Re: In the market for first digital camera

[the donny]

Hi. I'm going to buy my first digital. I was thinking of the
Panasonic DMC-TZ5K Lumix Digital Still Camera (Black) - 9.1 MP 10x
optical zoom
Of course I want a DSLR, but the funds ain't there. I used 35mm film
before; an old (1970's) Ricoh XR1S(all manual).
What are your thoughts on this camera?
One thing that I'm a bit perturbed about are that these digitals have
so many functions and features. Why perturbed? I'd rather spend
money on image quality than on functions I don't need.
What cameras have the best image quality in that price range($319.00
in Canada).

[David J Taylor]

I've been using a TZ3 (an earlier version of the TZ5) as a backup to a
DSLR and found it reliable and capable of good image quality (considering
the size). For best results, I keep it on ISO 100 or perhaps 200. Good
for short movie clips as well. The Leica lenses on the Panasonics are
good lenses.

Cheers,
David

[Jürgen Exner]

the donny <parkstre...@gmail.com> wrote:
>Of course I want a DSLR, but the funds ain't there. I used 35mm film
>before; an old (1970's) Ricoh XR1S(all manual).
>What are your thoughts on this camera?

Ricoh. That name triggers memories :-) Was my first SLR, too. Nice
camera, sure did it's job. If I remember correctly it even had a light
meter build in. You pushed a button and a little needle would center in
a circle in the viewfinder if the exposure was right. Highly innovative
and soooooo cool.

>One thing that I'm a bit perturbed about are that these digitals have
>so many functions and features. Why perturbed? I'd rather spend
>money on image quality than on functions I don't need.

In modern times where most of functions are controlled by software
additional functions really don't cost that much extra money. Besides,
auto-focus, auto-exposure, matrix metering, adjustable ISO, ... are sure
nice things to have. Even if you decide to go all manual occasionally
for that one perfect shot, usually the automatic settings aren't all
that bad.

>What cameras have the best image quality in that price range($319.00
>in Canada).

That's a highly subjective questions where you won't get a single truth.
Check out dpreview.com, their review are quite good and the site allows
you to filter cameras by many criteria.

jue

[cbj...@bellsouth.net]

The DMC-TZ5 is a nice camera and quite compact. My wife gets very good
photos with the previous version (TZ3). One word of caution, if you are
highly experienced with a manual 35mm you may become frustrated with the
TZ5. Very lacking in manual controls. Maybe look at one of the
transition cameras. They have more manual controls and some have zooms
in the 20x range. I got my wife the Canon SX10IS for Christmas. It
costs about $30US more and is larger and heaver, but has extensive
manual access for us old manual 35mm folks. So far, I am impressed with
the results at low ISO's, the lens is satisfactory to 11x14 (maybe
beyond). Only complaint so far is the low light performance.

Clair