Hi - I'm in the market for a digital camera - budget ranging from £200-400.
I've always been put off the SLR market because, not knowing much about them, see the fact you have to additional lenses, flashes etc. as a major hurdle, both portability-wise and budget wise.
I've looked at the Panasonic G-series, but ultimately it seems that lenses are still required for proper multi-functionality.
I casually mentioned this to my uncle, who I know has always been into his photos, and he said, after having SLRs in the past, last year he opted for the Panasonic FZ-30, saying it gives him just as good results and great portability.
He therefore pointed me in the direction of the FZ-38 as being the latest model. Doing some research it looks very good in terms of my primary criteria:
- price - seems the cheapest in it's range, but is ranked amongst the best
- video - good if not amazing video functionality
- picture quality - reviews are v. good, although I would like something that can shoot fast, and also produce good results at low light, not sure the FZ-38 is too good on these aspects
- zoom and image stabilisation
Probably the only thing that has stopped me jumping in and making the purchase is that, having used a Canon A620 for several years, I would definitely miss not having a swivel screen.
So are there current alternatives that give as good bang for buck, or is there anything in the super-zoom range new or coming soon that I would feel cheesed about if I got the FZ-38 now?
Thanks very much.
I've always been put off the SLR market because, not knowing much about them, see the fact you have to additional lenses, flashes etc. as a major hurdle, both portability-wise and budget wise.
I've looked at the Panasonic G-series, but ultimately it seems that lenses are still required for proper multi-functionality.
I casually mentioned this to my uncle, who I know has always been into his photos, and he said, after having SLRs in the past, last year he opted for the Panasonic FZ-30, saying it gives him just as good results and great portability.
He therefore pointed me in the direction of the FZ-38 as being the latest model. Doing some research it looks very good in terms of my primary criteria:
- price - seems the cheapest in it's range, but is ranked amongst the best
- video - good if not amazing video functionality
- picture quality - reviews are v. good, although I would like something that can shoot fast, and also produce good results at low light, not sure the FZ-38 is too good on these aspects
- zoom and image stabilisation
Probably the only thing that has stopped me jumping in and making the purchase is that, having used a Canon A620 for several years, I would definitely miss not having a swivel screen.
So are there current alternatives that give as good bang for buck, or is there anything in the super-zoom range new or coming soon that I would feel cheesed about if I got the FZ-38 now?
Thanks very much.
