replace D3100 with Lumix DMC-FZ1000EB

[ukgeezer1]

could anyone offer some advice?
I currently have a Nikon D3100 18/55mm lens and 70/300mm lens
I can't invest much time into photography (switching lenses etc) but still want a reasonably good camera for pics of my son.
I have been looking at changing to the bridge camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000EB, would this provide the same or better images?
or should I stick with the D3100 and invest in a 18-300mm lens

 

[D.P.]

Most bridge camera have a tony sensor which is fairly useless,, that Panasonic however is one of the few decent options that have a reasonable sensor size (1 inch).
The lens aperture is also reasonable, f/2.8-f/4.0 . Given your current lenses and that you don't have the time to invest in technique or swap lenses f each situation I will guess you ill be happy enough with the photos from the Panasonic. Technically they wont be as good as your DSLR and you might notice it when it gets darker, this would be especially true if you were to invest in better lenses for your DSLR.

If someone wants a lens like the 18-300mm permanntely on thier DSLR that is a stron signal to me that they shouldn't be using a DSLR. These lenses are OK for casuaul use fo the DSLR/travel/walkabout etc, if you then also had other better lenses to use when you care about images, but if it is all you have then you are not using a DSLR for its intended purpose. In which case you can save money, time and weight with a good bridge or compact as you have suggested.

The biggest worry would be the autofocus ability of the Panasonic. When photographing children I think the D3100 will do a far better job if used correctly. Unfortunately you will only know this if you can test the camera.

 

[Smeghead]

I've had a play with the FZ1000 in a store, and I am seriously impressed with the AF. Granted, this was a store which is pretty brightly lit, but at both the wide and tele ends, I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between it and a DSLR. It's blazing fast.

 

[D.P.]

The differences normally come about when the light levels drop or for continuous/trackign AF, e.g. moving children.


For static AF there isn't a big difference for the high end compacts and a low-end DSLR these days.