Some Concerns Before Buying FZ20

[ShoobieRat]

Alright, some great folks in the "Which Camera Should I Buy" forum section put me onto the Panasonic FZ20, which I then read a bunch of reviews about and looked at stacks of pics till my eyes bled. I'm really interested now.

I'm an amature, willing to spend the half-Grand on the camera, especially with an upcoming over-seas trip to Germany. I'm also very cautious about my money, and I'm looking for what camera is going to give me the best investment with the least "hidden problems." Don't worry, I'm a realist though, and I know that no camera out there has no problems.

I have a couple of concerns about the FZ20 that I need some light shed on by you pros.

1. Most reviews I read said the lens cap was a problem because it had no tether. Do you people find this a problem? Can a little modification be done to solve this? (Or maybe purchasing a different cap?) This camera is going to be swinging under my arm, and the last thing I need is to have to worry about a lense cap while I'm trying to have fun.

2. How does the camera do without the flash? Some places I'll be going on my vacation may not allow me to take pictures with a flash, and though I don't expect miracles, I know some cameras just do better in low-light conditions than others. Anyone have insight into this?

3. I've heard complaints that the camera is huge for it's class and type. Is this true? As a vacationer who is going for the vacation and not purely for pictures, is this camera going to get in my way? I'm going in winter, so I'll probably be keeping it in the big pocket of my winter jacket (to protect it from the cold). I don't want a monstrosity to lug around. To put my concern in perspective, I though the Canon PowerShot S1 was an acceptable size for a camera of this type. I realize I'm not gonna be able to stuff this in my jeans pocket, but I don't want to look like the stereotypical tourist with this big TV-Reporter camera on my chest, either! LOL

I'll probably have more questions later. Thanks.

[John_Reed]

1. Most reviews I read said the lens cap was a problem because it had no tether. Do you people find this a problem? Can a little modification be done to solve this? (Or maybe purchasing a different cap?) This camera is going to be swinging under my arm, and the last thing I need is to have to worry about a lense cap while I'm trying to have fun.My comments relate to my FZ10, identical in form factor and size to the FZ20. The lens cap is the same too. Me, I just take off the lens cap and stick it in any available pocket - shirt pocket, jacket pocket, pants pocket - while I'm shooting, and immediately retrieve it after I'm done. I haven't lost it yet, 9,000 snaps later!
2. How does the camera do without the flash? Some places I'll be going on my vacation may not allow me to take pictures with a flash, and though I don't expect miracles, I know some cameras just do better in low-light conditions than others. Anyone have insight into this?I took the FZ10 (which has no AF assist, should be "worse" than the FZ20 in low-light) on a trip where I shot 100s of shots in museums without flash at shutter speeds as low as 1/4 second. Most of the shots were perfectly focused and exposed; I understand the FZ20's "hit rate" is even better. These are great museum cameras!
3. I've heard complaints that the camera is huge for it's class and type. Is this true? As a vacationer who is going for the vacation and not purely for pictures, is this camera going to get in my way? I'm going in winter, so I'll probably be keeping it in the big pocket of my winter jacket (to protect it from the cold). I don't want a monstrosity to lug around. To put my concern in perspective, I though the Canon PowerShot S1 was an acceptable size for a camera of this type. I realize I'm not gonna be able to stuff this in my jeans pocket, but I don't want to look like the stereotypical tourist with this big TV-Reporter camera on my chest, either! LOL.Well, it IS larger than an S1 IS (but then you could be considering the FZ3 as well, which is smaller than the Canon), but it seems light, especially compared to any 35mm SLR you've ever handled. I can get the camera easily into my winter jacket pocket; I've run with it strapped onto my belly in a fanny pack, and it fit into that easily. Lighter than a pint of water! The reason it's big? A superior lens, larger to pull in more light, give more zoom range. Once you experience what you can do with that 12X, f2.8, stabilized zoom lens, you'll be glad you have it along.

[genece]

As far as the lens cap, something like this will help
http://www.adorama.com/LNCL1.html

[HawkeyeLonewolf]

You can get a tethered one here for $6.50...

I love it.

Works with the FZ20 natively or with the adapter...

http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html

[pwiles1968]

When you say Half a grand I am assuming you mean £, I got mine last weekend from Jessops for £340 they matched a price I found on the net, do not pay any more than this, you will obviously need some sd cards these can also be found fairly cheaply on the net, I think I have spent £400 so far including a large bag (for a digital camera), small slave flash, and a 256meg card.

