Sensor: f30/31 or f40? Anyone know if this camera is based on the f30 series (widely acclaimed for incredible low-light performance) or on the f40 (which has a different sensor and does not perform as well in low-light conditions)? Thanks. Sensor: f30/31 or f40? Anyone know if this camera is based on the f30 series (widely acclaimed for incredible low-light performance) or on the f40 (which has a different sensor and does not perform... » Read More Sensor: f30/31 or f40? Anyone know if this camera is based on the f30 series (widely acclaimed for incredible low-light performance) or on the f40 (which has a different sensor and does not perform as well in low-light conditions)? Thanks. « Show Less
1936404
More on the F40 (slightly larger sensor than F30/F31Fd). Fuji collapsed under pressure and is now putting out the same crap as all the others by cramming useless megapixels. If you can get a F31FD, do so, now it really is in a class by itself and a collector's item. The pictures are as close to a DSLR as you can get from a compact for now and into the forseeable future. At ISO100, many F31FD pictures are indistinguishable from a DSLR.
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.
334692
they make several models. the F31 is the replacement for the F3. They modified the early models to fix some issues.
1198691
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!
1603862
Thanks Dave,I was just thinking yesterday . . . "What I need is to get out of this Sony and back into a Fuji!" I am looking for the one with the nuanced blacks, grays, browns . . . the Sony renders all darker shades of the above as "BLACK!" C'mon, give us some depth, Sony! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!I had the F-10 once and color-wise it was great. Anyway wonder which $400-$600 Fuji now gives most detail in dark color areas?
1089792
Technically it has incredible Image Quality, so not just a good 1st, it's a keeper. It is more a question of preferences: If you like menus to control your camera, there are many others you could look at, however if you prefer dedicated dials like on film cameras for shutter speed, aperture and focus, it is Leica or Fuji X... I started with a Nikon F2, it went with me to every corner of the world. When digital came about I couldn't warm up to menus, did have a G10 that was quite good, but now with the X-E2 I am truly enjoying photography again. Keep in mind, it is not about the technology, it is about what you do with it, which also means once you find a camera you really like you can stay with it for a very long time, it should become an extension of your eyesight...
287141
I don't think the T300 is in the same class as the G10 and LX3, in terms of features and image quality. I'm a Canon guy and I really wanted to get the G10. But it was a marginal improvement over the G9. And the low light performance is still lacking. I tend to shoot a lot of indoor and night time pics, so the LX3 was a better choice for me. But if you're more of an outdoor daylight shooter, the G10 blows the LX3 away. And I have to say that Canon has a better menu system and user interface. The Panasonic UI takes some getting used to. I would highly recommend browsing through Flickr to get an idea of the image quality that comes from each of the cameras. It should help you decide on the best camera for your needs. And Amazon uses automated scripts to adjust pricing. If a Marketplace reseller offers it for a lower/higher price, the Amazon price will drop/increase by X dollars. So if you're looking for the best price from Amazon, it helps to be a little obsessive and check every half hour or so. :-)
190424
Fuji has inconsistent quality control, which I found when I purchased the F10. The first camera took VERY blurry photos, the second 1/3 and the third maybe 1/5 (in default settings). Don't doubt yourself and your picture snapping skills. If you've read the manual and you are still having problems I would recommend an exchange.
1306624
Good to know and good answer, Les. Clears it up. Still, I wonder why there is only one amazon review so far. I have the FZ28 and would upgrade w more positive comments -28 would go to girlfriend or son BTW [or backup (just in case)].Oct 20: Went to the girlfriend -got the FZ40. Very pleased.
2066794
What about low light performance? I took SD900 to Japan for cherry blossom viewing. Flash is definitely a big no no for taking those kinds of pictures at night, so I used Hi-ISO or ISO 3200 all the way. The night cherry blossom pictures turned out to be amazing. Video was fantastic too. I haven't yet read any comment on how SD800 performed in low light situations. Any experience?
1646832
Hi Henry, FZ30 Iso are...Light sensitivity Auto ISO, ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400..ok? Its an old camera now, buy the FZ200 is a much better buy.
679029
14 megapixels on such a tiny sensor makes each teeny weeny pixel unresponsive to even moderate levels of light. So minicams with above 10 MP have very poor performance if the picture is not taken in daylight or strong flash. Canon responded by placing a new 10 MP sensor (the largest they could fit in the camera, with the largest MP count that would meet their low-light performance floor) in the G11. Result? I sold my G10 with its noisy, overpixellated marketing gimmick of a sensor in favor of a solid imaging performer in the G12. Now I own both the G12 and the S95, a tiny pocket camera that has the same sensor, the same guts and a better lens, but I can carry it around with me. I find myself leaving the G12 at home and using the s95 for about 90 percent of the point-and-shoot work I do. It gets me the shot, just like the G12 does. But it fits unobtrusively in my front pants pocket. In sensitive situations like certain museums that don't allow flash photography and/or public figures that see every big camera as belonging to paparazzi, the S95 can get you shots with its fast lens and responsive 10MP sensor that the old G10 could never get. It's an awesome bit of technology, and I love it. If you haven't yet bought the G12, you should give the S95 a test drive. It is truly a G you can fit in your pocket.
561983
The F19826 is fantastic I'm really pleased with it AS A CAMERA. However, it has developed a fault and Foscam are taking forever to deal with it and I've had very little communication from them. As a baby monitor....the sound quality is awful! So probably not.
1794473
Without it being available yet it's hard to say just what exactly will be different quality wise. The new one will improve bokeh out of focus highlights at a price though. You will lose T-Stops (light transmission) For example 1.2 might give you the same light as f1.8-2. This is because the filter is a type of Neutral Density filter. For me I shoot low light and having that extra stop is important. The trade off combined with price just doesn't work. So what's more important to you? Bokeh quality or low light shooting? The 56mm is a fantastic lens in either version. Highly recommended!
2235088
I was just debating the SX20 vs SX30, so I was really glad to find this discussion. I assumed the 30 would be an improvement, but it sounds from this discussion and many customer reviews that 20 is a better choice for image quality.
825630
&gt;&gt;I didn't realize this camera was out there when I bought my FZ28! I notice that in the copy under the camera description, significantly more bought the FZ28K than the FZ50. Presumably the price is the reason, I suppose along with the 18x optical zoom.&lt;&lt; this one came out before the fz28, but at the time i only paid about $440 &gt;&gt;Many reviewers above said the FZ50 is "almost" a dslr - but many, many dslrs are considerably less expensive than the FZ50, which I think costs more now than when it came out....and I think I saw on the digital review site that the camera has been discontinued. &lt;&lt; i didn't know about it being discontinued so soon. it compares to a dslr in many ways. but the ISO settings are pretty noisy above ISO 400, whereas in good dslr's you can get good results up to ISO 3200. this is a very good review that gives all of its specs. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/ here it is compared to the canon rebel XT where you can see the ISO 1600 on both cameras. the canon is better. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/page17.asp &gt;&gt;The user photos for this camera are wonderful! I have a Canon Rebel XS, which cost quite a bit less than this camera, and an FZ28K....I'm now wondering if I should sell the FZ28 K, return the Canon, and get a used FZ50.&lt;&lt; yeah, i get better pictures than i ever have. &gt;&gt;What is it about this camera that makes it worth nearly a thousand dollars? &lt;&lt; i don't know. i don't understand. i haven't seen that happen with any other camera.
1407637
They're almost the same. Get the P310 as it's newer. Beware the small sensor and slow exposure.