FZ series Q's: focus button, low light performance

[Marc Sabatella]

On the FZ camera that have a "focus" button that can be used instead of pressing the shutter half way to lock focus, can this be used a la manual focus on an SLR to focus on a given subject once then rattle off shots at will without the camera needing to re-focus? Seems natural that this would be the case, but some spec I saw somewhere said something like the focus locked until you pressed the focus button again *or pressed the shutter*, which would seem to defeat much of the point. Right now, I've all but decided to get an FZ when it comes out, but if this doesn't work the way I expect, that might be what makes me decide on the FZ20 instead.

My only other reservation would concern shooting sans flash in low light - between the EVF not being lit and the camera supposedly not performing all that well at high ISO values, that could be what really pushes me over the edge to get a digital SLR (and then more $$$ on a lens as nice as the one on the FZ...). Do people use the FZ series camera much in these types of settings? General impressions? The anti-shake would theoretically allow longer exposures at least, but that doens't help is your subjects are moving (I'd be occasionally shooting fellow musicians in club settings).

[jcon]

I bought the FZ20 for one purpose and thats for sporting events and and other low light situations. So far I am very happy. I dont understand why people say it doesnt perform well in high ISO's. I havent seen a problem and if there is noticable noise, that is easily removable! Ofcourse you can always add an external flash for better lighting. I have not yet had the need for another flash, the internal is good enough for me and my needs. As for the "focus button", I hardly ever use that simply because I rarely use the manual focus option. Others may be different but I really have no need for it. For the setting you are suggesting(taking pics of fellow musicians) I think the FZ20 will suit you just fine!

[genece]

The focus works the way you want if you use the switch on the lens , you take it off auto focus and frame on the subject you want and push that button down and release and you are then focused at that distance untill you shut the camera off or change the subject distance.

For low light it does not seem to be any worse than any other Non dslr.
If you are willing to do some Post processing you can get some great shots.
But to be perfectly honest low light is not its strong point.
That said I have seen some really great night club and concert pictures.
A lot has to do with the photographer.

[shu246]

still getting familiar with the controls of my Fz20. grandkids here for the weekend, got some lengthy practice in various conditions; finding best handgrips for working the controls.

The focus switch works just as i understand yr expectation to be.
..switch up, autofocus at half-press of shutter (or continuous, if so selected by menu)
..switch center, focus stays as set (if you change zoom, need to refocus)
..switch down, momentarily re-engage autofocus (release, springs back to center)

..or (with switch at center to disengage autofocus) use manual focus ring. this is an electronic fly-by-wire linnkage to the focus, not mechaniical.

i like the camera. the constant f2.8 out to full zoom is a wonder, as is the image stabilization system. hand-held zoom shots at 1/15 sec (as long as the subject does not move). most of my work to date has been copy in studio. got some low light work at higher iso numbers this weekend. bought 'neatimage' for noise removal (not a problem at low iso.)

granted almost no experience with other cameras for comparison, and that i'd like to have better resolution (yeah, bigger photoreceptor, bigger lenses, interchangeable lenses, more chance for dust inside, order of magnitude increase in cost) the fz20 is a great versitile machine in a single package.

-cheers, shu

[Marc Sabatella]

Thanks for the confirmation. I probably should have clarified that I am considering the new FZ5 (somehow I forgot the '5'). Hence I was hoping to hear from someone using an FZ3, which I gather would be more similar to the FZ5 than the FZ20 is. If I get an FZ20, I am less concerned with how the focus button would work, because then I would have the option of using manual focus to achieve the same effect. Still, knowing the FZ20 works this way in its auto-focus modes is comforting. It seems likely enough the FZ3 & FZ5 would be similar, although I believe the interface to activate the mode I'm interested in is different.

[Tyler]

..switch down, momentarily re-engage autofocus (release, springs back to center)


DANG! I am almost embarrassed to admit this but I have had the camera since Christmas and never noticed the third position on the focus switch.
Remind me to read the manual some day :)

[24Peter]

Read the manual some day Ken! :D