raid
Dad Photographer
If you are not opposed to using a LUMIX digital camera and if you have some knowledge about the existing models, is there a specific model that you would recommend to get?
I have the older DMC FZ5 with the 35mm-420mm zoom lens. It has image stabilizer and a fast aperture that is no more than 3.2.
I paid about $180 for it in used condition. Now, there is a modern version for less than $300 new, with a 24X optical zoom, but the max aperture is 2.8-5.6.
Any suggestions?
I want it for a travel digital camera.
I have the older DMC FZ5 with the 35mm-420mm zoom lens. It has image stabilizer and a fast aperture that is no more than 3.2.
I paid about $180 for it in used condition. Now, there is a modern version for less than $300 new, with a 24X optical zoom, but the max aperture is 2.8-5.6.
Any suggestions?
I want it for a travel digital camera.
antiquark
Derek Ross
According to Wired, the Lumix LX5 is the "camera of the year."
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2010/11/pr_panasonic_lumix_dmclx5/
I own a Panny ZS5 (it goes for about $330), and it's not bad. Here are some pics from it:
Silt Plume - P1000743 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
P1000736 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
P1000845 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
http://www.wired.com/reviews/2010/11/pr_panasonic_lumix_dmclx5/
I own a Panny ZS5 (it goes for about $330), and it's not bad. Here are some pics from it:
Silt Plume - P1000743 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
P1000736 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
P1000845 by derek@antiquark, on Flickr
raid
Dad Photographer
They mention poor jpeg processing for the LX5.
Is this important or not/
Is this important or not/
farlymac
PF McFarland
Raid,
You might want to check DP Review for their reviews on various Lumix models. It would depend on which style you are looking for, compact, fixed lens SLR style, or Micro 4/3. I personally have a TZ-3 that although I dropped it on the pavement two weeks after I bought it, it is still putting out great images. I believe they are up to the TZ-7 now, but there was a change in nomenclature along the line, and I'm not sure if the current TZ's are upgrades, or completely new models. Like other manufacturers, they seem to have a model for every fraction of a niche you can come up with, so it's hard to keep track. But other than a few deficiencies (purple fringing on highlights for one) which I believe they have fixed in later models, I am still happy with my purchase.
PF
You might want to check DP Review for their reviews on various Lumix models. It would depend on which style you are looking for, compact, fixed lens SLR style, or Micro 4/3. I personally have a TZ-3 that although I dropped it on the pavement two weeks after I bought it, it is still putting out great images. I believe they are up to the TZ-7 now, but there was a change in nomenclature along the line, and I'm not sure if the current TZ's are upgrades, or completely new models. Like other manufacturers, they seem to have a model for every fraction of a niche you can come up with, so it's hard to keep track. But other than a few deficiencies (purple fringing on highlights for one) which I believe they have fixed in later models, I am still happy with my purchase.
PF
venchka
Veteran
It's not important if you shoot RAW only or RAW + JPEG. The quick JPEGs for instant sharing and the high quality RAW conversions later.
You know you want a PanaLeica.
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Frontman
Well-known
I bought a DMC-LX5 after playing around with several cameras of different makes. Despite it's supposedly slow jpeg processing, it can still take two shots per second, which was faster than the other point and shoot cameras I tried.
Another thing I like was it's quick auto focus. I had tried the Olympus Pen digital cameras, but their painfully slow focusing was a deal breaker for me. I can actually takes candid shots instantly with the LX5, and not wait for half a second for the lens to focus out and back in.
Other interesting features are a decently quick lens, good high ISO quality, and a very quiet shutter. I really like this camera, and it is in my pocket as I write (I am commuting on the train to work). Other niceties are full manual control, and decent video capability (not that I use either).
The last plus for me is that the LX5 is made in Japan, not China, like the Ricoh GR, or Thailand, like the Nikon models, or Taiwan, like the Canon models I looked at. As I live and work in Japan, I try to help the local economy.
Another thing I like was it's quick auto focus. I had tried the Olympus Pen digital cameras, but their painfully slow focusing was a deal breaker for me. I can actually takes candid shots instantly with the LX5, and not wait for half a second for the lens to focus out and back in.
