Snapcount
07-11-2006, 11:26 PM
Hi everyone! This is my first post, but I've been a lurker on this forum for... well, forever.
Here's the deal: I'm thinking of buying some decent photography gear because now I have to make do with a Sony P92 and it's fine for the odd snap, but just doesn't cut it when you want to go "artistic".
Seeing as I'm an amateur (I know a bit about photography, like composition, angle, illumination,... but I'm learning hard to get to know the technical stuff) and a student, I was thinking about a Panasonic FZ7. I hear nothing but good comments about this camera and people tell me it's fantastic to learn with. That and the image stabilizer is on it's way to become the industry standard.
My budget is about 400 euros and I don't think there's anything that can beat the FZ7 in that price range. It even has the option to change lenses, which is quite rare for a camera that cheap.
I've posted the specs and a pic below. What do you guys think, good choice or are there better options and why?
http://www2.panasonic.com/static/models/dmc-fz7k.jpg
Max resolution: 2816 x 2112 (6 Megapixel)
Zoom capability: 12X optical + 4X digital
Focal length (35mm equiv.): 36mm - 432mm
Max. Aperture: F2.8 - F3.3
Supports conversion lenses: Yes
Auto focus: Yes
AF-assist lamp: Yes
Image stabilization: Yes
Macro (min. distance): Yes (5 cm)
LCD display: Yes/2.5"
Built-in flash: Yes
External flash support: No
Manual controls: Exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, focus
ISO sensitivity: 80/100/200/400
Movie mode (format): Yes (QuickTime)
Movie resolutions (recording limit): 640 x 480
Sound recording: Yes
RAW/TIFF mode: TIFF
PictBridge support: Yes
Storage method: SD/MMC card (16MB card included) Buy more memory now!
Storage capacity (w/included card):
Video out: Yes
USB support: Yes
Batteries used: CGR-S006 (1) Buy batteries now!
Computer supported: Mac/PC
Dimensions (W x H x D): 111.8 x 71.1 x 78.7 mm / 4.4 x 2.8 x 3.1 in
Weight (empty): 310 g / 10.9 oz
Bundled software: Lumix SimpleViewer, ArcSoft PhotoSuite
OH and here's a link to a review I based my choice on...
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz7-review/index.shtml
THX for your help in advance. Anything I should do as a "newcomer" to the forum?
Here's the deal: I'm thinking of buying some decent photography gear because now I have to make do with a Sony P92 and it's fine for the odd snap, but just doesn't cut it when you want to go "artistic".
Seeing as I'm an amateur (I know a bit about photography, like composition, angle, illumination,... but I'm learning hard to get to know the technical stuff) and a student, I was thinking about a Panasonic FZ7. I hear nothing but good comments about this camera and people tell me it's fantastic to learn with. That and the image stabilizer is on it's way to become the industry standard.
My budget is about 400 euros and I don't think there's anything that can beat the FZ7 in that price range. It even has the option to change lenses, which is quite rare for a camera that cheap.
I've posted the specs and a pic below. What do you guys think, good choice or are there better options and why?
http://www2.panasonic.com/static/models/dmc-fz7k.jpg
Max resolution: 2816 x 2112 (6 Megapixel)
Zoom capability: 12X optical + 4X digital
Focal length (35mm equiv.): 36mm - 432mm
Max. Aperture: F2.8 - F3.3
Supports conversion lenses: Yes
Auto focus: Yes
AF-assist lamp: Yes
Image stabilization: Yes
Macro (min. distance): Yes (5 cm)
LCD display: Yes/2.5"
Built-in flash: Yes
External flash support: No
Manual controls: Exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, focus
ISO sensitivity: 80/100/200/400
Movie mode (format): Yes (QuickTime)
Movie resolutions (recording limit): 640 x 480
Sound recording: Yes
RAW/TIFF mode: TIFF
PictBridge support: Yes
Storage method: SD/MMC card (16MB card included) Buy more memory now!
Storage capacity (w/included card):
Video out: Yes
USB support: Yes
Batteries used: CGR-S006 (1) Buy batteries now!
Computer supported: Mac/PC
Dimensions (W x H x D): 111.8 x 71.1 x 78.7 mm / 4.4 x 2.8 x 3.1 in
Weight (empty): 310 g / 10.9 oz
Bundled software: Lumix SimpleViewer, ArcSoft PhotoSuite
OH and here's a link to a review I based my choice on...
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz7-review/index.shtml
THX for your help in advance. Anything I should do as a "newcomer" to the forum?