Where do I start.

rizla01

rizla01

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389
Name
Terry
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Hi, I am having a little difficulty in deciding the best way forward.

Years ago I had a half decent Nikon. Got rid of that complete with all of my lenses (Stupidly) filters et al, and invested in this new Digital age. Then progressed to a Panny FZ3 because of the good reports and the Leica lens.

Now, 3Mp is puny compared to most of what eveyone on here has but I considered that unimportant at the time as we all know that it is the lens what does it all.

But I find that I am unable to easily adjust the FZ3 for effective and satisfying results (Except occasionaly) and even when I do I am unable to crop them too much as they do tend to be grainy.

I have pretty big mitts and the FZ3 is quite small although it appears to be similar in size to it's later, bigger relatives (That ARE highly regarded).

Problem is that I don't know if its me or the camera. If I invested in a S/H 40D would I instantly take better pics?

My needs for a camera are experimentation, I.E. going out, camera in hand, trying to take some interesting views/angles that look appealing (Not much luck there so far), scenery shots, family events, weather shots and wildlife, Urban Decay and soon - travel.


What would anyone advise?
 
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I don't know the camera you have now but the 40d is a good proformer. That said it's the photographer not the camera that creates a picture, yes a better camera with a good photographer should take better pics than a poor camera, but I suspect theres other factors at work.
I'd suggest you try and borrow a modern dslr off someone and try it, do a comparrison test then you'll know before you spend your hard earned.
 
If you are lacking control over what you produce with what you currently use, then I'd say that some form of upgrade is important so you don't curtail and stifle and enthusiasm you have.

There's a lot of gear speak on here and, like most things in life, there's always a kind of feeling that you need to be buying better to get better, but at the moment there are some great used cameras from a few years back that, combined with half-decent glass, will help you go that step further
 
I'd say go for it. I have recently started out with a dslr and am loving it. It's not too difficult, but I'd suggest getting a good book and reading on the Internet for ideas
 
The big problem, Terry is would you actually take the 40d with you?
Your FZ3 slips into the pocket wherever you go. As a trainer I have access to an panasonic LX5, a GF1, Canon 450d, and Canon 50d and I'm afraid that unless I'm on a specific photo jaunt it's only the LX5 I'll take because it fits my pocket.
There's lots of control on the likes of the LX-5, GF-1 and Canon G series, though background blurring and low-light stuff is limited.
 
Hi PT.

Sorry, but I had to laugh.

Doubt if I am the 1st to have read prostitution in your username.:)

That, of course is a very valid point and for which reason I would be unlikely to let the FZ3 go though I would be very interested to know how they rate against simple £80 jobbies these days. Any thoughts?

I will soon have a bit more time on my hands (Getting old now) and my plan would be to go out just for photography. i.e. Head off with my camera bag, tripod + a few lenses that I possess (Manual) and see how much of the DB emerges.

I think that it is probably prudent to familiarise myself with a real beast before venturing out, so family shots or insects in the garden will have to suffice for the interim.

As a trainer, does that make good sense to you?

**DB= Mr Bailey, himself
 
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I am currently off work and have been told to exercise, don't worry this is relevant

If you fancied a little trip up to Cambridge you are welcome to have a try of my 40D, got two so I could have a stroll round and take some pictures as well.

Give you a chance to see how it went and would do me good to stretch my legs

Entirely up to you, but the offer is there should you feel inclined
 
Hi Terry, Yes my trading name is a nightmare, I moved partly across to training 2 years ago and grabbed the URL without a lot of thought, It is hard to read, impossible to spell and I still can't type it quickly. I've built up quite a busy business so I'm currently looking at changing it.

The equivilent of the FZ3 now offers better image quality but costs a lot more than £80. The long zooms are fun and of course with a DSLR they mean heavy as well as pricey.

40d will take very much better images but might not be the best move because of weight etc. I'd suggest a 450d plus 18-55mm and 55-250mm, nothing heavy and xlnt IQ.

Following on from Rich's kind offer, if you're in London you're welcome to pop in for a cuppa and have a fondle of the 450d plus lenses.
 
If you like the fz3 then have a look at the newer panasonic bridge cameras like the fz45. Even bigger zoom range and fully manual modes so you can experiment without needing to change lenses. Fuji HS10 and Canon bridge have even longer zooms. All the above are 10mp or greater and a few hundred quid. A dslr will give you better quality images but it may take more effort and be more bulky.

Best thing to do is to get your hands on some and try them out as you can find what is best on paper just isn't right for you when you get your mitts on it.

The micro 4/3rds are worth checking out as they're smaller than dslrs but with interchangeable lenses. Best of both worlds.
 
Hi John & Rich. Extremely nice of you both to offer.

Working 7 days a week time is my enemy at present as I have TWO properties to finish renovating, a move (into one) and a sale (of the other) to happen as well as getting rid of my Ebay stock/business, before time is on my side.

A lot to do and no time spare but might just take a 2 week break somewhere warm to recharge the cells and bit then back to the grindstone. Oh for a 9-5, eh?

I wont be free for another 12 - 18Mths min.

Suz - As for the 4/3rds and the later Panny's I have pretty large hands so I need something a bit more comfortable with controls at my fingertips rather than having to scroll thru lots of settings as with the FZ3. It's a bit tedious and by the time I have found the setting on the not-so-easily-read display the shot is gone.

I therefore need something a bit more intuitionly designed.

Like I said, it's a quagmire out there and I probably need to do a bit more research.

One point that I have noted is that my camera. for example has absolutely no resale value and fear that a couple of hundred of quid spent on a Panny (or similar) will be money spent whereas 300-500 spent on a Canon is money invested as there is a resale value.
 
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