With respect to size it is large but only compared to other compact cameras it makes my Minolta Z1 look like a toy (no comments about it actually being a toy), most of this is the lens which is what makes it such a good camera, saying that it is smaller than any SLR I have owned, and you do not need to carry half as many accessories so I would not see it being an issue. I would have a look at one in a local shop before you buy tackle your jacket along and see if it fits.

[ShoobieRat]

US price quotes are ranging from $480 to $599.

I'll definately buy online, as it's cheaper that way. Who do you guys usually buy from?

[Hokies]

Can any one tell me where do you buy the FZ20 for 480. I thought I saw one people said they bought it from onecall.com for 483 but it is listed as 599 on the website. Thanks

[pwiles1968]

US price quotes are ranging from $480 to $599.

I'll definately buy online, as it's cheaper that way. Who do you guys usually buy from?

Sorry assumed you may be from the Uk when you said Half-Grand. Did not think you knew what a grand was over the water. :D

[genece]

Try these guys ,they are also a good company
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=PNDMCFZ20K

[ShoobieRat]

Here: http://bensbargains.bizrate.com/buy/products__cat_id--460103,keyword--FZ20.html

That's a search result from the price-grabber site "Ben's Bargains" (www.bensbargains.net)

Tri-State Camera has the FZ20 for $489 at the moment. BH has the same camera for $599.

[tintop]

When you say Half a grand I am assuming you mean £, I got mine last weekend from Jessops for £340 they matched a price I found on the net, do not pay any more than this, you will obviously need some sd cards these can also be found fairly cheaply on the net, I think I have spent £400 so far including a large bag (for a digital camera), small slave flash, and a 256meg card.

Hi. New to the forums, I am going to be buying a FZ20 soon. Do you still have the URL to that site showing a price of £340? I'd prefer to buy from Jessops and getting a price match to £340 would be great.

I've already found this forum very useful. I'm going to also buy a Phayee adaptor from jinfinance (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3853547910) on ebay a 512Meg SanDisk Ultra II card (not sure where from yet). I'm still not clear on the best filters to buy though. After seeing the water fall (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2111) shots that Andy.ro posted (which are stunning btw) I'd like a polarising filter to have a play with. Can anyone recommend a good one? It would need to be 62mm right, to go inside the adaptor? And maybe a UV filter to act as a protector (or should it be just a clear filter?) (72mm?? to go on the end of the adaptor so both filters can be used at once. Have I got this right?). Again, can anyone recommend a good UV/other filter that will do the trick?

Any help would be much appreciated. I'm new to adaptors/filters etc. My only knowledge of this has come from the past few hours reading posts from this forum :)

Thanks

[Jim Last]

£338.89 @ cameras2u.com (http://www.cameras2u.com/products/details.cfm?Product=DMC-FZ20BB&CFID=4171179&CFTOKEN=24592500) although showing "usually available in 10 days" don't know if Jessops would match as they are not holding stock

£338.89 @ BE Direct (http://www.be-direct.co.uk/productDetails.asp?referer=kelkoo&id=16076)

£339.95 @ PRC Direct (http://www.prcdirect.co.uk/PRC/PRC.storefront/EN/product/DMCFZ20BB)

£359.00 @ Internet Cameras Direct (http://www.internetcamerasdirect.co.uk/panasonic-dmcfz20bb-digital-camera-deals.htm)

Jessops price match is not always a true 'price match' they will contact the head office and they will be told if they can match exactly (often the case) or get within a reasonable level.

Jessops also will only price match to UK based companies, carrying UK stock, so Pixmania.com is off limits.

I would reccommend taking with you a number of printouts of various websites offering the price you want along with maybe the page that lists the company address and guarentee details, this is especially important if the website is new or lesser known.

[tintop]

Thanks Jim. Do you have any experience with the lens adaptors and filters? Also, is there a good source for a spare battery? I've seen some on ebay (e.g http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43447&item=3853276249&rd=1) but at this price, I'm dubious about the quality. :confused:

[Jim Last]

There are some very good threads "stickys" on the panasonic forum, these are full of links and details on filters and other FZ20 attachments.

I have used the Pameraal PA62 Adaptor which fitted well and left only the smallest of gaps between the FZ lens and any filter.

