Can anyone recommend....

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steve garza

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A good fixed lens (Super zoom) DSLR? I'm attending a workshop in June and the instructor will be critiquing on a nightly basis using some digital presentation method. I plan on shooting a good deal of film, but processing+scanning will be cost prohibitive (the workshop is in NYC). I've read up on the V-lux and it's Panasonic cousin, but am not encouraged by the reviews. Nor do I like the electronic VF. If anyone, by the way can post images from these cameras, I'd be interested in seeing them. The camera will be used primarily in daylight. I'm not really wanting to spend 2k on a decent DSLR outfit if I don't need to. I want to keep 35mm as the primary format. Also, if anyone has experience w/ either a Nikon D200/D80 and 18-200 zoom I'd like to hear what they have to say about the combo. Thanks for any opinions, good, bad or indifferent!
 
If it helps, I've attached a few sample photos from my old 2 megapixel FZ-1. I've used this super zoom camera to photograph bicycle races over the last two years and I've been very happy with it. Usually I'm crewing for the racers or otherwise engaged with the race itself so the small size of the super zoom makes sense for me as opposed to lugging around a DSLR body and a couple of zooms.

I can only imagine that the newer FZ-series models are faster and better. The photos below were all taken at or near the top end of the zoom range (roughly 350-430mm) and at the maximum resolution (a whopping 1600x1200 - I downsized them for viewing here). I've made 5X7 inch prints and been pleased.
 

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Look for a Canon Powershot Pro 1. You can get them pretty cheap now. It has an EVF, but it's easy to get used to, a 28-200 zoom and it has a great 8 mgpxl chip.
 
I have a D1 and a D70s, and a co-worker has a D80.

The D80 seems to be a nice little body, and it really is set up for an enthusiast (as opposed to a soccer mom). He's been getting great results.

I rented an 18-200 when they first came out and was underwhelmed. However, I was using it to shoot action, and it was just too slow of a lens for me. I'm much happier with my 80-200/2.8. Most find it to be a great lens.
 
Ken,
A friend has the 80-200 amd he loves it.
Chris. Those are nice. Especially the 3rd shot.
Keith, That's not a bad idea. I will look into the Canons.
 
Steve - I forgot to mention the fixed lens superzoom issue.

A friend has had wonderful luck with his Panasonic FZ7 - I had one for a few days, but couldn't justify keeping it.
 
The Canon G7 has an optical viewfinder and produces superior results. It has a 10MP sensor and an optical zoom range from 35 to 200mm. It also has a great macro function will allows you to get as close as 1 inch to your subject. The only drawback is that it does not support RAW, but most compacts don't.
 
I'm kind of interested in the G7.....

I'm kind of interested in the G7.....

RF-Addict said:
The Canon G7 has an optical viewfinder and produces superior results. It has a 10MP sensor and an optical zoom range from 35 to 200mm. It also has a great macro function will allows you to get as close as 1 inch to your subject. The only drawback is that it does not support RAW, but most compacts don't.
Click to expand...

So how much difference does RAW really make? What I understand is the RAW format makes for easier post processing. Is this correct? I'm guessing there's not much practical difference in image quality between the G7, V-LUx (supposedly a better processor than the Panasonic) and the Panasonic. The most important feature to me will be focusing speed as well as the zoom length. whatever I buy (assuming I'll want some accessories) will end up being about the price of an entry level DSLR. I suppost I'll try at least G7 and V-lux out b-4 buying.
 
My understanding is that most fixed lens superzoom DSLRs have major noise above 400ISO (though I have never owned one and cannot comment directly). This may be an issue for you or might be dealt with in post processing. Some of the newer cameras also have image stabilisation, which might be useful for you, especially at longer FL.
 
This is exactly what I'm finding in the

This is exactly what I'm finding in the

zuikologist said:
My understanding is that most fixed lens superzoom DSLRs have major noise above 400ISO (though I have never owned one and cannot comment directly). This may be an issue for you or might be dealt with in post processing. Some of the newer cameras also have image stabilisation, which might be useful for you, especially at longer FL.
Click to expand...

sample iamges I'm seeing online. I don't really plan on using the camera for low light work since I have an M kit which works well for everything I shoot, but does not offer the "reach" or ease of digital presentation. I may look into the V-Lux's panasonic cousin (I'm finding them very cheap)...I'm wondering about focus speed and shutter lag...anyone have an opinion?
 
My old Panasonic FZ-1 has negligible shutter lag when pre-focused. The newer FZ-series models are said have exceptionally fast focus speeds and virtually no shutter lag (when pre-focused). The models I tested in the store, the FZ-7 and the TZ-1, bore this out. Even though it's AE-only the TZ-1 is a very interesting camera.

Another thing I appreciate about the Pannies is their blazing fast burst mode. It comes in very handy at the bike races.

As you noted these cameras are not good choices for low-light shooting, although they are acceptable if you keep print sizes small. A big obstacle is using the EVF in very low light.
 
High ISO and RAW

High ISO and RAW

steve garza said:
sample iamges I'm seeing online. I don't really plan on using the camera for low light work since I have an M kit which works well for everything I shoot, but does not offer the "reach" or ease of digital presentation. I may look into the V-Lux's panasonic cousin (I'm finding them very cheap)...I'm wondering about focus speed and shutter lag...anyone have an opinion?
Click to expand...

If you want reach, I'd second the Panasonic FZ line (also available in Leica version). The new FZ-8 has RAW mode, which does help especially with higher-ISO pictures. Its big cousin FZ-50 also has a real zoom ring and usable manual focus, at the cost of some bulk. I had a FZ-5, which had very usable focus speed (in the right focus mode) and shutter lag, but using an EVF is always a compromise (IMO, YMMV).

2c, /J
 
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