I've done it!!!

[neep_neep]

I've ordered myself a Panasonic FZ50!!!

I was going to wait for a few months (seeing as i've got some severe debt going on at the moment - rent has just gone out ) but i've been excited about getting it for ages so couldn't wait any longer!

Hopefully I shouldn't have to wait too long, i'm anticipating delivery early next week. Then once i've figured out how to use it all properly, I shall be investing in an Olympus tcon 17 and a Raynox 250 lens.

Has anyone else used these with this camera (or similar)? Any comments?

I shall be sure to post up my first attempts (well...my first reasonably good attempts anyway!)

[FungiJohn]

Well done. I bet you feel much better for buying it now

I'm not sure about the model, other than it has excellent reviews. Good luck with it.

John

[matt_xyz]

I'm sure you'll be happy with the FZ50. I have the FZ30 and have used it with both the TCON17 and the DCR150/250. In my gallery below all my insect images and my bird images prior to last Oct, were taken with the FZ30. The only thing I would say is to go for the DCR150 rather than the 250, the latter is too strong and much more difficult to use. Plus you cannot fit larger insects into frame with it. The 150 seems harder to get, but Boddie recently got one from here I think;

* SNAP-ON MACRO LENS (FITS 52 - 67mm FILTER THREADS) (DCR-150) from cameras2u.com

Matt

[neep_neep]

Thanks John! Yes, I do feel a lot better! It's also giving me a bit of a break from scouring websites for the best prices

I've just been having a look through your gallery Matt - there are some really good shots on there, definitely something to aspire to!

Appreciate the comments about the 250 - I shall get the 150 if it is easier to use (and from the look of your pictures I don't think i'll be losing out on anything!). Thanks for the link!

[neep_neep]

Sorry, another question!

Would you recommend getting a UV and a polariser filter for this camera? Does it make the pictures visibly better?

Sorry, it's my first 'proper' camera, so I just want to make sure i'm doing everything right and getting all the best/necessary kit for it! No point in spending lots of money on a camera if i'm just going to end up with sub-standard photos

Are the filters worth it? Or are they just a waste of money?

[Boddie]

I got a UV and kind of wish I had not bothered. In my case its likely to have another lens attachment fitted to it anyway

[glsammy]

I always have a UV fitted, but not to improve the quality, just for protection. I know others don't consider this necessary, it's just my personal preference. It does no harm, so why not?
If your always using attachments, then as Andrew said, not necessary.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by neep_neep

Sorry, another question!

Would you recommend getting a UV and a polariser filter for this camera? Does it make the pictures visibly better?

Sorry, it's my first 'proper' camera, so I just want to make sure i'm doing everything right and getting all the best/necessary kit for it! No point in spending lots of money on a camera if i'm just going to end up with sub-standard photos

Are the filters worth it? Or are they just a waste of money?

I have just gone to dslr and tried to take macro shots and shots in general by the coast along the edge of the sea. I got too much reflection and glare from the water and my understanding is that the polarizing filter will stop this glare; this filter is now on my wish list.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

I'm sure you'll be happy with the FZ50. I have the FZ30 and have used it with both the TCON17 and the DCR150/250. In my gallery below all my insect images and my bird images prior to last Oct, were taken with the FZ30. The only thing I would say is to go for the DCR150 rather than the 250, the latter is too strong and much more difficult to use. Plus you cannot fit larger insects into frame with it. The 150 seems harder to get, but Boddie recently got one from here I think;

* SNAP-ON MACRO LENS (FITS 52 - 67mm FILTER THREADS) (DCR-150) from cameras2u.com

Matt

as I understand it there are no raynox distributors in the uk (according to the raynox website. I ordered a dcr-150 from Adorama and it arrived within a week. The lens is $35 but you have to double it for shipping.

someone will now find one CONSIDERABLY cheaper

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by Kerry

I have just gone to dslr and tried to take macro shots and shots in general by the coast along the edge of the sea. I got too much reflection and glare from the water and my understanding is that the polarizing filter will stop this glare; this filter is now on my wish list.

If you buy a polariser, make sure it is a 'circular' polariser rather than 'linear' (not talking shape here). A linear polariser will effect the meter readings where these are done via a semi reflective element in the mirror of a DSLR, the circular polariser will not.

[neep_neep]

I got my raynox 150 from tecno.co.uk, for £16 including postage - that was about a month ago.

Although, i've just searched the site again, and can't find it!!! Looks like I got it just in time!