Which camera?

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:13

Afte years of good service my Konica Minolta camera looks as though it is suffering old age so it's time to find a new one. I have been looking for a few weeks and have narrowed the field down to the Panasonic FZ62 and the Nikon Coolpix P150. Bridge cameras seem to provide me with everything I need in a camera and essentially all I want is a reasonably simple point and shoot with some versatility and nice clear images.

Has anyone any views on these cameras or others which may be better? I have looked at Panasonic's FZ200 but I'm not sure I want to be that technical.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Unread post by **Jan Rosser** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:24

Can't help you with the camera

but welcome home

Unread post by **GillD46** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:29

We have had a Coolpix for a number of years, obviously an older model, but we have been very pleased with it.

Unread post by **Delboy** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:38

OBF

Also welcome back.

If like me you like Bridge Cameras, then in my opinion you cannot beat the Panasonic FZ200 with its Leica f2.8 Lens.

Don't think you will find the FZ200 is any more technical than the Nikon Coolpix P150. A top of the range point and shoot (not a bridge), is the Panasonic TZ40.

Don't forget you can always set the camera on Automatic, until you learn how to use the various functions.

Here is a link to a good set of videos on using the FZ200.

http://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFo ... 63dkQ6MZsg

Just to add my Bridge Camera is the older Panasonic FZ38, plus a Panasonic TZ5 point and shoot.

Unread post by **Dancing Queen** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:39

Sorry don't know the first thing about them other than we have a Nikon Coolpix and it suits our needs, I think Delboy has a Panasonic so maybe he's the one to advise as his pics are superb.

Just a thought but on TV last night I'm almost sure Argos were advertising a Nikon at half price ( had over £100 off )

Unread post by **Dancing Queen** » 18 Oct 2013, 10:41

Oh he beat me to it while I was typing

Unread post by **Islander** » 18 Oct 2013, 11:06

Nikon Coolpix for me too. I'm no expert but have taken some fantastic snaps with it. Must be the camera because it's certainly not me!

Unread post by **suespud** » 18 Oct 2013, 11:22

My OH has a Canon 750 ds digital thing.. with all the trimmings......that he uses for weddings and proper stuff.
But his fun, in his trouser pocket camera, is a WB30F Smart WiFi Advanced Compact Digital Camera , on offer at the minute in Currys for £99 !!
He loves it !!!
I just use me phone !!!!

Unread post by **Boris+** » 18 Oct 2013, 12:38

I've got a Fuji bridge camera - and I love it to bits. I bought one last year, but it came with batteries which I found a bit awkward and heavy.

Got a new Fuji this year - same model, but with just one battery - and it's a joy to change the battery and get into the battery/card compartment. I get lovely shots with it, simple to use and versatile - especially great panoramic shots.

Good luck.

Em

Unread post by **Manoverboard** » 18 Oct 2013, 13:49

Panasonic with a Leica lens is as good as it gets.

I have an LX3 and will get another camera from the same manufacturer when it eventually ... and it will be eventually due to the quality of build.

:click:

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 18 Oct 2013, 15:03

I have a little Casio camera which I can put in my pocket for 'snaps'. The main problem I have, as with all LED screens, is seeing the subject in bright light. Therefore for my main camera I would really like a viewfinder.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'll have a look at everything you have suggested and must say the Panasonic FZ200 does sound a very good camera and having seen some photos taken with them on this and other fora they are a good advertisement. I just didn't want a camera which was so advanced and technical that I would need a degree to use it or it had features I would never use. However I do like my gadgets so it's well worth considering.

Unread post by **Wobgoescruising** » 18 Oct 2013, 15:26

I've had a Nikon Coolpix P510 bridge for quite some time now. Not pocket size but amazing zoom which is what I wanted it for.

19 Oct 2013, 07:32

If you get one with its own dedicated battery - as opposed to using AAs or whatever - and it is removable, then get yourself a spare. They have a habit of giving up at the most inopportune moments!

Unread post by **Kendhni** » 19 Oct 2013, 08:09

I used to carry around a small camera, a good camera and a camcorder ... got bored with that.
While each item is individual better at its single operation I now just carry a compact camera with a decent zoom and image stabilisation that covers all purposes. Following a bit of research and help from the likes of Delboy etc. on the old P&O board I settled on a Panasonic TZ7 ... it is maybe a bit out of date now but the image quality is good on both stills and video .. and it has a 12X zoom.

