OK photo boffins I need some advice. I'm looking at getting myself a semi-decent camera for when I have time to plan and actually take one with me rather than relying on the phone or my 6 year old Samsung happy snapper. I think I have narrowed it down to the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. Type of things I want the camera for are: Family Parties Track Days Bike Shows Day's Out and Holidays Bike/Car Racing School things with the kids Not fussed about video as I have a decent video camera Thing is I'm not 100% certain if I need the 50x zoom of the Canon, but I would hate to be at Cadwell and realise I need it. I know I can get an adapter and a tele convertor for the Panasonic, but that isn't a particularly cheap option and would be almost the same as going down the DSLR route. If the Panasonic had the optical zoom of the Canon then it would be the Panasonic without a doubt, but at the moment the doubt is there. My camera/photography knowledge is next to zero, why they can't just give you like for like comparisons numbers does my head in, and as for "f" numbers they may as well be talking Swahili. Help!!!!
Try the FZ200 out at the London Camera Exchange on the High Street. I use a 400mm zoom at Cadwell and the FZ200 has a 600mm zoom, the Panasonic FZ62 is even more powerful than that at around 60x. The thing about the FZ200 though is that it has a a Leica lens and F2.8 throughout the zoom which will help massively when running fast stutter speeds to freeze the action at Cadwell.
There are some belting cameras on the market. I got the cannon 650D way OTT for me at present, but the potentials are endless.
Cheers for throwing another one in the mix Take it you meant the 272 rather than the 262. Read some reviews on it and whilst it has the zoom it is at the expense of quality. Ironic really as it is 16 vs 12 mega pixel. Had a quick go on the 200 at Currys today, sadly it ran out of power before I could really give it a go. Just to keep things even the Canon died on me too.
The number of pixels isn't quite as important as the physical size of the chip, mate. It's hard to advise without getting nerdy, I'm afraid, but my old 6 mega pixel camera gives a smoother image than my 16 mega pixel camera simply because its not cramming so much electricity through the same sized chip. That's where the confusion over quality comes in. Compact cameras don't have as much space to put a big (actual size) chip as an SLR camera. The ultimate being the full sized chip cameras, which have a sensor the same size as a 35mm negative. More often than not, the sheer amount of pixels on a small sensor can have an adverse effect on image quality. The image just gets noisy. One of the criteria you don't mention is just how compact you need a camera to be. A true compact, that you can slip into your pocket, a bridge camera, that needs to be carried separately, or a DSLR or system camera that needs its own kit bag for its lenses and accessories.
Yes my bad, it was the FZ72, about £100 less + has the higher res (although same physical size as FZ200). I had an early one and really liked the iA function for quick point & shots, plus the focusing speed is mega quick on these, really usefull for the sports shots. I think the image quality generally won't be that different on either, except for fast shutter speeds as the FZ200 will be better at high shutter speed & high ISO shots due to the better lens, wider aperture and larger pixel spacing. Here's a quick comparison. http://www.panasonic.co.uk/site/en_...7749/Len_GB/index.html?p=DMC-FZ72&p=DMC-FZ200 I know some of the guys at LCE if you want to try there, maybe mention my (real) name and blag a few quid off as Stuart & Dave there are bikers too.
Just found this free warranty offer on FZ200 too http://promotions.panasonic.co.uk/offer/lumix-fz-cameras-3-year-warranty/
Size wise I'm not after something to fit in a pocket, but at the same time I don't want to be carrying a bag of lenses around. The missus has a else so whatever I get would need to fit into a bag with kids stuff etc or sling around my neck. Think a bridge camera fits the bill for size. Nice find, probably seals the deal. May skip going to LSE though,far to dangerous to take the missus there
Here is an idea, FinePix F800EXR, Advanced, High Speed, Long Zoom, Compact Digital Camera from Fujifilm UK | The Fuji Shop Similar to camera I use, very impressed and loads of features and functions, very compact so you can always carry it. Will even do ok pics (or HD movies) of bike racing
I have this camera for when out on the bike or just out and about with dog and must say it is an excellent little camera, fits nicely in the pocket, very sturdy and easy to get good results
Well I've gone for the FZ200. Went and had a good play with them SX50 and the FZ200 at PC World yesterday. Loved the zoom on the Canon but didn't like the spinning wheel controller, and I preferred the controller and menus on the Panasonic which combined with the better lens and a 3 year warranty sealed the deal. So after using PC World to check them out I went and ordered it from John Lewis as whilst they cost a fiver more they also had an offer on for a free camera bag. May try and see if I can get the fiver back under their price promise. Won't get to play with it until Friday as working away from home and so got JL to deliver it to the local Waitrose for me to collect it. Thanks for all the help and suggestion
