FZ30 Preview & Samples

[Rocklance]

flip out lcd is a welcome addition. still it seems this one cannot be used to take self-portraits. usually thats one situation a flip out lcd is most useful. as far as flipout lcd goes, fz30 is still behind S2 IS. sigh.:cry:

The flip *down* and turn LCD doesn't sound useful. Usually I would use a flip out LCD when pointing the camera upwards (eg. taking picture of tall building, tree). With this flip-down design, it's as useless as fixed LCD. Apparently it's designed for pointing the camera down (eg. overhead shots).

It would be better if they make it flip *up* and turn. That way it can be used pointing camera up or down. Or just stay with convention and flip sideways.

From the pictures, it also doesn't seem to be able to flip down 180 degrees, so I doubt it can be used for self portraits.

 

[jhansolo]

From the pictures, it also doesn't seem to be able to flip down 180 degrees, so I doubt it can be used for self portraits.

Maybe this might help

 

[Xandorous]

Ok, here are cropped noise samples of three other 8MP prosumer digicams. Please visit the respective site for EXIF details.

This samples are posted not for debating which camera has lesser noise level but to make some people aware that noise is unavoidable in most, may I say all, digital cameras at higher ISO.

In my most humble opinion, if you shoot at high ISO, you need NR software.

Nikon 8800

Original photo here http://img2.dpreview.com/gallery/nikoncp8800_samples/originals/dscn0236.jpg

Olympus 8080

Original photo here http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/f828/samples/DSC00054_iso400.JPG

Sony F828

Original photo here http://img2.dpreview.com/gallery/sonydscf828_samples/originals/040107-1833-57.jpg

 

[Xandorous]

FZ30 and 350D side by side!

 

[Xandorous]

FZ30 TIFF samples here.
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/static/2005/07/21/fz30_sakurei.zip

 

[tao]

wow! the FZ30 looks huge! and certainly like puesdo-DSLR! very nice indeed. think it is around same size as the old rebel and nikon D50.

 

[after8ight]

i was just wondering. since now its clear the the 350D and the FZ30 is just about the same size.

why would a person choose the FZ30? I suppose, based on the current UK and US prices, just throw in a couple of hundreds (or not if youre buying 2nd hand), and you get a 350D.

While that isn't exactly the bestest dslr, you get to change your lens, and I believe you have more flexibility with your settings. whats more important, the sensor is better (?) and you'll get less noise - something I agree is a problem with the FZ20 but still manageable with NR software.

IMO the FZ30 is far too pricey to be a plaything to transit to a dslr in the future. if its a $900 FZ20, 5MP, then everything good enough. but the FZ30 sounds too much a 'dslr without interchangeable lens, is noisy, small sensor size, and close price to 350D' (ignoring, in this case, what an SLR truly is.)


thoughts?

 

[unseen]

oh, isn't that easy to answer?
hmm ever checked on the price of a 28 - 436mm IS 2.8/3.7L lens? or any lens? I've been considering the transit and it's bleah..

The closest equivilant for to fz series the 350D is EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM. That costs a cool $4890 new. around 1800 pounds? enough for you to buy 3 FZ30s with cash spare to buy additional filters.
check it out here:
http://www.canon.com.sg/digitalcamera/lenses_specs.html

hmmmm if you can't afford the extra $4890 for lens, a 350D is useless if you want to shoot sports or shots where u need distance. True that your legs give you extra "zoom", but how many times do u think you can: walk on water? walk onto a soccer pitch? walk through fences?

Of coz, FZ30 offers a close to SLR experience. For people without $4890 + $1900 for body, the $1600 FZ30 will look VERY attractive.

 

[zenesh]

An interesting thing about the FZ-30 is the 'newly incorporated CCD that adopts a 9-pixel mixed readout method' that will result in 'providing a clear view in low-light situations.'

Quoted from dpreview news of fz-20. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05072004panasonic_fz30.asp

Panasonic have solved the problem the inability to frame shots in low light conditions?

The flip-out LCD seems great too.

Otherwise not much push factor to upgrade from a FZ-20 to FZ-30. I think they have the same strengths. Huge stabilised zoom cameras great for outdoor daytime pictures. and similar cons of not being very good in low light situations.

 

[socrates]

when do you think it will arrive?

Like the swivel LCD

 

[Xandorous]

...and to add on to what unseen has already mentioned.....

This is a size comparison image of a FZ30 with a DSLR equipped with a similar range lens

There are still lots of people who do not want to lug kilos of equipments around! And of course, there are also people like me who is still considering whether to lug a few kilos around or just comfortably hang the 740g FZ30 around my neck!

http://panasonic.jp/dc/fz30/zoom.html
http://panasonic.jp/dc/fz30/

Panasonic Japan (English)
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/fz30/index.html

 

[Xandorous]

...and similar cons of not being very good in low light situations.

zenesh, no 8MP prosumers are even good at low light situations, yet!

