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First Super Zoom Camera - Advice requested
I want to step up from my digital compact to a super zoom camera. I don't feel ready for a DSLR but I do feel ready to get more into better quality pics and tinkering with manual settings..

I'm simply looking for something which will allow me to adjust settings manually as well as do a good job in auto mode and have a decent optical zoom. I would also like it to be able to take half decent MPEGs at a watchable resolution. Other than that I don't know what else I'm really looking for as it's new territory for me..

I'm a bit of a Sony fan although their super zoom range haven't had great reviews so I'm not sure about them now..

Budget of GBP300 / USD$600.

Any advice would be just great..

Thanks in advance..

Comments (6)

IMHO the best of the super zooms is the Panasonic FZ50..

It has a larger sensor than most (possibly all) of the others, which results in better image quality.The Leica lens is clearly the best of any of the super zooms..

The zoom and focus rings on the lens are faster and more precise than any of the competition..

The non-extending lens takes filters and aux. lenses without the need for an adapter.The wheels for setting aperture and shutter speed are quick and convenient.Joel Orlinsky.

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window..

Comment #1

I too can vouch for the Panny FZ50, although I own the Leica version the V Lux 1. It is with out a doubt the closest any super zoom gets to DSLR handling and in my opinion has advantages over them in some respects., (lighter, no need to change lenses, dust on sensor not an issue).If you want to learn the rudiments of photography before going DSLR this is a great choice.Regards,PJGhttp://shorengro.zenfolio.com.

'Remember there's a winner in every race.'..

Comment #2

So 2 recommendations for the FZ50. Thanks. I've read some reviews now and it looks a strong contender in the bridge market..

Http://www.flickr.com/photos/ro_jo_sul/..

Comment #3

Before giving up the sonys check the h2 review at dpreview.

Some PS non superzoom that have manual control: a540, a710, F31, s800..

Comment #4

Thanks. Now the H3 has caught my eye (as it's new out) and it's much cheaper than the Panny. I'll check the others out you mention too..

Http://www.flickr.com/photos/ro_jo_sul/..

Comment #5

Panasonic FZ50 seems very attractive. Most of my friends that got Panasonic were not very happy about it and they gave on it the price of a Nikon D40 with 2 lens (18-55; 55-200)..

Although Panasonic has a big sensor (1/1.8") it also has a sensor that is known for low performance. Now that the other manufacturers crammed more pixels in small sized sensors the gap is not so obvious..

Look at the pictures of Canon S3, Sony H2 and Panasonic FZ50. Unfortunately Canon and Sony are hard to get now.VictorBucuresti, Romaniahttp://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m268/victor_petcu/..

Comment #6


This question was taken from a support group/message board and re-posted here so others can learn from it.

 

 

 

 

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