Several times I have been asked in blog comments what type of camera I use so I thought for my second photography post I would explain which camera I use and why I choose to use it or in my case them.
I have two cameras that I use regularly. Both are Panasonic Lumix cameras so why two. The short answer is that each has an advantage over the other in certain areas.
I have two cameras that I use regularly. Both are Panasonic Lumix cameras so why two. The short answer is that each has an advantage over the other in certain areas.
Then Martyn decided he wanted something that was better for video and suggested that I use his 'old' camera which is another Panasonic Lumix but this is a DMC-FZ1000.
The FZ72 lens has a wider range than the FZ1000. It's lens has a range from a 20mm wide angle to a 600mm optical zoom for a sharp image. (If like me this doesn't mean much to you it zooms the image up by 60x). It will zoom up to 1200mm digital zoom but the image ends up less clear. The FZ1000 has a range from 25mm wide angle, up to 400mm on optical zoom for a sharp image and 750 mm digital zoom. I'll be posting on this later.
There are features of the FZ1000 that I like. Very sunny conditions cause a problem with the FZ72. It's difficult to see the image in the viewing screen and the view through the viewfinder isn't very good especially for someone with my eyesight.
The viewing window on the FZ72 is fixed but the one on the FZ1000 is mobile.
Another advantage of the FZ1000 is that I use something called burst mode a lot when I am taking photos of wildlife or taking train photos for Martyn. (I'll get told off for calling them trains as he always refers to them as locos). I'll explain more about how I make use of burst in another post. On Auto mode the FZ72 takes three images and that is it until you press the shutter button again whereas the FZ1000 just keeps on going until you release the shutter button.
So generally I use the FZ72 on the plot and take the FZ1000 when we are out and about. That is I will unless Martyn asks for it back!
I know more and more people use their iPad or iPhone when taking photos but I haven't got into this. It would have been interesting to say the least trying to take a photo from the top of the keep of Richmond castle with the strong winds. Holding up an iPad would have been a real challenge.
I know there are developments afoot that will potentially change the shape of the camera - such as this one. New technologies seem to be looking at combining the convenience of mobile devices with the functionality of 'traditional' cameras. Maybe one day I will be convinced. Has anyone used something like this and can persuade me that they are 'the way to go'?
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I have the FZ45 but still keep my old one on hand as, like yourselves, find each has it's merits. However, I'm now in the market for a replacement as I really miss the days of interchangeable lenses on my 'real' 35mm SLR cameras.
ReplyDeleteIf truth be told, the only thing I find better, or more attractive, with digital photography over the now old fashioned 35mm SLR is the cost of taking photographs. Back in the day I had my trusty OM1 for over 20 years, now with advancing technology I'm replacing far too often.
WE are all different aren't we Deborah? I only 'got into' photography as a result of the digital era. I still haven't got to grips with manual settings. I want to be able to capture images quickly without having to concern myself with working out which setting or lens I need. I think when you have become a photographer pre- digital it musy be frustrating when you can't control things as you used to.
DeleteI use the Lumix as well. Now I KNOW for sure it's ME.
ReplyDeleteI have such a time taking a clear shot---that super zoom wants to jiggle.
Maddening. I was so looking forward to this camera for birding in Nebraska in the spring, but I have some serious practising to do with it. Everything turns out a blur..........and I don't wish to use a tripod.
Glad you posted this.
Which Lumix is it, Sue. When you stray into digital zoom which I think is what you are referring to as Superzoom images do blur easily especially when hand held.
DeleteI am assuming that you have the image stabiliser switched on.
There's a separate switch for that? Oh dear. Must find that. I thought it was automatic.
DeleteIt's the Lumix DMC FZ70.
It usually is switched on by default at least on Auto but it can get switched off accidentally. On my FZ72 it is on the camera menu and is called Motion deblur, On the other settings it is on the camera menu and is called Stabilizer.
DeleteThe reason I mentioned it is because on the FZ1000 it is a switch on the camera that cam accidentally be set to off if you catch it for instance putting the camera into a bag.
Sue ---THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
DeleteThat did the trick----I'm so happy you could help me. Now I need dear Hubby to take me on a birding trip and see if I am much improved--teehee!
So glad it worked for you, Sue - go get those great photos.
DeleteI can't get into using my iPad for taking photos either Sue, it always looks so unwieldy. I have always liked the look of Lumix, as they seem small but very chunky. I am a Canon girl myself, and do change lenses, but it can be a right pain! Tbh I use am inexpensive point and shoot for most things other than macro work.
ReplyDeleteAn iPad is too bulky to carry round too and unlike a camera can't be hung round your neck. I think that would be my problem if I had to change lenses - I would tend to use somethings else. Martyn's Lumix has to change lenses and he tends to have to decide which lens he is more likely to use before we go out and then has a small pocket size camera if the lens doesn't fit the bill. He has a gimbal too for shooting video.
DeleteWe've been looking at cameras recently. I know Mike is keen for a nice chunky model rather than a little point and shoot. I'm sure they would be harder to loose too x
ReplyDeleteIt certainly isn't easily misplaced, Jo.
DeleteI have always had Canon cameras since going digital, I had two different Powershots before I got my DSLR – a Canon EOS600D. I could only afford one of the two EOS lenses so I still have the other lens very high on my wish list. Like you, I am afraid I would always have the wrong lens on the camera and just try to get by with whatever was on. Perhaps I just need to get a full range lens instead.
ReplyDeleteI also have an iPad and an iPhone but rarely take photos with them, the quality is so low I just get annoyed when I get them on to the computer and see what the photos actually look like….
Oh, and I still have my trusty Olympus OM10 with 5 different lenses and lots of other stuff….I got mine in 1979 and used it all the time until 2005. I haven’t used it since I went digital and probably never will but I like having it in a drawer, would never give it away or sell it :-)
Seems to me that people who were into photography before the digital era are more likely to go for the interchangeable lenses, Helene. I think you tend to go for what you feel comfortable with. When the bridge cameras were first introduced and were nowhere near as good as the SLR camera and I think there was a bit of prejudice built up about them too. They have come on along way since that point. At the end of the day you just go with what is right for you don't you? I would find carrying lots of lenses around with me would be a bit of a pain and when we are out and about I never really know what I am likely to want to take a photograph of. I would be forever juggling lenses or missing out on an opportunity. I think it is different if you are going out and know exactly what type of photograph you are likely to want to take. Maybe I'm just a lazy photographer.
DeleteAn interesting post Sue. I love to hold a real camera too and haven't even heard of the light one. I've recently updated my phone to an iphone and am tentatively taking photos, the quality is really good but I still prefer my canon.xxx
ReplyDeletei don't think it matters what a person uses as long as it works for them, Dina. Canon has lots of fans.
DeleteI think you know my views on this subject Sue fact is both you and Martyn produce wonderful images on a range of subjects that are interesting to look at. I have said it before and I will say it again "the grey matter behind the camera viewfinder is more important than the camera itself"
DeleteA friend who has just seen his son's wedding photos taken by a professional photographer using a super expensive camera would agree, David.
DeleteAlways very interesting to read what camera's other bloggers use and why, Sue. I've seen quite a few share their love of the Lumix and like yours, their photos are very clear and with good colour. I might be tempted by one myself but do enjoy my interchangeable zoom lens. Using a canon, for a few years now, I've never been particularly happy with my wider shots (where a point and shoot is just as good) perhaps it's me the user needs to see what I'm doing wrong! I certainly enjoy your photos :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shirley. The colours from the teo Lumix are wuite different sone prefer one wnd others the other. Looking at your photos I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I am always learning new things about my camera.
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