I currently own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ60K, purchased in 2013. As a novice, would I gain anything by switching to this Nikon?
1024338
The most important difference is the lense 34X. The rest, both cameras are fine. Ral
1977272
blanchedebeaulieu, The FH20 is a much newer camera with more developed technology. The number of megapixels has little to do with the quality of the camera or the pictures from the camera. The size (and quality) of the sensor are far more important and I believe each of these cameras has the same sensor. With the FH20 you'd be getting a newer camera, with greater zoom, new instead of refurbished and for less money. While I think each of the cameras would prove satisfactory to you, I don't think there is really any doubt- go with the FH20. Also, I haven't read anywhere of anyone complaining about a Panasonic lens, whether it's licensed from Leica or not. I'd put more faith in the Amazon guarantee and Panasonic warranty than the label on the lens (For what it's worth, I often buy refurbished- computers, ipods, ipod speakers- and the only time I've had a problem was with a refurbished camera. Sure, it's a small sample size, but I wouldn't recommend refurbished in this category). Hope my experience helps you.
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I'm between the same two models, and was also considering the Canon SX30IS. I recommend you read the in-depth reviews on www.imaging-resource.com. Unfortunately, despite all the great features of the Panasonic FZ100 and the Leica lens, it's image quality doesn't compare to the Nikon. Compare the noise and detail of the sample images in both of these reviews. It's too bad, I was about to get the FZ100 until I saw how poor the image detail was up close. But that website ended up giving the Nikon P500 a high recomendation, while they could not in good conscience give the FZ100 any sort of recomendation at all. I'm between the same two models, and was also considering the Canon SX30IS. I recommend you read the in-depth reviews on www.imaging-resource.com. Unfortunately, despite all the great features of the Panasonic FZ100 and the Leica lens, it's image quality doesn't compare to the Nikon. Compare the noise and detail of the sample images in both of these reviews. It's too bad, I was about to get the FZ100 until I saw how poor the image detail was up close. But that website ended up giving the Nikon P500 a high recomendation, while they could not in good conscience give the FZ100 any sort of... » Read More I'm between the same two models, and was also considering the Canon SX30IS. I recommend you read the in-depth reviews on www.imaging-resource.com. Unfortunately, despite all the great features of the Panasonic FZ100 and the Leica lens, it's image quality doesn't compare to the Nikon. Compare the noise and detail of the sample images in both of these reviews. It's too bad, I was about to get the FZ100 until I saw how poor the image detail was up close. But that website ended up giving the Nikon P500 a high recomendation, while they could not in good conscience give the FZ100 any sort of recomendation at all. « Show Less
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I am in the same boat as you. My camera needs are the same as yours and I have been researching these two cameras as well as the Panasonic DMC-FZ8. Right now I am leaning towards the Panasonic. The Panasonic requires a battery pack instead of AA batteries but Amazon offers the battery packs for $15 - $20. In addition the Panasonic is about $50 cheaper than the Sony and the Canon. My old Olympus has problems with severe shutter lag and poor quality pics on indoor & low light situations.
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As someone who spent months in research (and finally decided on the NIKON) allow me to offer my advice: The NIKON P80 has a new sensor with 10.1MP (size 1/2.33" and a pixel density of 36MP/cm2). On its plus side, the small size (although it turns long when zoomed all in), the comprehensive menu and the overall built. On the minus side, the NIKON, although perfectly capable, will not take the best photo if left on Auto. The PANASONIC FZ18 has an older 8.1MP sensor (size 1/2.5" and a pixel density of 32MP/cm2). On its plus size, the impeccable LEICA lens system (and quite short even at maximum zoom), the handy joystick, the great image quality and the mechanical stabilization (the only one of these three that comes with it). On the minus side, the FZ18 is a bit larger that the P80 - and is bound to be replaced by Christmas. The FUJI S8100FD was never a contender for me. With a 10MP sensor (size 1/2.3" and a pixel density of 35MP/cm2) it is not too shabby. Yet, its overall design was not to my liking at all (of course that is a personal preference). The best advice a professional photographer gave me was this: choose the best lens and then the best sensor. Then make sure it is a camera for your level. The PANASONIC has the best lens whereas the NIKON has the best sensor (these cameras are still Point&Shoot, nowhere near the sensor sizes of a DSLR). Bottom line: if new to digital photography or do not care to be concerned with all the tweaking, go with the PANASONIC - it has a much better intelligent Auto (iA) function. If more experienced or would like to be more involved in taking a photo, go with the NIKON. Happy shooting!
