lumixboy
03-04-2005, 02:57 AM
Photo Optix (in the UK) are selling the FZ3 now for £199 (due i'm sure to the imminent release of the FZ4/5):
http://www.photooptix.co.uk/index2.html
I'm guessing that the FZ4/5 models will be priced between £350-400 when they are finally released, so if you're not bothered by fewer MPs and slightly smaller LCD (like me) then the FZ3 is a really good deal.
As far as MPs are concerned, I think they're turning out to be a meaningless marketing gimmick, like MHz - with people being persuaded to buy far more than they really need. There are many factors that affect the speed of a computer program - where processor speed is just one (and MHz is not even a good indicator, just compare PowerPC and Intel chips). Likewise, there are many factors that affect the quality of digital photos. In this case what put me off waiting for the FZ5 (besides the higher price) is that the test images are notably too sharp and jaggy.
Anyway, I have to say that I love my new FZ3. Its in not perfect but it is really very good. And my girlfriend likes it too, which is a bonus.
http://www.photooptix.co.uk/index2.html
I'm guessing that the FZ4/5 models will be priced between £350-400 when they are finally released, so if you're not bothered by fewer MPs and slightly smaller LCD (like me) then the FZ3 is a really good deal.
As far as MPs are concerned, I think they're turning out to be a meaningless marketing gimmick, like MHz - with people being persuaded to buy far more than they really need. There are many factors that affect the speed of a computer program - where processor speed is just one (and MHz is not even a good indicator, just compare PowerPC and Intel chips). Likewise, there are many factors that affect the quality of digital photos. In this case what put me off waiting for the FZ5 (besides the higher price) is that the test images are notably too sharp and jaggy.
Anyway, I have to say that I love my new FZ3. Its in not perfect but it is really very good. And my girlfriend likes it too, which is a bonus.