Start up Camera.

Gerrard

Gerrard

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Paul
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Hi Guys.
I now have the time to spend on taking photos, and the two cameras I have in mind as start up cameras are.
1. Panosnic/ Lumix TZ 18 or
2. Panosnic/ Lumix FZ 45.
I have chosen these two because I need to know that I will get some things right in a photo and try a bit hard on others things if you get my drift.

Plus of course I dont want to waste money if I can help it, so what do you think of my choice and have you any others that I should look at?

Cheers
 
Gerrard said:
Hi Guys.
I now have the time to spend on taking photos, and the two cameras I have in mind as start up cameras are.
1. Panosnic/ Lumix TZ 18 or
2. Panosnic/ Lumix FZ 45.
I have chosen these two because I need to know that I will get some things right in a photo and try a bit hard on others things if you get my drift.

Plus of course I dont want to waste money if I can help it, so what do you think of my choice and have you any others that I should look at? Cheers
Click to expand...

This sounds like a debate question! why not get a dslr that's is a good question!
 
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If you don't know where you're going.. any bus will do.. Or to put it another way, you'll get a lot of people saying what they would do with hindsight, if you don't tell us what it is you want to do in the future :D

What sort of photos do you want to take? Are you looking for an easy camera to take shots quickly, or something that you are going to invest some time in learning to use in more depth? What's the budget - both immediate and future? - going the DSLR route sets you up for spending more money on lenses in the future. A compact is largely spend now and maybe a few small accessories in the future.
 
Thanks Alastair.

Believe this or not but this will be my first camera, not had a lot of time before now and I'm 60 on Saturday. So, what do I want to do?
I'm not bothered about video but would like to take decent photos in general, people in market places, on the beach etc, scenery, editing to black and white, and as we live in Spain a lot of evening shots as the sun is going down or coming up, my motorbike etc..
So just general shots of interest really.

Should I do well in these areas I might go for a better camera at a latter date but I dont want to spend shed loads and then find out I'm a dougnut at taking pictures.

Cheers
 
Paul, those are quite different styles of camera.. the Lumix DMC-TZ18 (known outside Europe as the Lumix DMC-ZS8 if you Googling reviews) is a handy compact, and the Lumix DMC-FZ45 (aka DMC-FZ40) is a larger bridge camera. You'll need to get hands-on and have a play in a shop to know how the ergonomics work.. in particular if you have large/small hands it's very important to check that you can hold the camera without inadvertently pressing buttons, or that you can reach them all.

I'm guessing your budget is up to about £250 from the choice of these models, is that about right?
 
Why don't you have a look at a few entry level DSLRs? They have larger sensors, better lenses, proper viewfinders and decent auto-focus systems. All of these cameras have automatic and scene modes, which generally work quite well, too. You don't have to buy additional lenses, but they're available - at a wide range of prices - if you want to.

DSLRs are quite easy to use and, by and large, take better photographs. The only drawback I can think of is weight and bulk. The entry level models are a lot bigger and heavier than compacts, and a bit bigger and heavier than most bridge cameras. This may, or may not, matter to you.
 
Thanks Alastair and Martyn..
I will try an answer both posts.. So yes I was thinking of about £250 for a camera.
Ok I've been down to the shop again today for another look and I have tried the FZ 45 that being the biggest of the two and I did find in comfortable to hold and fiddle with, so I think I could live with that.
I am somewhat stuck in the middle as I feel I dont want to under buy if you get my drift.
So what would you think a low enterance DSLR would cost me? or is there a better bridge camera than the FZ 45.

Thanks :)

PS.. Just been looking at the Lumix GF 2 14-42 mm. What are they like.
 
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I personally don't like bridge cameras, I need to make this clear so you can bear my prejudice in mind - to me they manage to combine compacts and DSLRs without hitting any of the best advantages of either, but plenty of other people love them.

If the budget could be stretched to c.£300, then some of the compact system cameras come into play with a kit lens, such as the Olympus E-PL1 or Panasonic GF2. I'd recommend having a play with these in the shop as well. Within the budget these would be a step-up from either a compact or a bridge, and would allow you to either use them as they are for ever, or add additional lenses, filters, etc.
 
I like it that someone gives an honest opinion that is what I'm after..

So I'm looking at Amazon as we speak, and as you say if my buget could stretch a little that might help..the Olympus E-PL1 which I've not seen and not checked the price, but the Panosnic GF2 and the Nikon D3000 which come in at £299 each which is a DSLR look good.
 
Paul.. always check prices on CameraPriceBuster. It's a sort of metasearch for the best prices. It's not perfect, it doesn't include every online seller and it can be behind in updating.. but it's always a good starting point for finding a bargain.