An adaptor is a must in comparison to the included adaptor from panasonic which leaves a ½" gap between lens and filter and uses a 72mm filter thread (expensive filters) you will also need to step the thread down to at least 62mm for any converter lenses as well.

With the PA62 you are left with a 62mm thread, chaeper filters at 62mm and a number of lenses can be added that also have a 62mm thread, e.g. TCON-17B and WCON-08B.

Any way take a good look round the panasonic forum, you will leave with so much more wisdom on the FZ's afterwards :)

[Stanacko]

When you say Half a grand I am assuming you mean £, I got mine last weekend from Jessops for £340 they matched a price I found on the net, do not pay any more than this, you will obviously need some sd cards these can also be found fairly cheaply on the net, I think I have spent £400 so far including a large bag (for a digital camera), small slave flash, and a 256meg card.

With respect to size it is large but only compared to other compact cameras it makes my Minolta Z1 look like a toy (no comments about it actually being a toy), most of this is the lens which is what makes it such a good camera, saying that it is smaller than any SLR I have owned, and you do not need to carry half as many accessories so I would not see it being an issue. I would have a look at one in a local shop before you buy tackle your jacket along and see if it fits.

Hi pwiles.
I am thinking of getting the panasonic where did you see it on the net for £340.
cheers Stan

[Jim Last]

Hi. New to the forums, I am going to be buying a FZ20 soon. Do you still have the URL to that site showing a price of £340? I'd prefer to buy from Jessops and getting a price match to £340 would be great.

I've already found this forum very useful. I'm going to also buy a Phayee adaptor from jinfinance (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43441&item=3853547910) on ebay a 512Meg SanDisk Ultra II card (not sure where from yet). I'm still not clear on the best filters to buy though. After seeing the water fall (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2111) shots that Andy.ro posted (which are stunning btw) I'd like a polarising filter to have a play with. Can anyone recommend a good one? It would need to be 62mm right, to go inside the adaptor? And maybe a UV filter to act as a protector (or should it be just a clear filter?) (72mm?? to go on the end of the adaptor so both filters can be used at once. Have I got this right?). Again, can anyone recommend a good UV/other filter that will do the trick?

Any help would be much appreciated. I'm new to adaptors/filters etc. My only knowledge of this has come from the past few hours reading posts from this forum :)

Thanks

If you have money to burn go with the Hoya Pro-1 Super HMC, mid price rang Hoya HMC or B&W MRC Multi-Coated, basic range Hoya double COated orB&W Standard Coated. There are other cheaper options but having had no real experience with them I can't personaly reccommend. Kood, Jessops, Orion and a few others.

[Jim Last]

Thanks Jim. Do you have any experience with the lens adaptors and filters? Also, is there a good source for a spare battery? I've seen some on ebay (e.g http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43447&item=3853276249&rd=1) but at this price, I'm dubious about the quality. :confused:

Watch out on eBay as there are many sellers of "Genuine" panasonic batteries and nearly all of them fakes. A lot of people on these forums use Battery Barn or Eagle Importers. If you want a genuine Panasonic battery, stick with either Panasonic, or a reputable retailer.

[tintop]

Watch out on eBay as there are many sellers of "Genuine" panasonic batteries and nearly all of them fakes. A lot of people on these forums use Battery Barn or Eagle Importers. If you want a genuine Panasonic battery, stick with either Panasonic, or a reputable retailer.

Eagle Importers (http://stores.ebay.com/Eagle-Importers-Store) on ebay?

[FZ20knowitall]

Definitely spend the money and get a new Panasonic battery. I even got a spare charger direct from Panasonic, one I carry with me and one stays home. As far as filters and adapters I am going to copy and post what I wrote to another member, it is long and it takes you through everything you possibly could want and what you need:

Most people would agree that you need to protect the lens. Yes, you could live without it, but for one thing if you scratch the lens, the camera becomes a big paperweight. Also a good UV haze filter will filter out unnecessary things that your eye might not be able to see but once captured onto a picture it will degradate the image (UV rays for one). It will also enhance image quality, overall - assuming you buy a good filter.

Your camera comes with a lens shade, and the lens shade adapter. You can just buy a 72mm uv haze filter which will fit at the end of the lens shade adapter (which you already own). After you screw on your filter you can still attach the lens shade (which has the screw on one side of it to screw it to the adapter). This is the easiest thing to do.

