Pictures with new Panasonic

[Liz]

This is a cross-post to Digital Camera forum where I promised I would post the first pictures. I got a Panasonic FZ3 as a 2nd carry-around camera for $300 ($270 if you count the $30 gift card included). I'm posting here because I was surprised at the nice images this camera gave me right out of the box - never read the manual or re-set anything. I just wanted to see what a $270 camera with IS and 420 zoom Leica lens could do. Don't look at the subject matter - but the images look good to me.

Slight editing: change image size, sharpen once and crop.

BTW, no flash in any of them. The inside ones were lit through the window and it was a nice bright sunny day. The light on the cat's left side is the sun's reflection. I was surprised because the ISO was 200 - and this camera is supposed to have a big noise problem over 100. It certainly isn't as noise as I expected it to be at 200.

What do you think? Honestly????

Liz

[almo]

Wow those are pretty good for straight outa' the box Liz. I don't see any noise on my screen, but then again they arn't full size. My girlfriend is looking at getting the 5mp version of that camera. The 420mm lens is unbelievable. Along with IS it's a pretty hard package to simply glance over.

almo

p.s. cute kitty

[Liz]

Almo
I would encourage your girlfriend to get the FZ20 or the FZ15 or FZ10 if price is a question. I was looking at the FZ20 and was very tempted to get it. But after a lot of research I decided the FZ3 has everything I need and want - and it's waaaay lighter weight. And for me, it's a 2nd camera to carry around with me and use on "rainy" days so to speak. Plus it has the same Leica lens as the FZ20 - and all the other FZ's.

The FZ20 is awesome. I had the G3 as my only camera until I got the Rebel 300D. I loved the G3 - awesome images. But I would get the FZ20 if I didn't have the Rebel. But I would NEVER do without my DSLR. And I won't use this one enough to warrant the price.

Thanks for the comments.

Liz

Wow those are pretty good for straight outa' the box Liz. I don't see any noise on my screen, but then again they arn't full size. My girlfriend is looking at getting the 5mp version of that camera. The 420mm lens is unbelievable. Along with IS it's a pretty hard package to simply glance over.

almo

p.s. cute kitty

[Axle]

Nice photos, and sounds like an excellent camera.

[Chunk]

Terrific shots Liz and that last one is a wall hanger.

I have to run some test shots with my FZ20 to see just how noisy things really are. Any ideas on what kind of shots to use for that?

[Liz]

Thanks Chunk.

I would try the ISO at every setting to test it out. I think you will notice it better that way. I think it's all a matter of knowing how to avoid it.

Check out this website - it helped me quite a bit. It's for the FZ3 - but all the FZ cameras have basically the same quirks - so it may give you some ideas.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/panasonic-fz3-blog/index.htm

Liz

Terrific shots Liz and that last one is a wall hanger.

I have to run some test shots with my FZ20 to see just how noisy things really are. Any ideas on what kind of shots to use for that?

[Liz]

Penny,

It's so good to see you around here again - I can't tell you how happy it makes me. ;)

I would check into the Panasonic Lumix FZ's - there are quite a few, but very similar. I think the biggest factor is they all have the Leica lenses - large zoom (420mm) and 2.8 aperture throughout.

Thanks for the comments. Yes, that's Molly. I'll post a picture of Jeremy soon - I have 2 now because Molly needed a companion (besides me).

Liz

Dear Liz:

First of all, Happy New Year to you! Gene and I both wish you the VERY BEST.

Now, this new camera of yours -- WOW! I have been so unhappy with my Olympus "carry around" camera because its so unpredictable, but these images you've taken with the FZ3 are really quite good. Maybe its time I checked out the Panasonic line.

And, is that Molly? She's a grown woman Chunk is right -- that last shot is a wall hanger.

Thank you for sharing these with us. I look forward to seeing more SOON.

My Best to You,
Penny

[natatbeach]

Miss kity looks like such a grown young lady...kids and kittens grow up fast. Sweet little camera you have there lady! We expect much from you. hope you are feeling better these days and as always I look forwad to more shots from you. very soon, very very soon, let us know how your week away goes.( I thought that's what I read???)


;)

[Lionheart]

This is a really surprisingly sweet camera. Big pictures, small package. I checked dpreview.com's review of this camera, and it came highly recommended. I am seriously thinking of breaking out of the Canon mold and trying something new, and this camera is seriously catching my attention. It's small (really small) with what appears to be big picture capability. One of our hygienists has this camera, and I can't believe size of this camera for the quality that comes out of it. Maybe I can borrow hers for a test run or two, then order one for my summer vacation (Hawaii-first time in 16 years-went there for my honeymoon and haven't been back since) since I really don't feel like lugging 40 pounds of Canonerium around like I did in Alaska 4 years ago. Congrats on the new toy, Liz, I'm really envious of your new toy. Post more pics, especially at the higher ISO settings.

[Liz]

My plans just changed. I have a good friend of many years that has Cancer and I want to visit Dick and his wife in Ohio. Instead of a retreat, I'm flying down there for a 3-day weekend. I can't believe I got a plane ticket - Continental for $91 round trip from Newark to Cleveland.

At any rate, I'll have 2 extra days to do some photography too. So, I hope to post a few - but probably not until next week. :-)

Thanks for the comments. I do love this camera. I believe it weighs 10 oz including battery.

Liz

This is a really surprisingly sweet camera. Big pictures, small package. I checked dpreview.com's review of this camera, and it came highly recommended. I am seriously thinking of breaking out of the Canon mold and trying something new, and this camera is seriously catching my attention. It's small (really small) with what appears to be big picture capability. One of our hygienists has this camera, and I can't believe size of this camera for the quality that comes out of it. Maybe I can borrow hers for a test run or two, then order one for my summer vacation (Hawaii-first time in 16 years-went there for my honeymoon and haven't been back since) since I really don't feel like lugging 40 pounds of Canonerium around like I did in Alaska 4 years ago. Congrats on the new toy, Liz, I'm really envious of your new toy. Post more pics, especially at the higher ISO settings.

[Liz]

Thanks Nat. Molly isn't as "big" as this pic makes her look due to the angle. She weighs about 10-11 lbs. and is long. She's sweet. She has a new friend, Jeremy. I got her a companion because I'm out quite a bit and she gets lonely.

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

Liz

Miss kity looks like such a grown young lady...kids and kittens grow up fast. Sweet little camera you have there lady! We expect much from you. hope you are feeling better these days and as always I look forwad to more shots from you. very soon, very very soon, let us know how your week away goes.( I thought that's what I read???)


;)