FZ15 buyers remorse?

[ChadG]

I just got my fz15 and went out into the field to take some pictures of hunting dogs and wildlife. I was very disappointed at the quality of the viewfinder, it was almost impossible to make anything out, the lcd screen wasn't much better. I did take quite a few pics and they turned out ok but when I went to crop them they were not so impressive. I have read quite a little on the FZ series and am wondering if I made a mistake by adding a 72mm filter so far away from the lens, would it be better to go with out? Also with using the supplied tube and lens hood the camera becomes quite awkward, but the store I bought it from said rubber hoods would not be effective for either the wide or tele mode or vice versa.
So I was wondering are there some adjustments I missed for the view finder to make things a bit more visable? Would one be well served to purchase a adapter so the filter can be closer to the lens? And does 1 megapixal make that big of difference in a photo (for cropping and enlarging)? I have 10 days to return/exchange my camera if I would like. Some of what is making me nervous is that all of the posts are about the FZ20, would it be worth the upgrade? I thought they were the same except for the mp and hot flash.

[irwell]

>>I was very disappointed at the quality of the viewfinder, it was almost impossible to make anything out, the lcd>>

Did you make the diopter adjustment?
Page 29 of the user manual.

[genece]

I second the diopter adjustment possibility, and it can be hard to see thru the EVF in bright light if you wear glasses and do not have an Eyecup to shade the light.

I would not leave a filter on the Panasonic hood but why not just go without one for a while? it may be they sold you a wrong type filter also.

Although I have not used a FZ15 I have used a FZ10 and the Quality of the picture is amazing and I have cropped them pretty small.

I think you may just need to experiment a bit. Posting a photo or 2 ( with the exif) to try and show what you are getting would help someone advise you.

Here are some FZ10 photos that have all been cropped some. And I am sure the FZ15 would do better as the Venus 2 engine is much better.

http://imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/backyardcritters/thruthekitchenwindow

[jcon]

WOW, excellent photos Gene! That's what I am looking for with my wildlife pictures! Thank you for sharing!

[ChadG]

Thanks Guys,
I will check the diopter and lcd adjustments.

Nice picture.

[dev]

Our squirrels look like they could be related, Gene.

[StanStan]

Gene: Great pic's.

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=364&stc=1

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=365&stc=1



Isn't it amazing what digital cameras and do with a little help.

[maggie]

I bought a FZ15 in January and at first I thought the same as you, couldn't see through the viewfinder, lcd screen was of no help. I adjusted the viewfinder and now I use it more than the lcd screen. Then came taking pictures, my hands are not the steadiest and it showed in some of the pictures, however, I have takens some that are fantastic. Figure it is going to take a lot of practice before I get it right. That's where having the card so you can delete and only keep the good pictures comes in handy. Not all of my 35mm pictures turned out perfect all of the time. This is my first digital camera so I figure I have a lot to learn. I love the burst mode, took me a while to realize you have to hold the shutter button all of the down to do the burst, but I have some really good pictures of my dog moving. Good luck.

[irwell]

you can also use the 2 or 10 second timer
in conjunction with the burst mode, then you
do not need to hold the shutter control down,
limits you to a burstof 3 shots only.