Fz18

C C · #1 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 07:53 PM

Hello, a little help please.

I am ready to purchase a camera for wildlife photography, but still a little unsure on what one to buy.I have changed my mind like the weather, but am now looking strongly at the Fz18.

Would this be a good buy? And what are its pro's and con's. Is it also capable of decent macro's? Being a complete novice....any help in layman's terms please

Regards Christian.

Brocker · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 08:26 PM

Hi Christian, In my view, after looking at the review for the FZ18, this is a very good and advanced general purpose camera. It has the technology to take some cracking shots. This camera sits right in between the point and shoot range and the Digital SLR camera which are favored by most wildlife photographers. It has a high ISO setting of 1600 which means it which take good low light images coupled with this some good image stablisation software will help keep the image crisp. It does have a macro setting which can work at a distance of 1cm so should cope with most amateur images. It can also fire off 3 frames per second, which is good for this kind of bridge camera. For around £250 this is not a bad buy.
My only concern is that if you are looking at photographing wildlife as a hobby, then you may outgrow this camera quite quickly. Personally I would put a few more pennies with what you have and go for a DSLR that you can vary your lenses, hence your photography. Hope this helps a little.

Ukwildlifeo · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 08:39 PM

My gfs has just got one and its got impressive zoom and an auto focus speed that pust my fz7 to shame, and if used my fz7 very happily. In fact if i were to upgrade right now I woulkd got for the fz18

mh68 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 08:45 PM

There have been blue banding noise issues with a lot of FZ18s at higher ISOs, yellow blotching in the same situations, and soft images at the long end of the zoom range lacking in contrast(this can be corrected in photoshop though).Also to use additional lenses (macro or teleconverters) you`ll need to buy an extra lens adaptor for them to fit.
If portability is a concern then this has the edge over the FZ50, if size/weight isnt so much of an issue the FZ50 would be a better bet - manual zoom and focus rings(more precise),swivel lcd (good for low level shots or awkward angles),and the ability to fit extra lenses straight onto the cameras own lens without an adaptor.The functionality and feel is a lot closer to a DSLR, whereas the FZ18 is more a classic style compact camera and is said to feel very "toy" like in comparison.
As both are roughly the same price at present I`d go for the fz50 personally provided the extra size and weight isnt a problem.

Mark H