Unread post by **RB1961** » 19 Oct 2013, 08:53

I bought a Panasonic g2 in 2010 when it 1st came out. It takes some fantastic photo's...it is the camera and not me.
The feature that the fz200 has that the g2 doesn't is the ability to create panorama pictures in camera.
This is something that I wish I had especially when in the fjords. A guy at work has a fz200 and loves it.

RB

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 20 Oct 2013, 15:43

Many thanks to all those who gave their views on the cameras they use. After much Googling and reading all manner of reviews I have made my decision and have opted for the Panasonic FZ200. If I manage to get photos half as good as some of those you have posted on this and other fora I will be very pleased. Unfortunately I will no longer be able to blame the camera, will I?

Unread post by **Stephen** » 20 Oct 2013, 16:03

I brought the good lady a Panasonic DMC-SZ1EB-K last Christmas, and it takes brilliant pin sharp images with it's Leica lens.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 20 Oct 2013, 16:08

Now you tell me!!

I did have a look at compact cameras but wanted a camera with a viewfinder. The little compact camera I have is impossible on a bright, sunny day.

Unread post by **jay-ell71** » 21 Oct 2013, 16:52

Anybody tried the Canon G15? It is a compact,, but slightly bigger than the Ixus and it has a viewfinder (electronic) We are in the throws of purchasing one, having sold the EOS on e-bay.

I have an old Ixus with a viewfinder. I agree with you OBF, hopeless trying to take pics with no viewfinder in bright sun. The camera buffs can't give a satisfactory answer when we ask 'why no viewfinder'. 'The Japanese don't like viewfinders'; 'people are used to using their phones to take pictures'; (????) 'as you can take lots of pics with a digital it doesn't matter if you can't see exactly what you are looking at'. (!!!!!!)

Correction.... the OH has just come home with the Canon G15!!

Unread post by **Manoverboard** » 21 Oct 2013, 18:38

As stated earlier I have an LX3 and although there is not an inbuilt viewfinder the display automatically adjusts to the conditions and it is certainly NOT the problem that I had anticipated. As an aside - this model does faciltate, albeit at a silly price, an add on viewfinder but I decided long ago that it isn't required.

Perhaps my screen type, or a later variation, is fitted to other Panasonic models ... time to find a Panasonic shop and check them out ?

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 21 Oct 2013, 18:42

jay-ell71 wrote:

Correction.... the OH has just come home with the Canon G15!!

That's what I like to see.................. a man who knows what he wants. No dithering there then.

Unread post by **Delboy** » 21 Oct 2013, 19:38

Manoverboard wrote:
As stated earlier I have an LX3 and although there is not an inbuilt viewfinder the display automatically adjusts to the conditions and it is certainly NOT the problem that I had anticipated. As an aside - this model does faciltate, albeit at a silly price, an add on viewfinder but I decided long ago that it isn't required.

Perhaps my screen type, or a later variation, is fitted to other Panasonic models ... time to find a Panasonic shop and check them out ?

MOB

The latest Panasonic in the LX range is the LX7, still no EVF but they have increased the screen resolution from 460k to 920k,(add on viewfinder optional) also has a new 3.8x, 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 zoom lens, large 1/1.7-inch 10 megapixel MOS sensor.

Unread post by **Manoverboard** » 21 Oct 2013, 19:55

Delboy wrote:
Manoverboard wrote:
As stated earlier I have an LX3 and although there is not an inbuilt viewfinder the display automatically adjusts to the conditions and it is certainly NOT the problem that I had anticipated. As an aside - this model does faciltate, albeit at a silly price, an add on viewfinder but I decided long ago that it isn't required.

Perhaps my screen type, or a later variation, is fitted to other Panasonic models ... time to find a Panasonic shop and check them out ?
MOB

The latest Panasonic in the LX range is the LX7, still no EVF but they have increased the screen resolution from 460k to 920k,(add on viewfinder optional) also has a new 3.8x, 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 zoom lens, large 1/1.7-inch 10 megapixel MOS sensor.

Thanks for that Delboy ... very good, very good indeed for a compact and unlike the canon equiv it is very light and easy to use.

In iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode it will even be totally Foxy proof but with lots of scope for learning a few new tricks.

Unread post by **Frank Manning** » 22 Oct 2013, 11:36

One of our friends was a photographer with P&O and swears by Canon. I like Nikon, and have used a Coolpix 5400 for about 8 years.

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