I'd have a really good look at the CSC cameras (e.g. the E-PL1 and the GF2) over an entry-level DSLR. There's not going to be a lot in it when all is said and done, and for grab shots and street shots, the smaller system is less instrusive and you're more likely to pick it up and put it in your pocket/bag when you go out.
 
Alastair...
The E-PL1 has got a rather large discount which I would be concerned about, do you know why that is.. about 62%.
You make very good comments about the smaller systems which I have to say is a good thing, not that it would put me off any model of camera.
What do the letters CSC mean?
Right I will check your web site out right now..

Cheers
 
Paul.. CSC is compact systems camera, basically the small mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses (like the E-PL1 and GF2).

I have never understood camera pricing and manufacturers price vs. street price.. some cameras seem to drop massively, others barely dip.
 
Alastair..
Thats given me something to think about over night, me and my mate are going to the camera shop in the morning and I will look at the E-PL1 and the GF2 they have both in stock I think..
I wont tell you what the prices are over here for the same cameras :D

I do like the GF2 I must say..

cheers
 
Paul, looking at the reviews on DPReview (G10, GF2).. the GF2 is the better model (you need to click on "full review").
 
Alastair, I notice the GF 2 has a touch screen what are they like in real life..
 
Paul, I haven't played with the Panasonics, I think there's an owners thread in the equipment section that will ave some direct user experiences. Touch screens have come on a long way.. I can remember when they were an unreliable gimmick on anything, but they're becoming pretty standard and I wouldn't see it as a negative, whether it's a positive will depend on how it's integrated into the user interface. If it can be used for selecting focus point (like on many phones with touch screens and cameras) that can be very handy.
 
Alastair.
The camera that I have at the moment is a Fuji F410 which is 7 years old and to be honest not the greatest camera in the first place.
This is my first step into something new, so whatever camera I choose I'm starting from the begining so I'm not too bothered really.
The only complaint I've seen with the touch screens is mucky fingerprints on the screens, so make sure you have clean hands I suppose and there must be a cleaner similar to a cleaner for computer screens.
One more camera I've seen that has a good write up is the GF 1, so what's that one like?
I've got to make a decision on a camera by tonight as we are traveling back to the UK first thing in the morning, we arrive Tuesday night at Trudi's daughters.
I'm hoping to pick the camera up in the UK and bring it back to Spain when we leave next weekend.
Thanks for your help so far in helping me choose a camera, it's been much appriciated.

Late PS.. The GF2 comes in two types.. GF2 14mm and the GF2 14-42mm which is the better?
 
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Mucky fingerprints can be helped.. you can get protective plastic film (often pre-cut to size for any given model) that maintains the touchscreen function and protects the screen.. easy wipe-off and the film can be replaced in less than a minute if needed.

The 14mm lens is a fast (f/2.5) prime, equivilent to 28mm on a 35mm camera.. a good fast lens for street photography and general snapshots. The 14-42mm is a slower zoom lens but is more flexible in extending to the most useful focal length range for portraits (equivilent of 28-84mm).

In your position I would probably go for the 14-42mm zoom lens option. It's a more flexible package. Again, to be honest I would probebly go for the 14mm prime, but that's because I would be looking to compliment my other cameras rather than build a complete system in one.

As DPReview put it, the GF2 "is a simplified version of the company's GF-1".. follow the links to the reviews. My sister has the GF-1 (I'd forgotten that) and she gets on great with it. I'm very impressed with the low-light performance shet gets from it (using the 20mm pancake lens).
 
Alastair. Cheers for loads of info again.

As you say the 14-42mm, would a good starter lens that will get me going. Plus of course with christmas just round the corner, that would be a good time to add a lens.
Its looking like a GF2 or a GF1 as my choice which I will buy tonight after looking to see if there are any good deals about.
On the touch screens... The touch screen is here to stay by the look of it and I think most cameras will end up this way soon I expect, so its a good way to start.

Cheers
 
Gerrard said:
Thanks Alastair.

Believe this or not but this will be my first camera, not had a lot of time before now and I'm 60 on Saturday. So, what do I want to do?
I'm not bothered about video but would like to take decent photos in general, people in market places, on the beach etc, scenery, editing to black and white, and as we live in Spain a lot of evening shots as the sun is going down or coming up, my motorbike etc..
So just general shots of interest really.

Should I do well in these areas I might go for a better camera at a latter date but I dont want to spend shed loads and then find out I'm a dougnut at taking pictures.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Not bothered about video, you will be with a DSLR that does it in 1080P, I have never ever taken a decent DSLR on the sand, I hate motorbikes and the people who think shattering the peace of the countryside is acceptable.

