what replaces the fz50

[mikeysaling]

hi there all,

It seems that the fz50 is no more! most dealers say its discontinued what replaces it? i did have an fz18 but that had no provision for ext flash or remote release - does the fz28 have these facilities and if not what can replace the total functionality of the 50?

what can replace the fz50 - any comment useful.

mike

[K1W1]

I'm thinking that Panasonic probably consider the G1 to be the effective replacement for the FZ-50.

[genece]

The FZ28 is no more a replacement for The FZ50 than I am for Tom Cruise.....
But it seems Panasonic does not care about that.
Seems to be a shame there are dozens of cameras Like the LX/LZ/FX (small compact cameras) and quite a few like the FZ28 but nothing like the FZ30/50.. And If you have to go to a DSLR ,I feel there are much better systems than the 4/3s, of course thats only my opinion.

[speaklightly]

Well, here I am blundering into an already hot discussion about the FZ-50-

I own and use a FZ-50. So why not? Although I respect him very much, I think that genece has "read" the Panasonic corporate strategy incorrectly.

Panasonic is just going to let the who FZ-50 genre pass on quite quitely. There will be no FZ-60. Instead Panasonic Corporate has opted to move onward with the Venus 4 processor that is found in all the newer Panasonic cameras. Therefore, the current FZ-28 is the only FZ-50 successor that we will see.

While the FZ series was formerly the Panasonic mainstream, it is no longer. We have seen the FX and LX series surge ahead with vigor. I think we will actually see the FZ series downplayed somewhat, compared to say, 5 years ago. Life has changed dramatically on the Panasonic Corporate Campus. And we are seeing everyday more and more of a new Panasonic "face."

Sarah Joyce

[genece]

Speaklightly.....I think we both read the Panasonic game the same way.......Its just I dislike the venus 4 processor with a passion, especially when it has so many mp to deal with......it gets somethings correct (edges) and everything else IMHO is a mess.
If they would Make the FZ50 replacement with about 8 to 10 mp and an 1/1.8 or larger sensor and employ a new processor, they may have something but they do not seem to be willing to do that.
I still use my FZ30 ,and have retired my FZ18 to a junk drawer for another year until my grandson is ready to deal with a camera.....in fact I am on the way to visit him for Christmas, maybe I will give it to him now.
It is such a shame , I moved to a DSLR because of the NR on the FZ50 and it has gotten worse with every new camera. I, like everyone else would like the convenience of a camera such as the FZ28, but not at the expense of poor IQ.

[JPW2020]

IPanasonic is just going to let the who FZ-50 genre pass on quite quitely. There will be no FZ-60. Instead Panasonic Corporate has opted to move onward with the Venus 4 processor that is found in all the newer Panasonic cameras. Therefore, the current FZ-28 is the only FZ-50 successor that we will see.



:confused:Probably right but I wonder-if the G1 does not prove to be the success that Panasonic no doubt hope dont rule out an FZ60 in some shape or form.

At present in the UK and I suspect everywhere else the G1 despite some price drops already is still pretty uncompetitive compared to entry level DSLRs particularly those from Olympus and price is very important in these recessionary times.If it is not a sales success there must surely be a temptation for Panasonic to think about their strategy again.there presumably is still a market out there for this type of camera,look at the Fuji S100fs.

Camera companies do have history when it comes to reversals of policy-look at the Canon G series,apparantly dead after the G6 and then following a 2 year gap(if not more) the G7 appears.

As one who appreciates all that DSLRs can offer but cant put up with lugging all the kit around I live in hope!

[Mike63]

Ironically, Panasonic emailed me with a questionnaire about their line of camera's a few weeks back. I had the opportunity to add a comment which I did. I explained that I as well as others would like to see a follow on to the larger FZ series line of camera's. They actually responded back asking if they could contact me with to followup. I replied yes indeed, however I have not heard back from them. Maybe, just maybe, JPW2020 is right and they are giving it some thought. I did not think of putting the link for the questionnaire on here. My web based email deletes my trash so it is gone.