Where to go from a Panasonic DMC-FZ5?

^^Gord^^

^^Gord^^

^^Gord^^

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I've had my FZ5 just short a year and I'm pretty happy with it but it's far from perfect.

I use it mostly for taking shots at Goodwood FOS, the rest of the time it just sits around. As luck would have it I get my bonus a month before Goodwood so I tend to use a bit of it to change my camera every year. This is where I need a bit of advice. The past three years it's been pretty much a no brainer in what to buy. This year I'm not too sure.

I'd like to have a faster camera, especially in terms of FPS but also in speed of response. A manual focus would be handy as well and so would a fixed (non extending) lens. I don't really need any more resolution and 432mm zoom is more than enough.

What do people think??

I've looked at both the FZ7 and FZ30. The FZ7 is looking the best option as the FZ30's continuous shooting performance is below my current FZ5 but it does have manual focus and a fixed lens.

I've thought about a DSLR but spending £750ish to be used once or so a year is a bit of a waste not to mention I'll more than likely never learn how to use the thing.

Gord.
 
You could easily pick up a secondhand 350D or D70 for less than £500 and it would give you far more flexibility in the future...regardless if you choose not to learn how to use the advanced functionality - both cameras have excellent n00b modes
 
I did take a very serious look at the 350D and I do like it but they are going on ebay for around £450. Add in a couple lens etc and it starts getting expensive for a low use user like myself.

I don't if I can justify it to myself. I like to think I could buy one and use it for Goodwood and then sell it after but I know I'd end up keeping it :D
 
The Panasonic FZ5 is pretty much top of the point of and shoot tree.
It has a fast image stabilised 12x zoom lens (36-432mm) and quite high resolution (5mp)

The only worth while upgrade is to a D-SLR

If you only use the camera once a year then only you know if it's worthwhile upgrading.
It’s certainly not worth buying another point and shoot camera.


A Canon 350D and Canon 70-300mm IS lens would be a superb upgrade !
 
You can get a brand new Canon 350D plus kit lens for less than £500 now, so I wouldn't go second hand for a similar price anyway.

I like the look of the D70, and in about 10 months I'll be looking into getting either the 350D or D70 myself...
 
had the fz20 which I loved
had it abouta year though and then took the plunge with a 350D
spent far too much money on it to be honest
however, very happy with it
thought that I'd keep my fz20 for long work but realised that once you go dslr you can't really go back
so shopping for lenses it is!
however, a 100-300 lens and a 50mm prime will give you plenty of scope to play with without loosing out on too much if you go down that route.
 
Cheers for the feedback guys. In a moment of madness I've bought a 20D and should have it by the end of the week. So expect my FZ5, Xbox 360 and maybe a lung up for sale soon!

:D

Really looking forward to it turning up.

I'll apologies in advance for all the stupid questions I'll be posting up in the next few weeks!

Errr, in fact, I already have one....

I need a zoom lens, thinking of either 70-300 or 100-300. I've read through the various posts on here, a couple of other forums and various reviews through google but I'm still not reached a decision.

At my budget I guess I'm looking at:

1) Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro
2) Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM

Most of the comments for these lens have been fairly negative but at this end of the lens spectrum that isn't really suprising. Are they a much of muchness? Should I just buy the cheapest?

Also, if I could stretch to....

3) Canon EF 100-300 f/4-5.6 USM

Would that be a better option?

Once again, thanks for your help!

Gord.
 
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