I'm excited about the FZ20 coming out - printed out the report last week so my husband could read it. It will probably be my Christmas gift this year! It sounds like it will be an even nicer camera than the FZ10, the low light focus assist will be nice. However, I've really not had that much difficulty with focus in low light.
The more I use my FZ10 the more I like it. Some people think it's noisy but I don't. I've been taking handheld pictures of everyday objects at ISO 200 so I don't need to use a flash or tripod indoors and they are almost noise free.
I can't wait -- I had discovered this just last week after having talked to BobsterLobster about his FX10 a few times. I think this will probably be my new baby . . . . . .
I can't wait -- I had discovered this just last week after having talked to BobsterLobster about his FX10 a few times. I think this will probably be my new baby . . . . . .
If you do decide on the FZ10 or FZ20, Kylie, I think you will be happy with it. I really love mine. The 12X stabilized zoom is so nice, plus you can get F2.8 right up to 12X. For some reason, it seems more logical and easier to operate than some cameras I have and have used.
There are just a few things I don't like with my FZ10 - the flash is underpowered for the zoom range it has. However, that is easily fixed with an external flash. The FZ10 isn't picky and will take any brand, I got a Vivitar flash for only $12 at Wal-Mart and it works great.
It is also a heavy camera. The new FZ20 has an improved grip which should help with that. It gets to feeling quite heavy when you have it round your neck for a long while.
However, the good features far outweigh the bad. It also takes wonderful night shots that are exceptionally clear and crisp. The new FZ20 will have 5 MP which is nice.
The new camera looks pretty good, but I'm not heavily impressed with Panasonic as a brand... the FZ10 has been out for only 3 months in the UK, and the new model has already been announced. When I sent my previous FZ10 to be repaired, it took over a month and would have taken months longer if I hadn't persuaded Jessops to let me have another new one. Panasonic in the UK don't seem to have a clue what they're doing when they're selling cameras, but despite all this I may have to save up for the FZ20 as no-one else comes close to creating a camera this good.
Reasons to upgrade:
Save as TIFF.
Even more effective image stabilisation.
Matrix Metering.
Increased Viewfinder Resolution.
I'm comparing it with the Canon S1 IS -- fewer MP (3.1) with a 10x IS lens. Upsides are that it DOES use CF cards and non-proprietary batteries, has swing-out LCD, and can take 30fps video with sound in up to 6 minute clips if you have a big enough card.
If I ever get another camera I think I want the longer zoom, but also the ability to shoot one-handed in auto modes when circumstances dictate (often!), so these two seem to be the leading contenders right now, I guess along with the Kodak 6490 (which actually feels too small to me).
I'm comparing it with the Canon S1 IS -- fewer MP (3.1) with a 10x IS lens. Upsides are that it DOES use CF cards and non-proprietary batteries, has swing-out LCD, and can take 30fps video with sound in up to 6 minute clips if you have a big enough card.
If I ever get another camera I think I want the longer zoom, but also the ability to shoot one-handed in auto modes when circumstances dictate (often!), so these two seem to be the leading contenders right now, I guess along with the Kodak 6490 (which actually feels too small to me).
That about sums up the market for me. The 6490 is too shaky in my shaky hands! I want higher than 3 MP, so it will probably be the new Z20. To me, the 6490 feels great, but I can visibly see the shake when I zoom. It seems most people want the DSLR's, but since I am not ready to go there, but want the zoom and better quality, I think this will be it for me.
I'm comparing it with the Canon S1 IS -- fewer MP (3.1) with a 10x IS lens. Upsides are that it DOES use CF cards and non-proprietary batteries, has swing-out LCD, and can take 30fps video with sound in up to 6 minute clips if you have a big enough card.
The Pansonic FZ10 (and I'm pretty sure the new FZ20) takes 30fps Movies with sound for as long as you want. If you have a 256 card it will fill the card. The movies on my FZ10 are really good. You can zoom in and take movies which you can't on many cameras. You zoom in first - even to 12 times and then can take the movie. Many cameras won't take a movie except unzoomed.
The swing out LCD would be nice, however, the Panasonic does have a 2 inch lcd which is very nice as your eyes get older. The LCD is also very clear.
If I'm reading the info on the new FZ20 correctly it will have infinite Burst shot capability. Right now you can do burst of 5 on the FZ10 and it's great to catch action. The shots are very fast. It sounds like the FZ20 will be able to do burst shooting until a card is filled.
I'm comparing with a Minolta Dimage A1, both cameras sell for almost the same price.
What do you think? User friendliness, zoom (28-200mm, 35-420mm).
The zoom and speed of the lens is MUCH better on the FZ10... but the A1 is in general a much better bit of kit than the FZ10. I really want the reach the FZ10 provides though, and I prefer the way it looks and feels in my hands.