But the reason why you hear so many other possibilities is as follows: Once you screw in your supplied adapter you will notice a significant space between the lens and the end of your adapter. Screwing on a 72mm filter will mean that you have all of that distance between your actual lens and the filter. This isn't good primarily because you are giving the light a chance to bounce around in that space potentially causing lens flare. All of us are trying to figure out why panasonic would come out with such a bad design. What to do? Well don't use the supplied Panasonic adapter and get one from Phayee or Peramaal. I wouldn't recommend the Raynox because the thread is only 52mm, it will become a pain to match everything else you plan to use, including the raynox filters/accessory lenses (all of those are at a 62mm thread). Raynox actually does give you the 52-62mm step up filter (if you buy their telephoto lens), but you really shouldn't bother with the Raynox adapter.

I am pretty sure the Phayee adapter is the smallest one (meaning the smallest distance from lens to end of adapter). It has a 62mm thread at the end of it and it also comes with a 62mm-72mm step up tube so it looks and acts just like the Panasonic with the exception of your filters now become closer to the lens.

So far we just talked about protecting the lens. If you want to increase focal length (i.e. "lengthen the zoom range") then you need to get an accessory lens. Panasonic makes one specifically for the FZ10/20 called the LTZ10. It has a 1.5x zoom giving you a total focal length equivalent to a 648mm lens. Quality of this lens is very good, but it is very expensive. I think about $400+ dollars. A lot of people who own this camera had an Olympus ultra zoom camera in the past and most people bought the TCON-17 for their Olympus (made by olympus) it costs $100 and you can get it at B&H photo (try to get everything from them, they are the cheapest) here is the site:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278672&is=REG

If you do get that lens you will need to get a step down ring from 62mm to 55mm (this assumes you bought the Peramaal or Phayee) already, you will need that, too. The TCON-17 is a 1.7x magnification which brings your focal length to 734mm lens equivalent. And the quality is very high, and it increases the focal length more than the Panasonic and is a quarter the price.

Your other choice is the Raynox, but I wouldn't consider it a choice being that the quality isn't nearly as high. It is called the Raynox DCR-2020Pro also available at B&H. But it does have a 2.2x magnification giving you a whopping 950mm equivalent lens. It is $189.95 at B&H.

If you want to purchase the Phayee adapter just e-mail RongJin at:rongjin@phayee.com. He also has lens caps (62mm & 72mm) that have a string attached to it so you can attach it to your camera strap so you don't lose the cap. It works great. It only costs a couple of bucks.

If you want to get the peramaal adapter (which in essence is the same thing as the phayee-but you don't have the extension tube/reflector which comes w/the phayee) you can go here and order it:
http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html

So far we talked about protecting the lens but we didn't discuss which filter you should get. Remember you have a leica lens. You put a crappy filter on the end of it, it is like having a crappy camera/lens. So you want to buy a good filter. The three good companies for filters are: Hoya (only their top of the line series-the other ones are mediocre), Tiffen and B&W (from Schneider-these are the best, and of course, most expensive, filters). A great filter for the Phayee adapter is 62mm Hoya Pro1 Super HMC Multi-coated UV-Haze filter. It is very thin which is good esp. if you want to add on any other filters (such as a polarizer). It is very high quality. It is multi-coated which also makes a big difference. You can get it here for about $40:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67353&item=3849440199&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

A polarizer is an almost must if you are shooting scenic photography. You can get a good one for about $50. I have a more expensive one which works well in extreme conditions (cold and hot). It is from B&W and it costs $100 (mind you, you can get a Tiffen which will work as well, but I don't have a direct link for it, but B&H has every filter made so you can check with them). Here is the link to the polarizer that I bought from B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=10921&is=REG

You should also get a lens shade/hood. If you go with the Phayee adapter then get this hood:
http://www.adorama.com/LNHZ72.html?searchinfo=72mm%20lens%20hood&item_no=1

Why? Because you can adjust the length of the hood based on what kind of photography you do..(macro versus tele). You can also put a 72mm lens cap on it if you leave it attached to your camera-get the one from Rong Jin, I listed it below.

