Photography

THAICAM · #36 09-07-2008, 21:51

High tech advances usually show up on the lower priced cameras a few years after they come out on the expensive ones. Nikon's now up to well over 20,000 ISO for their new full-frame camera, and in a few years we're likely to see this on P&S cameras. At the 6000 ISO speed, there's not much noise/grain.

Something more important (maybe) to consider is "shutter lag". If you press the button and the camera doesn't actually take the photo until after a long delay, you'll find that frustrating - at least I do.

My only experience with the Panasonic Lumix P&S was all good - nice camera, well laid out, easy to use (for a beginner), and it created very nice images. I never got to try it with low light levels.

As to battery life, much of that depends on the use of the image-review screen, and on how often you use the flash. Both will shorten the battery life. It's usually a good idea to get a second battery "just in case".

My only other suggestion (which usually falls on deaf ears) is to read the manual. Most people don't, and aren't aware of how to use all the neat features that come with many of these cameras. I've read the manual that came with my own camera two or three times (on long airplane flights) and often find something I missed earlier, and wasn't aware of. Most people (well, many people) don't - you check out their camera, and find the "date" function is still set to the country the camera was made in... :-)

Rasher · #37 24-07-2008, 13:07

Well, having used the Panasonic for a couple of weeks now, I have decided to take a DSLR with me...!!

The Panasonic is useless at anything over 200 ISO. Othere than that, it's a fine camera, and certainly useful for travel.

But it's low light capabilities are just not acceptable to me!

I'll bring along my D40 that I use as a spare camera when shooting weddings.

I think I have been spoiled by the fantastic (legendary) image quality from my F30!

Joe

Nautilus · #38 24-07-2008, 13:21

5555555, yes i agree with you with low light, but i think i am ok with it, just that i dont know what EV setting to use. The Flash is just TOOOO bright. The hair on people gets white also. I am using -2EV on some shots under Normal Mode.

Joe, i am bringing my DSLR along also, 555.

Have you checked out the new range of Lumix? The LX3 with that lens is really WIDE !!! Not sure bout the Image Quality yet. Best, it comes with RAW !!!

The new FZ28 is also nice.

LX3 sample shots, Popular Photography: Gallery

FZ28 samples, Popular Photography: Gallery

Rasher · #39 25-07-2008, 03:19

John, I think I will be changing my Panasonic for a Canon G9. It's more than I really want to spend on a compact camera, but at least it has enough adjustable parameters to coax a good image! And, as a previous poster said, it's a great camera.

I can't live without the manual controls!

Every compact camera is a compromise in some way, but, being so accustomed to a DSLR, I really prefer more control! Now, if the G9 had the Leica 28mm lens....!!!

With regards to your overexposure problems, have you tried centre weighted metering?

On the D300 I find I use centre weighted quite a bit, so maybe it would help on the TZ5?

Joe

The Crab Man · #40 25-07-2008, 03:53

I am great lover of the Lumix series, but I have to say that the Cannon G9 is a great camera and the best camera at the moment, which is between a point and shoot as DSLR. Though the G9 can't beat a good old DSRL is does give some of the entry level ones a run of their money.
The new Cannon 450D is wonderful and the new live view is great also.
Problem is as soon as you buy one. something new a better always comes out. Best thing is to find a camera that you like and can use and just buy and stick with it, otherwise you will be waiting around for the best new thing and it will never come out.

Nautilus · #41 25-07-2008, 07:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasher

John, I think I will be changing my Panasonic for a Canon G9. It's more than I really want to spend on a compact camera, but at least it has enough adjustable parameters to coax a good image! And, as a previous poster said, it's a great camera.

I can't live without the manual controls!

Every compact camera is a compromise in some way, but, being so accustomed to a DSLR, I really prefer more control! Now, if the G9 had the Leica 28mm lens....!!!

With regards to your overexposure problems, have you tried centre weighted metering?

On the D300 I find I use centre weighted quite a bit, so maybe it would help on the TZ5?

Joe

Thank you Joe, i might try the metering out.

555, have fun with the G9 when you get it.