I have been looking for months to upgrade from my fab Panasonic Lumix TZ7 P&S and have narrowed the search down to a super-zoom Panasonic FZ45 (x24+ Optical zoom) or an entry level DSLR Canon 1000D.
Does anyone own these cameras and if so - what do you think?
I don’t understand lenses at all – all this mm talk - how does it translate to Optical zoom?
The entry level Canon 1000D DSLR kit comes with an 18-55mm IS lens. I have also found a bundle (same camera and kit lens) but with an additional Canon 55-250mm IS lens.
I don’t have a “style” of photography and like to try all kinds of things – shooting kids (oops), dog, architecture, macro etc and candid shots (which are probably my fave). I doubt I’ll ever be anything more than “entry level” so what do you think I will “need”?
Also - if I get the DSLR - will I need a flas or is that not necessary?
If you think photography will be something you'll be in to for a long time to come, no question, get a D-SLR. The lenses you end up purchasing can be used if you upgrade, and you may become frustrated by the limitations of a lens you cannot change on a Bridge.
Only get the DSLR if you have the inclination to learn about the different settings. If you just want better photos taken on auto mode, you're probably better off with the Panasonic - you won't achieve anything remarkably better with a DSLR if you intend to use automatic mode. However, the basics are not terribly difficult to learn if you've a mind to do it, and you will be able to do things with a DSLR that the Panasonic simply cannot do. And the 1000D is perfectly capable of producing amazing photographs, of a quality that pro photographers dreamed about only five or so years ago.
First things first, the Panasonic is quite a lot cheaper than the Canon 1000, so it's not a fair comparison, but this is about 'general issues' bridge versus DSLR.
I agree with all the above, having spent 4 years with a Panasonic super-zoom bridge - and I was very fond of it indeed. I moved to the Canon 450d and confess that I was not instantly won over. Why? Because in auto mode - which is what I tried first, the shots were worse than on my Panasonic. However having explored the Canon and worked with it (it's a year now) I wouldn't go back.
I did miss having a 12x zoom on hand all the time, and most of all I missed the WYSIWYG viewing through the EVF. Stepping down the aperture and/or the speed and seeing the image darken in the EVF is quite a boon.
Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format and you will see why the Canon has an enormous edge over the Panasonic in image quality. Would you rather paint your pictures on a postage stamp or a sheet of A4 (letter size) paper.
Lenses: If you have a lens that is 18mm to 55mm (which is the canon kit lens) then by dividing 55 by 18 you get roughly 3 - so your zoom is 3 to 1. Only a guide, it's a bit more complex than that.
In the long term you will get more satisfaction and challenge from a DSLR, but it's not all roses and the bridge has some great features.
Thanks for your replies - a DSLR it is then - I am more than willing to learn how to use the camera and not just use "auto"!!!
Another mix to the query is the Micro 4/3rds system cameras like the Panasonic G series. I like the idea of it being smaller and lighter since my hands are of similar size to a 10 year olds.
Welcome to 365, Louise! I recently upgraded from my Panasonic FZ35 P&S to a DSLR...a Nikon (D5000). I find myself picking up the Panasonic most often simply because it's so easy to use and I'm still befuddled by the Nikon. But I love the DSLR results when I get it right. After Christmas I've promised myself I'm going to get to know the Nikon better. I have a couple of instructional books and DVD's...and if all else fails I have a line on some photography classes. Back in the day I had a 35mm Pentax with a bunch of different lenses and loved it. I think I got a bit lazy with "auto mode". Good luck with your decision making!
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Although I'd go for a Nikon but don't let me confuse you :-)
I agree with all the above, having spent 4 years with a Panasonic super-zoom bridge - and I was very fond of it indeed. I moved to the Canon 450d and confess that I was not instantly won over. Why? Because in auto mode - which is what I tried first, the shots were worse than on my Panasonic. However having explored the Canon and worked with it (it's a year now) I wouldn't go back.
I did miss having a 12x zoom on hand all the time, and most of all I missed the WYSIWYG viewing through the EVF. Stepping down the aperture and/or the speed and seeing the image darken in the EVF is quite a boon.
Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor_format and you will see why the Canon has an enormous edge over the Panasonic in image quality. Would you rather paint your pictures on a postage stamp or a sheet of A4 (letter size) paper.
Lenses: If you have a lens that is 18mm to 55mm (which is the canon kit lens) then by dividing 55 by 18 you get roughly 3 - so your zoom is 3 to 1. Only a guide, it's a bit more complex than that.
In the long term you will get more satisfaction and challenge from a DSLR, but it's not all roses and the bridge has some great features.
Another mix to the query is the Micro 4/3rds system cameras like the Panasonic G series. I like the idea of it being smaller and lighter since my hands are of similar size to a 10 year olds.
Oh decisions!!!1