Pnanasonic FZ3 upgrade dilemma....

mjw123 · 26-12-2005, 1:13 PM

Well guys i've been looking for a reasonably priced Olympus C7070 for ages but the prices just aren't shifting, The pic quality for me is 2nd to none on the 7070 unless I move to DSLR...(no thanks too big and pricey)

However today I notice the excellent FZ20 is now down to £199 new

......I believe this will give me improved results over my FZ3 but the size puts me off a bit.

I've also noticed the hight rated FZ5 is now available for an incredible £228 which appeals more due to it's size and FZ20 equalling results.

So my question is am I going to notice any real difference in picture quality between what I currently have (FZ3) and the FZ5 / FZ20 ?.....is the upgrade therefore worth it ?

I'd really like the 7070 but can't justify £400+ for it.

Love to hear your thoughts....

Mike.

Sandman · 26-12-2005, 6:53 PM

The FZ3 is an excellent camera. I really dont think you will notice any difference at all unless you print a A4 or a bigger size.

mjw123 · 26-12-2005, 10:48 PM

Won't the noise be less on the FZ5 though ?

Some of the indoor shots without flash are very grainy on the FZ3

mjw123 · 27-12-2005, 7:22 PM

Someone on another forum found me a new FZ5 delivered for £199..........no brainer at that price

domtheone · 28-12-2005, 3:37 PM

Please tell more...best i've found is £230 odd.

mjw123 · 28-12-2005, 11:03 PM

Mines ordered

http://www.digitaldirectuk.com/produ...?strSearch=fz5

domtheone · 29-12-2005, 10:22 AM

Wow £189.99!!

Pity I prefer the silver lol

You think if I walk into Jessops they'll price match it

mjw123 · 29-12-2005, 11:20 PM

It is in Silver isn't it ?

I only went and bought an FZ20 from Jessops as well today

!!

Will have to decide when the FZ5 arrives which one i'm keeping - have to say the flash on the FZ20 is quite incredible and will be superior to the FZ5 i'd imagine.

I looked on pbase.com and did get a feel that the overall quality of the FZ20 pics was better than the FZ5 but maybe that's because the 20 will appeal to better photographers and not necessiraly the camera that's better.

What would you guys keep ????

domtheone · 30-12-2005, 12:01 AM

I popped in Jessops today and saw that FZ20, half price or something.

I was going to ask them if they'd match (or get close to the prices) the web prices for the Z5 (£190-£230odd) but given the shops was busy and they had it listed for £350 odd i didn't bother to hang around.

Sorry I meant to say I prefer the black one

I'm a total novice as this purchase will be my first Digi Camera. Had a play around withth z5 when I was in the states and kind of liked it but the deal in Jessops looks good value.

Anyone know (in a nutshell) the main differences between the Z5 and the FZ20?

Crocodile · 30-12-2005, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domtheone

Anyone know (in a nutshell) the main differences between the Z5 and the FZ20?

Have a look here for a basic comparison & then check out the FZ20 review on the same site.

domtheone · 30-12-2005, 11:57 AM

OK thanks for that.

Review looks good, though everything available on this camera seems a little daunting for a complete novice

A lot heavier than the FZ5 (which was pretty light when I first picked it up)

Think i'll try to popdown to Jessops later and have a look in the flesh.

PS

Anyone kow a good book for beginners, explaining photographic terms, more about aperture, shutter speeds etc etc?

PPS

If you wanted to say, take pictures without touching the camera (say with it on a tripod and with a lead-don't know the techncal term!) is this posible with this type of camera?

02-01-2006, 8:40 PM

Quote:

unless I move to DSLR...(no thanks too big and pricey)

I don't reckon you'd see a huge amount of difference in the FZ5 pics and the FZ20. As far as I know the FZ20 isn't that much different in size to something like the 20D so it's a bit of a beast (not necessarily a bad thing) and it's pretty heavy. Flash looks to be much more powerful on the FZ20. The noise issue should be equally less of a problem on the FZ5 and FZ20 than on the FZ3 because the sensors are bigger (same size on FZ20 and FZ5).

If it were me i'd go for the FZ5, unless you're into bragging about size

I'm off - starting to sound like LG.

Fatlad.

mjw123 · 02-01-2006, 9:46 PM

Cheers stout fella - am doing an extensive 'snap off' between the 2....will keep the winner.

Will post some of the decision making pics on here.

domtheone · 06-01-2006, 10:45 PM

Any thoughts on the FZ20 mjw?

I popped into Jessops today but the guy said they had sold out all the FZ20's within a few days.

They have one waiting a customer pickup though. If they havn't collected by close of play today he said It would become available.

I'll probably pop into the town early in the morning to see what's what.

Have been thinking about a Nikon D50 as well, £450 in Jessops. Best price on the web around £400. (Heard a Jessops sales guy telling this couple they don't do internet price matching any more) but he said their prices were very competitive. Might be overkill for a complete novice as myself though

Huge bloody camera though!

Thayt obviously doesn't apply to the FZ5 though at £350

domtheone · 07-01-2006, 10:07 AM

Well they didnt' have any available (last one was collected last night).

Had a play around with a few and then got on to the DSLR's

Big Mistake, I want one

JohnG · 07-01-2006, 10:09 AM

I have the FZ3 and have been looking at the FZ20, how much bigger is it ? Do you like it ?

domtheone · 07-01-2006, 10:14 AM

To be honest mate I didn't get to see it in the flesh. I've had a play around with the FZ5 which is a similar size (i think

) The weight is a lot more on the FZ20 though.

father alice · 07-01-2006, 11:39 AM

I've got an FZ5 and love it. Fantastic camera, and you can get add on lens for things like wide angle and zoom. I believe the lens adapter can be replaced with an after market one on the FZ20, which is more substantial, but for lightish add on lens, the plastic threads on the original FZ5 lens adapter are fine.

The FZ20 does have a better flash, which can even be external I believe, but I have not yet found the FZ5 one to be limiting.

Either way, the OIS system is fantastic, and vital if using long zooms.

For £200 it is a no brainer.

mjw123 · 08-01-2006, 8:55 PM

I really like the FZ20 but the size is probably going to be the deciding factor as my wife prefers the smaller FZ5.

Pic wise there's not much to split the two and the 20 feels more like a 'proper' camera.

If you really want an FZ20 feel free to make an offer for it before it goes back to Jessops.

....may even Ebay it instead.

Whitley Bob · 09-01-2006, 2:08 PM

I agonized for ages between the FZ20 and the FZ5 but went for the smaller of the two in the end as I was going abroad on holiday and felt the FZ5 was so much better suited to travelling.
The only thing I wish it has is the FZ20's manual focus capabilities as I find the "5" gets lost sometimes on medium to long zoom.