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I do. The camera is incredible and has helped pushed the limits in tough shooting situations like only a full frame can do. The ONLY 'flaw' has been a dusty sensor in the beginning. Cleaned myself and all is well. In the age of DSLR any serious photographer should be comfortable in cleaning the sensor as it comes with the territory eventually. I love my D600 and dollar for dollar I personally would choose no other body on the current market.
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My understanding is that this lens would work on the DMC-FZ200, although the Panasonic web site does not explicitly say so (according to Digital Photography Review http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/42203617) I have an DMC-FZ150, and it works just fine on that.
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owning both of them i can tell you that the difference between both is HUGE, if you are a pro and really make your living out of photography i say go for it-the controls are a bit different since now you have a wheel to move thru the menus but you will love it once you get used to, it comes with its own stofen-like diffuser and color gel holder since the latest nikon cameras can detect the color of the gel used and then modify the white balance
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It is about as good as your are going to get without investing a huge amount of money (8-10k). Might need a monopod too. New D750 or other high performing low light DSLR is also advisable.
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You should know that this replaces the fz-40. Go to the Panasonic website for info. Better yet, go to Dpreview and see what they have to say. Not worth the upgrade.
345065
I have not used a canon point and shoot recently, put I purchased a Panasonic fz8 about 9 months ago specifically for concerts and I haven't been disappointed. Be sure to stick with the fz8, not the upgraded fz18.
128547
owning both of them i can tell you that the difference between both is HUGE, if you are a pro and really make your living out of photography i say go for it- the controls are a bit different since now you have a wheel to move thru the menus but you will love it once you get used to, it comes with its own stofen-like diffuser and color gel holder since the latest nikon cameras can detect the color of the gel used and then modify the white balance
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I just purchased Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) using the warehouse deals. This camera is usually over $300 new, but it was listed in the warehouse deals in "like-new condition, may come repackaged" for $131.99. I jumped on it, and received the camera yesterday. All original accessories and everything was included, it even came in the original box. The camera was in perfect condition, in fact, it looks brand new. This is my first experience with the warehouse deals and it was an excellent one! I just purchased Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) using the warehouse deals. This camera is usually over $300 new, but it was listed in the warehouse deals in "like-new condition, may come repackaged" for $131.99. I jumped on it, and received the camera yesterday. All original accessories and everything was included, it even came in the original box. The camera was in perfect condition, in fact, it looks brand new. This is my first experience with... » Read More I just purchased Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) using the warehouse deals. This camera is usually over $300 new, but it was listed in the warehouse deals in "like-new condition, may come repackaged" for $131.99. I jumped on it, and received the camera yesterday. All original accessories and everything was included, it even came in the original box. The camera was in perfect condition, in fact, it looks brand new. This is my first experience with the warehouse deals and it was an excellent one! « Show Less
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The manual is available on line so you can research your own particular use.http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/Compact+Cameras/DMC-LF1/Manuals/12501956/index.html
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Yes. Quite well actually. Get the book Nikon j1/v1 for dummies. It'll show you everything you need to know.
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I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a... » Read More I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses.The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens. « Show Less
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I just upgrade from D3100 to D600 recently. Except the price and the size/weight of the camera body, D600 is way better than d3100. Specially in those low-light conditions, d600 has significantly better performance than D3100.