If you do want to do macro (close up) photography you are limited with the macro function of this camera. To get more close up you could go a couple of ways. The Nikon 6T is an excellent close up lens (it looks like a filter that screws onto your 62mm filter (assuming you go with the Phayee or Peramaal). It isn't the most powerful magnification (I think a 2.9 diopter) but you can also buy the Nikon 5T screw that on to the 6T for even greater magnification. I think the total will be about 4.5. Each lens is about $47 at B&H photo. But if you want an even greater magnification, that is cheaper than both Nikons, you can get one from Raynox calledDCR-250 (super macro conversion lens) it is about $50 at bugeyedigital.com. It comes with a universal adapter which adapts onto any lens between 52-67mm. So it would just snap on to your UVhaze filter. I think the magnification is 9.5. Which is almost double the size of both Nikons (and at half the price). The Nikon lens quality is higher, but the quality on this specific Raynox is very good. Remember, if you are not planning on doing Macro photograpy, then you won't need this. Play around with the macro function of your camerafirst to see if you are getting in close enough before you decide to buy a close up lens.

Ok, in sum: You should protect the lens. You should get an adapter for the lens to screw into (the Panasonic adapter that comes with the camera is too far from the lens). I recommend the Phayee adapter which also comes with a 72mm extension tube. The filter I recommend to protect your lens and enhance your photos is the 62mm Hoya Pro1 Super HMC Multi-coated UV-Haze filter, the link is above. You should also get a lens hood which blocks the sun and stray light from coming into your camera. I will repeat the link, it is from a company called adorama:http://www.adorama.com/LNHZ72.html?searchinfo=72mm%20lens%20hood&item_no=1
A polarizer is a good idea but not necessary, my recommendations are above. Same goes with a macro lens, as well as my recommendations. It seems that you want to get a telephoto lens, and I would recommend the one from Olympus (TCON-17). If you choose this lens you will need to get a step down ring. I definitely recommend the one from Peramaal. Go to this site: http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html, scroll down to the bottom of page and to the left and get the 62mm-55mm Thread converter ring, it is super thin and will prevent vignetting ( a dark shadow around the 4 corners of your photo - when you use the TCON-17). The step down ring screws directly into your adapter (Phayee or Peramaal) and the TCON-17 screws into the other end of the step down ring. Note, I didn't include this step down ring info above, only in this paragraph. The Panasonic telephoto lens is very good but very expensive $429.95 at videodirect.com. Unless you have the cash, go with the Olympus (plus the magnification is greater). The Raynox lens (listed above - DCR-2020pro) is the greatest magnification, but image quality is mediocre to poor, so it would depend on the work you do. The Raynox telephoto lens just screws directly into the adapter. I hope this helped and if you have any more questions, let me know.

[PixChick]

Your info is great, but a bit much to wade through. Would you be willing to simplify the info using bullet points (outline style) with categories of

filters
A
b
c

Adaptors
a
b
c

Lens shades
a
b
c

Websites
a
b
c


...or something to that effect? Then underneath, you can repeat the bullet points and give a more in depth explanation of each and what are the best other accessories to go with it, reasons to use it, etc. I think this would be easier for people to extract info from.

For me, as I read it, I thought--oh interesting--good idea--etc, but since it was paragraph form, I kept reading to get the full point that you were trying to make. Then, when I went to go back and find particular info that I though I wanted, I had to start reading the whole thing over again to find it. Catch my drift?

Definitely spend the money and get a new Panasonic battery. I even got a spare charger direct from Panasonic, one I carry with me and one stays home. As far as filters and adapters I am going to copy and post what I wrote to another member, it is long and it takes you through everything you possibly could want and what you need:

etc...

[FZ20knowitall]

Definitely get your point. You must be a Capricorn, second guess would be a virgo. I am a Sagittarius, and I am more of a stream of consciousness type of guy. I can't keep within the lines. Your idea is great. If you would like to do that for me, I would really appreciate it. I would copy and paste it and use it for other people if they needed help, but I think I have provided some excellent info, and it is all there. Yes it is a bit tougher to read than an outline, but....I mean, are you a teacher or something????

[PixChick]

Definitely get your point. You must be a Capricorn, second guess would be a virgo. I am a Sagittarius, and I am more of a stream of consciousness type of guy. I can't keep within the lines. Your idea is great. If you would like to do that for me, I would really appreciate it. I would copy and paste it and use it for other people if they needed help, but I think I have provided some excellent info, and it is all there. Yes it is a bit tougher to read than an outline, but....I mean, are you a teacher or something????