Sorry.
 
JSER said:
Not bothered about video, you will be with a DSLR that does it in 1080P, I have never ever taken a decent DSLR on the sand, I hate motorbikes and the people who think shattering the peace of the countryside is acceptable.

Sorry.
Click to expand...

Well good for you...
 
JSER said:
Not bothered about video, you will be with a DSLR that does it in 1080P, I have never ever taken a decent DSLR on the sand, I hate motorbikes and the people who think shattering the peace of the countryside is acceptable.

Sorry.
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I'm sure this will help the OP with decision...

But anyway, I have a bridge camera myself, it's the fuji s9600. While it is not on a par with any midrange dslrs, I have learnt a lot on it and had I dived straight in with a dslr I may have felt overwhelmed and lost interest.

From what I've read cscs also look pretty good and are supposed to be great entry level cameras.
 
Paul, I forgot.. many belated happy returns for yesterday!
 
Sorry about the motorbike thing but, when you live in say Tavistock and all the damn bilers travel through it at weekends, with no consideration for the sheer noise they make, especially in groups of 5+ it's very VERY selfish.

What I don't understand is car exhausts have to be a certain Db level, what NOT bikes.
 
Alastair said:
Paul, I forgot.. many belated happy returns for yesterday!
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Alastair :)

Well I got my GF2 and I'm having it sent to our daughter who live in Kent and I will pick it up wednesday when we arrive in the UK for a short holiday..

I opted for the zoom lens but I will be looking for a 14mm lens asp..

Right I must dash as I'm loading the car for the 6 o'clock start.

Talk laters..
 
ACW said:
I'm sure this will help the OP with decision...

But anyway, I have a bridge camera myself, it's the fuji s9600. While it is not on a par with any midrange dslrs, I have learnt a lot on it and had I dived straight in with a dslr I may have felt overwhelmed and lost interest.

From what I've read cscs also look pretty good and are supposed to be great entry level cameras.
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Hi..ACW.

Thats what I need to do is learn and not get too technical, but looking forward to it.. :)
 
JSER said:
Sorry about the motorbike thing but, when you live in say Tavistock and all the damn bilers travel through it at weekends, with no consideration for the sheer noise they make, especially in groups of 5+ it's very VERY selfish.

What I don't understand is car exhausts have to be a certain Db level, what NOT bikes.
Click to expand...

They do!
 
JSER said:
What I don't understand is car exhausts have to be a certain Db level, what NOT bikes.
Click to expand...

We do have db limits but our baffles always seem to fall out and only find thier way back in again for MOT day...
 
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ACW said:
We do have db limits but our baffles always seem to fall out and only find thier way back in again for MOT day...
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That just about sums up bikers
 
JSER said:
That just about sums up bikers
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I ride a bike, and it boils my **** when jackasses remove the baffles. Please don't judge all bike riders by one stupid throw away remark, like that above.
 
malo50 said:
I ride a bike, and it boils my **** when jackasses remove the baffles. Please don't judge all bike riders by one stupid throw away remark, like that above.
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I live by the main road in Tavistock, five weeks ago and for the THIRD time, a biker pulled into the CEMETERY entrance whilst a funeral was taking place, he must have had a problem, GOOD, but he was vevving the life out of his bike, when I asked him to show some decency he waited/went on another minute then revved and burnt rubber away, one previously rode round the cemetery to fix his bike, and I have lost count of the carve ups and two fingers I have had.

Think bike what about THINK CAR.
 
JSER said:
I live by the main road in Tavistock, five weeks ago and for the THIRD time, a biker pulled into the CEMETERY entrance whilst a funeral was taking place, he must have had a problem, GOOD, but he was vevving the life out of his bike, when I asked him to show some decency he waited/went on another minute then revved and burnt rubber away, one previously rode round the cemetery to fix his bike, and I have lost count of the carve ups and two fingers I have had.

Think bike what about THINK CAR.
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By all means start a bike thread but do it on Out Of Focus.. not on my thread. :shrug:
 
What would be the proper 14mm lens for the GF 2 I've looked and there are several but they have different numbers..
 
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I want to post some pictures but I cant.. Do I have to reach so many posts or have I missed somthing?
 
First pictures, and first attempt at posting pictures.

Calella1.jpg
[/IMG]

Calella2.jpg


Callela10.jpg
 
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1 sloping pavement, i assume that is te camera angle and it isn't sloping but off putting.
2. nice but move the chairs as they are distracting
3 try standing in the road when no cars are coming or on the pavement as you can't see past the car.

But good start.
 
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