Looking for the best deal on a Panasonic Lumix

IzzyS · #1 18-01-2010, 12:20 PM

Hi,

My parents have asked me what I want for my birthday and I'd like to ask for a new camera to use for taking photos/vids at concerts. Anyway I know I want a Panasonic Lumix because their always recommended for being good at taking photos at concerts and such like. I was originally looking at the FS15 model but having looked more in depth at reviews ive changed my mind and it seems that the TZ6 would do a better job as far as concert photos is concerned and it offers a fair bit more like 12x optical zoom and suchlike, though its more expensive but it seems like a better upgrade and gets very good reviews.

The best price ive found (esp. for a high street retailer) so far for the TZ6 is £179.99, but if anyone can find it any cheaper in the next few days, then please let me know.

Thanks alot

Frugaller · #2 18-01-2010, 01:13 PM

Hi Izzy, it's in a different price bracket I know, but I think you've made a great call going for a Panasonic Lumix. We went for a FZ38 super zoom.

Absolute cracking piece of kit and if this is anything to go by, then the whole range is great.

We've had more great photos from this over Christmas than I've had ever with any prvious camera.

Though this low res version doesn't do it justice, one of my faves of our 5yr old (taken from about 50m away):

IzzyS · #3 18-01-2010, 01:26 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, thats good to know

I have some reservations but certainly from what I've heard, the Lumix range seems to be the most appropriate for what I'd want to use it for (namely low-light conditions and possibly for long landscape shots on holiday). I've never used or had a digital camera that is only powered via Li-ion battery, that puts me off a little as if I wanted to use it for concerts, I'd just have to hope that the battery would last, whereas usually I'd bring spare AA batteries (though I've heard you can buy spare batteries cheaply, which is worth knowing) and also if I brought it with me on holiday abroad, I'd have to be able to plug the charger to charge the batter(ies) in and some countries have different voltage, like the US, so I guess it wouldn't be much use if I went there, unless I bought some transformer or whatever to convert the voltage back(?).

Also they don't appear to have an optical viewfinder, which is something im used to using, for anyone who uses a similar camera may I ask, is it a big problem or not... I've never used one, so im having to guess but I don't think ive heard anyone mention its a big problem not havng the viewfinder, so I guess its maybe not that big an issue(?), im not sure, im just used to always using that and not relying on the LCD screen to judge in terms of when to take the photo or whatever...

Frugaller · #4 18-01-2010, 01:35 PM

I've just checked and regarding the charger, ours (and probably all) can be powered 110-240v. So if travelling to the states, all I imagine you'll need is a cheap plug adaptor.

Regarding the view finder, ours comes with a digital view finder and large screen, though to be honest, I'd never use the viewfinder be it optical or digital. I just hold it away and use the screen to show what I'm going to capture.

We've charged the batter twice since Christmas and that's with some very heavy use including lots of optical zooming, so certainly doesn't seem to be a concern.

Frugaller · #5 18-01-2010, 01:53 PM

p.s. Stock was tricky around Christmas but were able to get it from

Buyacamera UK

Service was faultless and I think you'll like the prices on the camera's you mentioned.

HeavenlyCharm · #6 18-01-2010, 03:51 PM

Just don't get a Lumix FS7 which is the 10.1MP camera at £110. I have had some great pictures out of it but I want better. There's no viewfinder on mine but the screen is big enough so no problem taking a picture.

D

IzzyS · #7 19-01-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frugaller

p.s. Stock was tricky around Christmas but were able to get it from

Buyacamera UK

Service was faultless and I think you'll like the prices on the camera's you mentioned.

Thanks alot!

IzzyS · #8 19-01-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavenlyCharm

Just don't get a Lumix FS7 which is the 10.1MP camera at £110. I have had some great pictures out of it but I want better. There's no viewfinder on mine but the screen is big enough so no problem taking a picture.

D

Thanks. I'm looking at the 'DMC-FS15' which is 12 megapixels, though I don't really need anything more than 7 or 8 megapixel I guess but it offers 5x optical zoom rather than the other cheaper models that only offer 3x or 4x, so that'd be cool...

IzzyS · #9 26-01-2010, 10:10 AM

Ok having reviewed things and thought about it a while, im now looking at getting a TZ6 instead, the reviews for that model is alot better and it sounds like it would do a better job for what I'm wanting it for, plus it'd be a major upgrade from 4x to 12x optical zoom

but its not exactly dead cheap lol I've found it on sale at a high street store for £179.99 which is pretty good considering its original retail price seems to have been around the £250-£270 mark but if anyone can find it particularly cheaper via a reptuable firm online (Buyacamera is charging £189.99) in the next short while (think ill be asking my family to get me it for my bday next month so ill have to ask soon-ish) then please let me know, thanks again!!

Frugaller · #10 26-01-2010, 10:53 AM

You won't regret the extra optical zoom.