Panasonic Lumix dmc-z35 - Will it work for me?

[lavenderlady]

I am a point-an-shoot person. I have not understood
nor practiced the applications of manual photography and not sure I want to.
However, cameras have advanced so far in "thinking" for the photographer, at
this point, I would just like the camera to figure it out and deliver a great
photo. I know that will disturb some of you, but it is what it is.

With that in mind, I am researching the Lumix dmc-fz35 and am wondering the
following:

If I put it in iA, will it give quality pics? If it already has telephoto and
macro capabilities, why would I consider getting a telephoto converter and macro
converter (along with the lens adapter)? Are these additions really worth
it...not so much from a money aspect, but worth dragging around this extra
equipment and most of all, will these additions also work in iA or am I just
spinning my wheels? What are the most needed accessories and which ones really
aren't that big of a deal? Remember, I only point and shoot.

Previously I used an Olympus C-750 ultrazoom and then lightened up to a Canon
Powershot SD890. Got back from a trip from Hawaii and Japan and was really
disappointed with "my" pictures compared to my daughter's pictures who was using
a Canon G10. The main reason I want the Panasonic is for the extra Zoom power. Otherwise, I would probably go with a Canon PowerShot SX200 IS.Thanks for your help in advance. lavenderlady

[acedrew]

I had a great experience with my Panasonic Lumix, I think it will serve you well, I wouldn't worry about getting any macro or tele converters. Typically they are a waste of money and time. That said, the Canon G11 is the better camera. But, if you want the zoom, you want the zoom, and the Panasonic will have a great lens.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter | Login | Facebook

[MSidPhoto]

Personally when it comes to point and shoot camera, i think a Panasonic will make you more than happy

But since you did mention Canon, might I suggest that you look into the following as they have more zoom capability, which you are looking for

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Canon PowerShot SX20 IS digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

Canon PowerShot SX10 IS Canon PowerShot SX10 IS digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Canon PowerShot SX1 IS digital camera specifications: Digital Photography Review

They all have more zoom than Panasonic FZ35.

Secondly, here, with all respect, I strongly disagree to acedrew that "I wouldn't worry about getting any macro or tele converters. Typically they are a waste of money and time."
This is because I am currently using a macro filter (as many call it) with my Sony H10 and believe me, it has enhanced the macro capabilities of my camera to great heights and I am able to take some really nice photos, so i think Macro is definitely worth it.

Wide angle and Telephoto are NOT a waste of money either, it only depends on what you want to use your camera for, if it requires a Wide angle or Telephoto.......then why not......

Hope you found this helpful.

[lavenderlady]

Thanks for your input Andrew and Kaze. I think for now I will stick with the dmc-z35. I carefully checked out the Canon SX20 is, but the extra weight did it in. After I get comfortable with the camera and learn its capabilities, I might go ahead and check out the extras like the telephoto converter, etc. I just printed out the online manual tonight. I hope *that* doesn't scare the mud out of me! Thanks again. Lavenderlady

[MSidPhoto]

Not to pressurize you or anything :P
But I want to ask you about the weight difference between the FZ35 and the SX20 IS cuz sometimes its better to have a little heavirer camera as it reduces the hand shake. And at the same time you want more magnification, so I'd still be in the favour of the Canon(s) i have metioned above as I myself love to play around with more zoom, it gives you a lot of benefits.

Then again, get whatever YOU feel comfortable with, no pressure :P

[BigDxxx]

Hi Folks,

The FZ35 (or FZ38 in Europe) receives really good reviews regarding the new improved image stabilisation, you can watch demos of this on Youtube etc. Personally, I would look in to purchasing an ND filter which will allow you to use much higher ISO settings and dramatically reduced any glare too (when filming bright lights, refelctions etc). You can pick the genuine Panasonic filter lens up for around £20, so for that money, it's well worth experimenting... just a thought?!

[Rooby1]

Not sure if anyone's still reading the thread, but I just purchased an FZ35 and am enjoying it because it's light (and, for family gatherings where someone is always pulling your arm, it will take nice photos in iA ).

I'm also looking into getting the teleconverter for it b/c I do some sports shooting. I've read that it can slow down your autofocus a little, but I think it'll be worth it if your timing's good and you know your sport to get that much closer. (I have a friend with a Canon who shoots sports too and loves his teleconverter.)

And if your concern is camera-shake, the OIS has done a nice job so far for me.

Also, the manual will take more than one read; they do seem to have written it in tech-speak.
But once you decipher it, it does seem to tell you pretty much everything you want to know about the camera. They don't leave anything out.

Enjoy!