Panasonic DMC FZ50

[Ambriel]

I'm pretty much decided that the panasonic-dmc-fz50 is going to be my next camera.

At the moment I'm using a little Nikon Coolpix E4300 which has given sterling service but is fast approaching the end of its days.

From what I've read both here and elsewhere the Panasonic DMC FZ50 is a very capable camera and a serious alternative to a DSLR, both for price and performance.

Has anyone got anything bad to say against it?

[saracenandy]

Hi Ambriel

I've recently upgraded to a Panasonic DMC FZ30 which is the 8 mp version and I have to say that I'm extremely pleased with it. In fact - still learning to use the many features on offer. If it's in your mind to go for Panasonic I would recommend you do.

[glsammy]

It's generally regarded as one of the best non DSLR cameras. I had the FZ30 for a while and that was a lovely camera. Plenty of users here have the FZ30/FZ50, so I don't think you'll regret your choice.

[matt_xyz]

I think the FZ30/50 is the best option for anyone interested in wildlife photography who doesn't want to go the DSLR route.

If you want to extend the focal length still further you can get a teleconverter such as the TCON17 which extends your zoom to over 700mm equivalent and provides very good results. Also, close up lenses can be added for macro work.

The only downside with the FZ30 (and presumably FZ50) is the noise which creeps in if you raise the ISO. Stick to taking photos in reasonable light (and familiarise yourself with noise reduction software such as Neat Image) and you'll be fine.

Matt

[Ambriel]

Right! All I have to do now is find it at a price that won't make the missus choke on her crumpet and I'm done!

[Marvellous]

Looks a good price at purely gadgets ......

PurelyGadgets.co.uk - Panasonic Digital Cameras - Panasonic FZ50

Think maybe the panasonic would have been a good alternative for me, the DSLR route could end up costing me a fortune!!

Mick

[Pete]

Bristol Cameras charge £339. Plus £10 P&P I can vouch that they are ok to deal with since mine arrived last night.

[Ambriel]

Thanks, both of you. I'd narrowed it down to both those suppliers already - the Purely Gadgets one also does a bundle with a 1GB memory card that looks like a good deal.

[Marvellous]

I am regularly searching the web for best prices & Purely Gadgets seem to have popped up very recently. I wonder if they are apart of some other company, the address says London but they mention shipping from the channel islands, Play.com? Hmmmm Curious!!

Either way they are very competitive (except on Eos350d!) and deliver very quickly, my Brother ordered the Fuji 9600 and had it within two days.

Happy shopping

Mick

[Dan Salter]

I bought my FZ30 at the tail end of last year but find myself still using my little point and shoot as i cannot work out how to do macro shots with the fz30 yet....i also havent found how to do the 12x zoom yet? i can zoom on the lens as normal but i think it can go further?

I need to buy these converter things which is a shame as all the hype claimed its ace for close up macro work and zooming birds for wildlife....but they didnt mention you have to buy ad ons to do this?

oh well...i dont think they cost much but its finding time to get them.

I want to take pics like mat xyz...i cant get any where as close to my subjects right now