Other interesting features are a decently quick lens, good high ISO quality, and a very quiet shutter. I really like this camera, and it is in my pocket as I write (I am commuting on the train to work). Other niceties are full manual control, and decent video capability (not that I use either).
The last plus for me is that the LX5 is made in Japan, not China, like the Ricoh GR, or Thailand, like the Nikon models, or Taiwan, like the Canon models I looked at. As I live and work in Japan, I try to help the local economy.
jesse1dog
Light Catcher
Check out the LX-3 against the LX-5.
See what extras the later and more expensive camera has to offer and decide if they are worth it. There is some feeling that the LX-5 lens is a bit softer than that of the LX-3, but that's really opinion and I'm not sure its fact!
The LX-3 should cost you quite a bit less and there are new ones around. However there are guys who must have the latest and are trading up, so used LX-3s might be attractive. Don't bother with the LX-1 or LX-2.
jesse
See what extras the later and more expensive camera has to offer and decide if they are worth it. There is some feeling that the LX-5 lens is a bit softer than that of the LX-3, but that's really opinion and I'm not sure its fact!
The LX-3 should cost you quite a bit less and there are new ones around. However there are guys who must have the latest and are trading up, so used LX-3s might be attractive. Don't bother with the LX-1 or LX-2.
jesse
rondo
Established
You can watch the one minute video presentation there , where the reviewer claims that you can blur backgrounds with lx5 by modifying the aperture. So much for "wired" as your digital camera buying advisor.
They may know the digital part, but not sure about the camera part. To manipulate depth of field with that size of a sensor, you would need an f 0.8 lens or something close to that...
raid
Dad Photographer
The problem is having so many models by the same manufacturer. I would hesitate to buy a camera, then to find out that another model would be more suitable for my needs and at a similar cost.
I am still with film photography most of the time, and such a digital camera would be for travel and children photography when I need to get images quickly for sharing with other people.
The DMC-FZ5 is a 5MP camera with a super zoom and a 2.8-3.2 max aperture. It has a Leica lens and it has image stabilizer. I need to contrast the LX3/LX5 with such a camera.
I am still with film photography most of the time, and such a digital camera would be for travel and children photography when I need to get images quickly for sharing with other people.
The DMC-FZ5 is a 5MP camera with a super zoom and a 2.8-3.2 max aperture. It has a Leica lens and it has image stabilizer. I need to contrast the LX3/LX5 with such a camera.
venchka
Veteran
The price of the LX5 & FZ100 dropped $50 since I visited this thread last night.
The LX5 has a larger sensor. 1/1.63" vs. 1/2.33" in most compacts. How much larger is that? Noticeable? Marketing Mumbo-Jumbo?
I am also shopping for a small camera for my wife.
The LX5 has a larger sensor. 1/1.63" vs. 1/2.33" in most compacts. How much larger is that? Noticeable? Marketing Mumbo-Jumbo?
I am also shopping for a small camera for my wife.
venchka
Veteran
The FZ100 should be considered beside the LX5. Same price. Different features.
Nobody makes 5Mp cameras anymore.
Nobody makes 5Mp cameras anymore.
Frontman
Well-known
There are two main reasons I bought the LX5, the first of which is it's speed. When you power it up, it is nearly instantly ready to go, and when you press the shutter button it focuses quickly and takes the shot. It was the fastest of the point-and-shoots I tried, which is important when you don't want to miss the moment. The other reason is that it suits the rest of my kit, it just seems to go well together with my Leica M cameras.
The LX5 has improved dynamic range over the LX3, with an improved sensor, and supposedly improved high ISO capability. You can also use the live view finder which is an accessory for the GF1. I like using the optional optical finder, after years of using film cameras I find it rather awkward to use the LCD screen on the rear of the camera to compose with.
I have no complaints about the LX5, it has more or less replaced my Nikon D300. The LX5 is far smaller and lighter, and gives up little or nothing in performance.
The LX5 has improved dynamic range over the LX3, with an improved sensor, and supposedly improved high ISO capability. You can also use the live view finder which is an accessory for the GF1. I like using the optional optical finder, after years of using film cameras I find it rather awkward to use the LCD screen on the rear of the camera to compose with.
