lumix when my son purchased his.I was so i,pressed with the pictures. This was the first point and shoot of a compact size that I had been hands on with. I had Kodak's that I paid $500 for. The first was Kodak 4800. The best capture and pictures ever. Only a 3.o though. Then I purchased a Kodak Z812 I think it was. My work horse, I loved the camera until it ate batteries for only a dozen photo's. I was going to replace with another Kodak until I used my son's Lumix and was sold. PLUS Kodak had 4 rechargable AA bateries and I hate lugging and charging the AA.
Thanks to the Dis for sorting this out

 

[manning]

I have several cameras that use AA rechargeable and have no problems. I also carry a set of lithiums in the bag as backup. They are expensive but have a 5 year shelf life and you can get around 600 shots. Too expensive to use every day but good to have if you deplete the rechargeables.

 

[disneymarie]

I have several cameras that use AA rechargeable and have no problems. I also carry a set of lithiums in the bag as backup. They are expensive but have a 5 year shelf life and you can get around 600 shots. Too expensive to use every day but good to have if you deplete the rechargeables.

I think that I have followed some of your trip photos from the signiture. One thing that has helped me with my termoltous life lately is escaping through photos that are linked.
Thanks to all that take the time to upload and link the wonderful memories and fab, FAB pictures.