Well, maybe tomorrow night or the next I will try to sift through it and create an outline. I contemplated doing that in the first place, but I thought it would be easier for you, since you know the info already. Anyhow, yes, I am a teacher. Well, was really. Not doing it anymore. Well, like I said, i'll give it a go--but it will have to wait a day or two.

PixChick:)

[digitalk]

If you add it to the cart you'll see the cheapest price---right now its at $519.

Though I see some slightly lower prices on the net. I prefer B and H b/c they are a world wide company and have a fantastic rep. They have a 7 day return policy--no questions asked. They also have great customer service. Other god places: Adorama.com or JandR.com.

I hear Circuit City has it for 539. Plus, you can get a reabate/offer for a free battery and carry bag---web sale only though.

[digitalk]

FYI:Lower price is now at 499 at B&H.

[Jader]

I am currently looking into buying a Z20 and I found it for 519.99 on a website alldigitaldreams.com. it comes with a 1GB card and additional accesories. i dont know for certain the validity of the website but it looks alright. you might want to check for yourself! i thought it looked like a great deal!www.alldigitaldreams.com (http://www.alldigitaldreams.com)

[John_Reed]

I am currently looking into buying a Z20 and I found it for 519.99 on a website alldigitaldreams.com. it comes with a 1GB card and additional accesories. i dont know for certain the validity of the website but it looks alright. you might want to check for yourself! i thought it looked like a great deal!www.alldigitaldreams.com (http://www.alldigitaldreams.com)Check this (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11463#post11463) link to see concerns others on this site have expressed about this probable scam site. I got suspicious when I couldn't find the outfit on http://www.resellerratings.com. When you think about what they're offering, i.e., an FZ20 + 1GB SD card + Spare battery for less than the going rate of FZ20s, it DOES sound to good to be true, and evidence is that that's the case indeed. :mad:

[PixChick]

Definitely get your point. You must be a Capricorn, second guess would be a virgo. I am a Sagittarius, and I am more of a stream of consciousness type of guy. I can't keep within the lines. Your idea is great. If you would like to do that for me, I would really appreciate it. I would copy and paste it and use it for other people if they needed help, but I think I have provided some excellent info, and it is all there. Yes it is a bit tougher to read than an outline, but....I mean, are you a teacher or something????

Here you go. Since it is your info, feel free to revise it.

Filters:
 Types
 UV haze
 Polarizing—can get a good one for about $50
 Brands
 Hoya (only buy their top of the line—the rest are mediocre)
 For Phayee adapter, Hoya Pro1 Super HMC Multi-coated UV-Haze is good
 Tiffen
 B&W (from Schneider)—best and most expensive filters
 Polarizing filter for about $100 is great

Lens Shades:
 cam comes with one (not recommended)
 If you have Phayee adapter, Adorama 72mm Telematic Zoom Lens Hood is good


Adapters:
 Phayee—smallest distance from lens to filters. Comes with 62-72 mm step-up ring
 Pemaraal—62 mm threads
 Raynox—not recommended b/c threads are 52 mm

Accessory lenses:
 Telephoto
 LTZ10: 1.5x magnification (expensive)
 TCON-17: 1.7x maginification (55 mm threads so a step-up or down ring is needed)
 Raynox DCR-2020Pro: 2.2x magnification (quality not as good as other two)
 Macro
 Nikon 6T (62 mm)
 Nikon 5T (screws onto 6T for more magnification)
 Raynox DCR-250 (universal adapter for any threads between 52-67mm)

****Lens cap from Phayee supplier is good—get it for only a few bucks

Links:
 TCON-17: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...u=278672&is=REG (http://)
 Pemaraal adapter: http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html (http://)
 Phayee: e-mail RongJin at: rongjin@phayee.com
 Hoya UV-haze filter: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ssPageName=WDVW (http://)
 B&W polarizer: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ku=10921&is=REG (http://)
 Adorama lens shade: http://www.adorama.com/LNHZ72.html?...0hood&item_no=1 (http://)
 Step-down ring for using TCON-17: http://www.b-300.com/fz10ac.html (http://)

[FZ20knowitall]

Thank you very much, that is really cool. You can be sure you helped a lot of people in this forum with the revision of my post! So...was I right about the Capricorn thing???

[Jader]

John, I greatly appreciate the info you have found from alldigitaldreams.com. I just might have purchased a camera from that website if it were not for your warning. Thank you!
Megan