I have no complaints about the LX5, it has more or less replaced my Nikon D300. The LX5 is far smaller and lighter, and gives up little or nothing in performance.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Raid, if you don't have to have zoom, I'd go with Ricoh GRD instead.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
wjlapier
Well-known
I never considered Panasonic for a camera until I tried the G1. The GF1 came out and I sold the G1 and bought a GF1 and bought into the mFT system. That said, I also purchased a Panasonic ZS7 ( Leica V-lux 20 ). Great image quality, and excellent HD video. You can zoom and the AF keeps up with the action being taped. I've used this camera so much that the serial number and other stuff on the bottom is wearing off! I used it alot for our vacation in Montana and my kids playing softball/baseball, and many other moments that requires a quick snapshot. Small enough to fit in a pocket too. Finally a P&S I will keep for a while and not sell.
raid
Dad Photographer
A 28mm lens may not be ideal for a camera that is meant mainly for people photography. I know that many RFF members love the GRD.
rondo
Established
actually the most important aspect of the specs, as far as I'm concerned. And it does make a difference.
raid
Dad Photographer
So the LX5 and the FZ100 are among the top cameras suggested here.
"The DMC-FZ100 features a 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens (35mm camera equivalent). Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at the wide-end and color bleeding at the tele-end."
Panasonic introduced these models:
•Lumix DMC-LX5.
•Lumix DMC-FX700.
•Lumix DMC-FZ40.
•Lumix DMC-FZ100.
•Lumix DMC-TS10.
"The DMC-FZ100 features a 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens (35mm camera equivalent). Comprising 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit realizes the outstandingly compact body while passing Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance suppressing distortion at the wide-end and color bleeding at the tele-end."
Panasonic introduced these models:
•Lumix DMC-LX5.
•Lumix DMC-FX700.
•Lumix DMC-FZ40.
•Lumix DMC-FZ100.
•Lumix DMC-TS10.
raid
Dad Photographer
Dmc-fz40k $269
Dmc-fz40k $269
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ40 - 14 Megapixels , 24x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera (Black)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Digital Camera boasts a high-powered, 25-600mm (35mm equivalent) 24x Leica optical zoom lens with fast autofocus and advanced imaging capabilities. From lush landscapes to action sport photography, this advanced point-and-shoot camera captures all of your subjects with rich color and brilliant contrast. A powerful 14.1 megapixel sensor along with the Venus Engine HD II image processor ensures high image quality, even when shooting at high ISO settings up to 6400.
* 14.1 Megapixels
* 25-600mm (35mm Equiv.) Optical Zoom
* 3.0" LCD & Electronic Viewfinder
* Venus Engine HD II Image Processor
* Optical Image Stabilizer Stills & Movies
* Intelligent Auto Mode Stills & Movies
* AVCHD Lite Video w/ Stereo Sound
* My Color Mode
* High ISO Sensitivity (1600 - 6400)
* Manual Control for Stills & Movies
Part No: DMC-FZ40K
List Price:$499.00
Sale Price:$269.00
Dmc-fz40k $269
Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ40 - 14 Megapixels , 24x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera (Black)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Digital Camera boasts a high-powered, 25-600mm (35mm equivalent) 24x Leica optical zoom lens with fast autofocus and advanced imaging capabilities. From lush landscapes to action sport photography, this advanced point-and-shoot camera captures all of your subjects with rich color and brilliant contrast. A powerful 14.1 megapixel sensor along with the Venus Engine HD II image processor ensures high image quality, even when shooting at high ISO settings up to 6400.
* 14.1 Megapixels
* 25-600mm (35mm Equiv.) Optical Zoom
* 3.0" LCD & Electronic Viewfinder
* Venus Engine HD II Image Processor
* Optical Image Stabilizer Stills & Movies
* Intelligent Auto Mode Stills & Movies
* AVCHD Lite Video w/ Stereo Sound
* My Color Mode
* High ISO Sensitivity (1600 - 6400)
* Manual Control for Stills & Movies
Part No: DMC-FZ40K
List Price:$499.00
Sale Price:$269.00
venchka
Veteran
Lisa picked out a Nikon S8100 to replace her Nikon 885. She likes Nikon. I should have paid attention to her years ago.
venchka
Veteran
ps: I'm thinking that if I ever get some funds together for a "little" digicam, it just may have to be a Sony NEXsomething so I can use my good lenses with digital.