I used to own a point-and-shoot Pentax that I absolutely loved: I could take closeups, open the aperture to expose an image in very low light, or take landscape shots using the setting that allowed for "far away" focus. All of these options were automated with a turn of a dial, and even my snapshots came out fantastic. The anti-shake feature was automatic too, though it required more skill to take the closeups and the long-exposure shots.
I'm looking for something similar in a digital camera that isn't an SLR but has some of the benefits. Point and shoot is plenty nice, but my current digital camera has none of those fancy options. Pictures suffer.
I've thought a Panasonic Lumix might suit me well. But I've wondered about the lack of a viewfinder on many of these cameras. Doesn't counting on the video screen sap battery power?
Which Lumix would you recommend? Or is there another camera I'm overlooking that might suit my needs and desires? I'll spend the money for the right item. Canon PowerShot S2 IS nikon,nikon,nikon So, you're after a camera which also has full manual controls (aperture & shutter priority)? Many cameras have this feature, especially the super zooms. They also have a viewfinder if you want to use it, so no problems there. And yes, the LCD does consume battery power, that's why you should turn it off in between shots or rely on the viewfinder instead.
Now, as far as Panasonic goes...can't say that I'm a fan. Sure, they have an excellent zoom lens with IS, and they should be an overall excellent camera...but time and time again, the reviews say that these cameras are let down by their sensor, which results in more noise than is usually acceptable (not just at higher ISOs, but at the lowest also). And the newest Venus III engine (processor), used in these cameras, is quite heavy handed in it's approach to noise reduction, resulting in smeared and unuseable images at high ISO.
Of most importance (to me), is a camera's ability to produce very good to excellent image quality, and I'm just not sold on what Panasonic have to offer, as far as image quality goes.
Anyway, rant over...my preference goes with either of Canon's or Sony's super zoom cameras, which have optical image stabilization and feature all the manual controls etc. that you need.
I suggest you check out reviews of all brands and models on these popular review pages so you can see how they stack up...(before you commit yourself).
good luck... my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions
I don't like panasonic - I have read too many bad reviews.
the final choice is yours Fujifilm FD20 for beginners or Z5 as the latest cutist.
Believed to be the best in the world in its range. Does'nt need any advertisement. I am not a Fujifilm salesman but I have one and have compared results with other brands. Fujifilm stands out the best. Go for it! |
