Fz50

[gwhizkids]

OK, I'll ask -- where are the posts about the new FZ50? I've seen 'em on other forums, but nothing here so far. Consider this an icebreaker!

WHOOPS -- NEVERMIND. Helps to refresh your browser before leaping in with a post!

[overseas]

Hi!
A lot of people were curiously waiting for the follower of the FZ30, hoping that Pana would make an effort to reduce the major problem of this cam, the very poor noise performance. Looking at the FZ50 sample pics published at the japanese panasonic website and regarding its technical data sheet, these hopes were dashed. Unfortunately, Panasonic takes another big step into the wrong direction. In my opinion, the FZ50 offers nothing but pixel-mania (who does really need 10 MP?), lots of noise again and a bunch of additional but more or less useless features.
Greetings, overseas

[gwhizkids]

Hi!
A lot of people were curiously waiting for the follower of the FZ30, hoping that Pana would make an effort to reduce the major problem of this cam, the very poor noise performance. Looking at the FZ50 sample pics published at the japanese panasonic website and regarding its technical data sheet, these hopes were dashed. Unfortunately, Panasonic takes another big step into the wrong direction. In my opinion, the FZ50 offers nothing but pixel-mania (who does really need 10 MP?), lots of noise again and a bunch of additional but more or less useless features.
Greetings, overseas
I was just going to let this thread die (see above), but I feel compelled to reply to Overseas. While I don't think the Panny FZ50 is a must-have for FZ30 owners, I think Overseas' rap on the noise issue is wrong. I've had my FZ30 for nearly a year now and have no noise complaints. True, I am mostly an outdoor user, but in the lowlight photos I've taken, I've had no serious problems. I think this noise thing is WAY overblown. I think this has bred a generation of pixel peepers who blow photos up to huge magnifications and then pronounce -- "Aha! Here's a defect". I think the FZ30 is an excellent camera for the price and perfect for my needs as someone relatively new to the world beyond point-and-shoot.

[genece]

I also think the FZ30 is a great camera.....and I guess it proves that we all have different demands for our camera....I personally believe the FZ30 is much better than any previous FZ camera ......I am well aware of those that do not agree with that.....And they should use the camera they feel is the best...I am.

And I would like to see more of the FZ50 but I am sure it will be on my wish list....

FZ50 and a D80.....oh boy there goes the budget.
Do not tell my wife.

[John_Reed]

People who make statements about the FZ30 like "very poor noise performance" are not at all likely to be in possession of one. Most users of the FZ30 are very happy with their camera, and the things it does very well.

[overseas]

People who make statements about the FZ30 like "very poor noise performance" are not at all likely to be in possession of one. Most users of the FZ30 are very happy with their camera, and the things it does very well.
Yes John, you're right. I've got the FZ7. But believe me, I've read a lot of reviews and forum discussions about the FZ30, since it was one of my own favorites. No question, overall it's still a magnificent camera, so sorry for my hard words. It was not my intention to offend any FZ30 user ;). But don't you agree that for many users noise is one of the main issues about the FZ30, and that they would have liked it to be diminished in a follower camera?
greetings!

[JohnK]

I've had a FZ30 for a couple of months now, I skipped a few versions, my previous digital was the FZ1, and just read about the FZ50 today. The 30 takes great pictures in direct sunlight and can do well indoors with the flash, and I have taken some nice moon and star shots, but it does have noise issues even at ISO 200 and gets worse from there. Not catastrophic, image destroying noise like some people on other threads/forums have implied, but it is there too often (in my opinion) when viewing images at 100%.

I'm hoping the claims Panasonic is making about less noise and a usable ISO 1600 turn out to be true and not just marketing hype. If they are I may have a slightly used FZ30 for sale. :) Until then I'll keep using and enjoying the FZ30 and look forward to more user reviews of the 50 in September.

Here's one page where the author claims to have used a FZ50 already: http://www.1001fotos.es/jcm/album.asp?ultimo=15&grupo=1&n=30&album=15305

John