Panasonic DMC-FZ30

[JohnT]

I am almost ready to purchase the Panasonic DMC-FZ30 digital camera. I have read a lot of articles on it and I had a couple of more questions. If you use one of the filter lens, will you receive the same quality of pictures. I am new to a digital camera. I really like what I read about the lens capability.

I am thinking about making the purchase direct from Panasonic as I want to order the remote control cable and the filter lens. Any suggestions I would really appreciate.

Thank you, and Happy New Year

[genece]

I bought mine from Panasonic as they were the only ones to have it at the time....but my advice to you is buy it somewhere else.
here is a good place to get it
http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/productn.aspx?sku=dmcfz30k

Then you can get the remote from Panasonic or from Phayee.
And get a 55mm filter here


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=23730&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

and then send me a check for the 200 dollars you saved.

[ktixx]

Anytime you put a filter over your lens you run the risk of degrading the quality of the pictures, however with a P&S like the FZ30 you most likely won't notice any loss. This is not to say that you have a bad camera, it is just that all the talk about degrading quality is for products such as Canon L lenses or other High end lenses. With these items, you have to purchase very expensive filters that match the quality of glass on the lens. As you can probably tell, your camera lens is not near the quality of L Glass, as the cheapest L lens is over 3X as expensive as your entire camera.
Hope this helps
Ken

[genece]

Oh Brother!!!!!

Anytime you put a filter over your lens you run the risk of degrading the quality of the pictures, however with a P&S like the FZ30 you most likely won't notice any loss. This is not to say that you have a bad camera, it is just that all the talk about degrading quality is for products such as Canon L lenses or other High end lenses. With these items, you have to purchase very expensive filters that match the quality of glass on the lens. As you can probably tell, your camera lens is not near the quality of L Glass, as the cheapest L lens is over 3X as expensive as your entire camera.
Hope this helps
Ken

[JohnT]

Thanks Ken, Appreciate your information. Understand about the lens, What is your view of the Panasonic DMC-FZ30?

John T.

[coldrain]

Oh Brother!!!!!
Genece, ktixx makes a very valid point, the OP has obviously read that filters can degrade picture quality (which can most certainly be true, if only introducing reflections and sun flare, but also colour casts and less contrast).
He points out that that mostly is of concern with very good and expensive lenses, and that it should not be a big worry with a consumer camera like the FZ30, also quite true. That you may think because there is the name Leica on your lens it is a very great lens, is your freedom. But quality lenses where filters actually seem to harm contrast, colour rendition and such, and where it is silly not to get a very good filter when a filter is needed just costs a lot more than that standard piece of glass on your FZ30 (ever looked up what a real Leica lens looks like and costs?)

My view is though that you should not put an UV filter on your camera for "protection". It will introduce reflections in some pictures if it is not an expensive multi coated filter, and what does it protect? When you bump your lens into something the filter can break, and even damage your lens, if bumping into things is the reason. A better protection (if needed at all) is your lens hood. I think you should just use filters when they are needed. I have never damaged ANY lens besides when I dropped my A20 on its lens on the ground, crushing the lens assembly. My advice: buy GOOD multi coated filters for situations where filters are needed, so you will get optimal results, whether it is an all in one camera like an FZ30 or S2 IS, or if it is a DSLR.

And do you really think the FZ30's lens betters Tokina, Tamron, Canon, Nikon, Konica Minolta, Olympus lenses? The only thing that makes it nice is the big focal range you get with such a small lens, made possible by using such a tiny sensor.


Any way, nice way of starting the new year, with an "Oh brother!!". I do wish you a wonderful 2006, and hope you will make many great photos with your camera(s).

[JohnT]

Looking on the ButterflyPhoto website, they have a decent price on the DMC-FZ30. They also have a special sale on (2) EXTRA lenses, 1 Black 52 mm 2x Telephoto lens and 1 52mm Black Wide Angle lense for $99.00. Would this be a good purchase.

Thanks, JohnT

[genece]

I am only trying to help...I do not think those lenses from Butteryfly will be of very good quality , even for a camera such as the FZ30.
And I also would not buy that brand of filter either ...I would get the filter I linked to or a slightly more expensive UV filter from Hoya or B&W, but thats only my opinion. And I believe you do need a multicoated filter to allow more light to pass and reduce flaring and ghosting.

[coldrain]

To me that seems to be a very good price. The wide angle conversion lens especially would be a nice addition, since the FZ30 like most all in one digital cameras does not go very wide (wide angle is nice when you want to capture a view, or try to fit a building into a picture and you can't go more back, or for largre group pictures). The tele photo range of the FZ30 already is huge, so I do not know if you would need it, but for that price it would be worth it alone for the wide angle. What make are the lenses?

[JohnT]

Thanks for the quick response. It does not list the Brand on the lens. I did come up with one more question. It does not show that it ships with a manual or CD software. Do I need these and if so, where can I get them?

Thanks again, JOhnT

[coldrain]

Genece has much more experience with conversion lenses for the Panasonics, and he does not think the lenses from butterfly photo are very good... so best to maybe ask his advice on what would be good add-on lenses for the FZ30?

As you can see in his signature he uses raynox and I think panasonic(?) conversion lenses, both of good reputation. That is why I asked you ofr the make, the make is quite important in regards to distortion, softness in corners, chromatic aberation, sharpness and contrast.

Ask genece what are the best options for the FZ30.

[coldrain]

Thanks for the quick response. It does not list the Brand on the lens. I did come up with one more question. It does not show that it ships with a manual or CD software. Do I need these and if so, where can I get them?

Thanks again, JOhnT
If it is a new camera, it will always come with manual and CD. Panasonic cameras also come with charger and battery, so you will be all set to get shooting.

[JohnT]

Thank you guys again. Very helpful.

JohnT

[genece]

As coldrain said the camera comes with everything needed ....
But the SD card is only 32mb not really large enough

And I also would not get the card from Butterfly these accessories are where they make the difference in the profit.....They will call you to sell accessories just tell them politely you are all set and that will be all there will be to it.
I would look here for a card..good price for a good fast card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820183156

And I really believe a card reader is a must have option something like this but walmart has a lexar reader that I use for about 8 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820402201

And maybe an extra battery would be in order...this is a good retailer good prices and a guaranteed replacement pollicy
http://www.batterybarn.com/cgas006.htm