If we want good performance in low light, I'm afraid we have to look into one of the those DSLRs, not prosumers.

Anyway, how often do we really take low light/high ISO photos? Frequently? Same answer, go for a DSLR.

 

[Event_Horizon]

Noise aside, I find that the DSLR produces a 'look' in pictures which is different from a prosumer level camera.

I have a FZ20 + a Oly 5060. Recently had a chance to use a E300 (noisy sensor) and the results have a different feel to it compared to shooting the same thing with the 5060.

Am I just finding an excuse to jump to the DSLR bandwagon or is that such a thing as a DSLR "feel" to the pictures?

 

[AncientMariner]

Comparing the FZ30 zoom to a Prime
And comparing the size of the FZ to a dslr with a "400mm" prime lens
Then another pricing against the pro L lens with USM lagi
Great that so many people love the Lumix.
I do too.
But many people think too highly of this digicam and seem to be comparing without bothering to know anything about dSLRs or SLRs.

 

[unseen]

relax.. none of us are comparing with prime lens.
zoom lens are humongous.. with IS, all the zoom lens weigh at least 3+ kg.
hmmm from what i see, photos from a normal canon lens isn't as fast/sharp as the leica lens on the lumix. that's why i took a L lens to compare.

Oh... if u did look at the price.. 400mm f2.8 prime with IS costs $19.5k
i'm only mentioning the cheaper EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM S$4,890 which provides close enough a range as compared to the FZ30.

I don't think many doubt the capability of DSLRs, just that the price is prohibitive.
Say I have a budget of just say $2000, and i need camera body + a 436mm zoom...
would u still consider a DSLR? granted you're a normal person who don't plan to spend more than $5000 in your lifetime on cameras.. it's a no brainer yeah..

dSLR good.. v good... is always good..

Me, I don't think too highly of it.. coz it's out of my reach and I do plan to spend more than $5000 on cameras in my lifetime. thus it's not a good choice for me..

 

[Xandorous]

And comparing the size of the FZ to a dslr with a "400mm" prime lens......
But many people think too highly of this digicam and seem to be comparing without bothering to know anything about dSLRs or SLRs.

I think the first statement above should be referring to me
I think you don't read posting carefully. I posted the size comparison image because someone mentioned that at that price (FZ30) might as well get an entry-level DSLR. Seems like some of us still do not know that with a similarly equipped DSLR, it's going to be d@mn huge, heavy and cost several times of the FZ30 (covered by unseen). Thus, the size comparison image linked directly from Panasonic. Do you really know DSLR/SLR?

And as for your last sentence, I have been using the Nikon F801

for years. Bought it in my early 20's somewhere in 1988/89 and sold it after using it for about ten years. Sick of spending money developing photos. I know my DSLR and SLR but do you? I don't claim to be an expert in DSLR/SLR but you seem to be accusing people of not "bothering to know anything about dSLRs or SLRs".

You also mentioned people think too highly of this digicam....do you think this is unusual or uncommon? Find me a thread that discuss about a newly announced/about to launch/launched digicam that doesn't have anyone speaking well of the new product. Relax! It's only natural, my friend! And none of us said or are saying DSLR is no good!

Btw, don't think I have spoken highly about this digicam, yet!

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Cheers!

 

[natnivek]

Wah.... Is this an argument between the DSLR & the Lumix???

Better put in my opinion before this thread closes down... ;p

The 3 reasons why I love the Lumix:
1) Small
2) Cheap (relatively)
3) All in one lens (36mm-432mm)

The 3 reasons why I cannot stand the Lumix:
1) Low light shots really cannot make it (Assuming without tripod)
2) Noise level can die at ISO400
3) Shutter lag

The 3 reasons why I love a DSLR:
1) Superb control over Bokeh
2) Ability to shoot at high ISO with minimum (read: almost nil) noise
3) The use of TTL

The 3 reasons why I cannot stand a DSLR:
1) Big
2) Expensive
3) Erm.... Expensive

Peace!

 

[Xandorous]

....opps! Sorry! Double post here....just deleted...paisay....

 

[Event_Horizon]

One of the reason I got a used Oly 5060 is because FZ20 starts at 35mm.
Adding a 0.7x or 0.8x wide adaptor to the FZ20 really adds to the size and weight ... besides some issues with focusing, flash, etc.

If only Panasonic make a 12x F2.8 through out zoom starting at 28mm.

 

[wrx_sti_22b]

I just find the FZ-20 already bigger than my Pentax *ist DS. This FZ-30 is bigger i think. If the price is very close to just the body of an entry level dSLR, i think i would cough out a bit more for dSLR...