Canonite's Gone Bad! It Could Be You

[kresner]

As a long time and VERY happy G2 and 10D + Canon IS/L lense owner I've gotta come clean. Just bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ20. Yes Panasonic ... you know, the company that makes shavers, blenders and MP3 players?.

Why would a loyal Canonite commit such treason .... 5MP + a Leica 12X zoom (optical) image stabilized (hmm, that seems familiar) constant 2.8 aperature (sweet) lense in a reasonably sturdy, compact and light package for $599.

I did look at the Powershot S1 ... fewer MP's, similar features, lower price. But the FZ trounced it handily ... but I did try to keep it all in the family, really. I also looked at Minolta's "Anti-Shake" series ... too funky for lack of a better word. Reviews of the FZ's Leica lense and stabilization showed it to be great performer.

FZ build quality isn't up to the G2 or 10D, but is equal/better than the S1 and similar models.

Despite the inevitable quirks and oddities that come with EVERY camera, the FZ is quickly working it's way to becoming a "keeper" like my G2 and 10D. Pic's at 12X zoom are exceeding my expectations for a camera in this price range. The FZ's 12X lense with IS is proving to be worth the cost by itself.

The FZ fit perfectly between my G2 and 10D, I only wish Canon would have offered me a competitive choice.

OK, I've confessed ... flame me, brow beat me, ban me from this forum, condem to me eternal damnation. Excuse now while I go change my Identity to avoid future discrimination and harassment in this forum.

I've heard there's a "I'm A Canon Traitor" forum somewhere, hopefully I can find a home there ...

[Spargo]

I'm a traitor too. I have an Audiovox digital camera. It's built into my phone. 0.6mp. :lol:

[Doom1701e]

Canon 4 Life.

[karusel]

I have a Nikon P&S.

[velvetjones]

I have a Nikon P&S.

ditto.

Brand loyalty should never supersede the decision to buy the best product for you.

[booggerg]

As a long time and VERY happy G2 and 10D + Canon IS/L lense owner I've gotta come clean. Just bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ20. Yes Panasonic ... you know, the company that makes shavers, blenders and MP3 players?.


and also one of the leaders in broadcast/pro video equipments.

[Adam Hicks]

That FZ20 definitely has the nicest feature set of any P&S I've seen for a DSLR backup. IS at that focal range at 2.8 is pretty darned nice! I played with one and thought the ergonomics were non-existent, and I didn't like the controls too much, but I'd still own one in a heartbeat if I had the need!

But on the other hand, for another $100-$150 you can buy a used Digital rebel when the flood of 20Ds hits the market.

Adam

[Belmondo]

But on the other hand, for another $100-$150 you can buy a used Digital rebel when the flood of 20Ds hits the market.

Adam

Eventually perhaps, but not for a while.

[Adam Hicks]

Isn't that Panasonic $600 or so? I've seen people buying used DRebels for $750 all over ebay and the used market. If the Panasonics have come down in price, then I'll kick myself in the crotch.

Adam

[CyberDyneSystems]

Were I in the marekt for an all in one lens built in P&S.. it would be the Lumix...

12X lens with IS? C'mon!

[kresner]

That FZ20 definitely has the nicest feature set of any P&S I've seen for a DSLR backup. IS at that focal range at 2.8 is pretty darned nice! I played with one and thought the ergonomics were non-existent, and I didn't like the controls too much, but I'd still own one in a heartbeat if I had the need!

But on the other hand, for another $100-$150 you can buy a used Digital rebel when the flood of 20Ds hits the market.

Adam

But with a DReb you still need a 600mm optically stabilized lense to get to 12X ... for under $600?

(yeah the ergo's are .... "different" ... but liveable)

[kresner]

I'll get around to posting some images one of these days ... too preoccupied with shooting everything from hummingbirds, peaches on trees, quail in the yard, flowers and stuff attached atop tall power line towers. So far the FZ is acquiring "keeper" status.

It's not really fair to compare the FZ to a 10D, so I'll stick to comparison with a G2, which has been a GREAT camera, where possible.

Both Canon's seem to do a much better job at Automatic White Balance in lower light conditions and controlling overexposure in scenes with very bright sections. I need to play around with FZ some more before drawing final conclusions here. To it's credit you can tweak white balance any number of ways (various defaults + custom settings) and exposure compensation is VERY quick and easy on the FZ compared to the G2.

In macro shooting the FZ suprisingly didn't have much if anything over the G2 ? Despite it's extra megapixel and big, bright lense. Canon does makes some good glass too!

In normal to 3X shooting the FZ is equal to or better than the G2. That extra megapixel and superb lense give it an edge. We're not talking orders of magnitude here, but noticeable.

In 3X+ shooting I had to pull out the 10D, it's the camera I have lenses that can reach 10X optical. FZ held up suprisingly well. At 12X with IS turned on, FZ images are pretty darn sharp with decent contrast. Not on par with the 10D + 100-400L (or 28-135) but the FZ cost a FRACTION of the price to to get there.

Startup time is fast, makes the G2 look like a 2 legged turtle and is edging up to the 10D. This was a pleasant surprise given it's big lense.

Autofocus time is considerably faster than the G2. All cameras should implement manual focusing the way the FZ does.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Known FZ Con's:

Dumb hotshoe/camera communications, G2 blows away the FZ if you attach an external flash. It's so stupid you wonder why Panasonic even bothered. Maybe the $129 Panasonic flash unit adds brains to the combo?

Built-in flash doesn't pop up automatically if needed. You ALWAYS have push a little button, and the camera doesn't "remind/warn" you if flash would be beneficial. This logic I totally don't understand.

Teeny tiny batteries that seem to not last very long ... compared to the big, beefy units in the G2/10D. Oh, well. Could be sub-standard battery from the factory. I'll give it a few more cycles before requesting a replacement.

Teeny tiny SD memory cards ... I guess if you had top secret photos and were in danger of being captured by the enemy they'd be MUCH easier to swallow than a CF card :)
----------------------------------------------------------------

Given it's price point, the FZ has met/exceeded my expectations for a 12X lense/camera combo. It's WAY lighter and more compact than a 10D, yet gives me the same macro-tele range in a single lense with very good images. It's lighter but bigger than the G2, but can take me places optically the G2 only dreams about.

If you're looking for a nice super zoom "point and shoot - prosumer" camera the FZ deserves a serious look. It's not perfect, but neither is my G2 or 10D.