Contact Forum Editor

Send an email to our Forum Editor:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the Forum Editor know who sent the message. Both your name and email address will not be used for any other purpose.

Tech Consumer Advice

It's free to register, to post a question or to start / join a discussion

View Forum Rules | Contact Forum Editor

 

Camera advice

1 next »

alB
Resolved

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 1:49PM

I've decided it's time to upgrade from my Canon A570 compact and I want to move up to a "bridge" camera, I've narrowed my choices down to two, the Canon Powershot SX40 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ150, both are very similar in price and specification, the biggest differences I can see are the Canon has a better zoom, the Panasonic has a bigger screen and a few more built in effects etc, online reviews seem to be pretty much even for both, any thoughts or help will be greatly appreciated ...alB

Like this post
wee eddie

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 3:06PM

I have no idea of the advantages of either of these cameras but, if you are going to take your photography seriously, go for the camera that delivers the best picture.

If you wish to fiddle with that picture then do it on your PC, when you get home, using dedicated Software,

Swiss Army Knives can do almost everything, almost, as well as the real tool for the job.

Like this post
caccy

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 4:49PM

My wife has a Canon A70 and also a Canon EOS500D. The facilities on both are are so similar that if you are familiar with one then you will be with the other one.

Like this post
daz60

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 8:58PM

Visit this site both cameras are tested.

I visited this site for a comprehensive review of the NEX 5N i intend to buy.

Then visit a local dealer to get a feel of both cameras.

Like this post
john bunyan

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 9:51PM

alB If you domt mind I shall watch and wait your replies as I am considering exactly the same two! With a bit of luck, hssutton will comment!!

Like this post
john bunyan

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 9:54PM

PS just noticed the Canon does not have a RAW option, will check on the Lumix

Like this post
john bunyan

Likes # 0

Posted March 7, 2012 at 9:57PM

As the Lumix does have the RAW mode, I incline towards it as I have Photoshop CS5 and believe RAW has advantages.

Like this post
frybluff

Likes # 0

Posted March 8, 2012 at 3:33PM

Both are excellent. As already mentioned, the Lumix will shoot in "RAW", which will be an advantage, if you are intending to get specialist editing software, to give you a lot of editing/enlarging options. Canon, however, have some good "in house" software, if you don't plan to "splash out" on Photoshop, or the like. I don't know what Panasonic's software is like, so may also be very good.

Overall, I would say the Lumix will give more scope to "experiment", if that's what you would like to do.

Like this post
interzone55

Likes # 0

Posted March 8, 2012 at 4:26PM

One thing to be aware of with bridge cameras is that whilst they have huge zoom lenses, the aperture is quite narrow, so they're not brilliant in low light situations.

I've got a Panasonic DMC-FZ45, and in most situations is a brilliant camera, and I've taken some really nice photographs with it, but last week I was at a bird sanctuary, and because it was overcast I found that the camera just wouldn't take clear images if the lens was zoomed out even slightly.

I'm now saving up for one of these

Like this post
alB

Likes # 0

Posted March 8, 2012 at 5:14PM

Thanks for all the comments, I've been and had a look at both today at Currys and I have to say they are both very nice cameras, the Canon feels the better of the two for holding but the small screen lets it down and it feels slightly heavier than the Panasonic. I'm going to go and have a chat at Jessops over the weekend and get their opinion of both. I do most of my editing using Photoshop so that's another consideration, also the point alan14 has made about low light situations is one I need to ask about, will report back as soon as ...alB

Like this post
rickf

Likes # 0

Posted March 10, 2012 at 2:58PM

Have a lumix g2, very pleased with it so far.

Like this post

1 next »

Reply to this topic

This thread has been locked.



Check out PC Advisor's other tech forums

Send to a friend

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.