About to purchase a Panasonic Lumix FZ35

[Calendula]

Hi there;
In my preveous thread where I introduced myself as a new member I mentioned that I am looking for a new camera, the Lumix FZ35 in particular. As I also mentioned I have really researched this camera a lot and I like the reviews about it.

Here is what I am looking for: a camera that comes close to an DSL without the cumbersome handling of the camera/lense kit.
Also a camera I can do close to what I can do with an expensive set without dishing out a lot of money.

I like the Lumix for it's appearance and for the fact that it has a
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit-branded 18X optical zoom lense with a range from 27mm wide angle to a 486mm telephoto. And I like the fact that it takes a Lithium Batteries. The double AA's have not done the trick for me in the past.

See, I did research this cam, but I still need your help. please.
I like to acquire a camera where I can shoot birds with. Birds in flight: Hummingbirds (while feeding) , Wren's while zipping in and out of their Wren House.
Would the Panasonic Lumix FZ35 be doing this job for me? It should be good with the X18 zoom I think?

Also a question about shutter speed, does the Lumix offer continues , fast shooting (sorry I am not familiar with the professional word for this) How many shoots per second? If anyone could send in a photo taken with this particular camera taken of a bird, perhaps a bird in flight, I would be so happy.

Like I mentioned, I know there is much better (and more expensive ) equipment on the market but I like to stay in the under middle price range.

I see that Mark 1616 is an able adviser , so perhaps I can turn to you and other photo bugs here with this question. Anything at all would be greatly appreciated.

Calendula

[Hards80]

honestly, if you want to shoot any birds in flight, you will need a DSLR. they are the only thing that will have the focus tracking needed, as well as the optical viewfinder allowing you to actually see what you are shooting (the evf/lcd on any superzoom won't keep up). not only that, but they also then have continuous shooting performance needed to get the shot you want.

the fz35 is a nice camera for wildlife that is sitting still in good light, but, for any bird in flight, animal in motion, there really is no getting around the need for a dslr.

[Calendula]

Thanks Hards 80.

I expected as much of a reply, guess I was hoping for the impossible in camera performance in that price range.

However, a while back I had searched for a combination of a DSLR 80 Nikon and a 200 mm lense , went to Henry's Camera shop here in our town and got an estimate for same - around $ 1000.

But after I gave it some thought, I am not a serious enough photographer to spent that much of money on a camera , I like to justify the reason why I buy things. Would I use it enough to get my money's worth out of it? The answer is no.

But you are very correct with your advice and I am glad I did ask here, it shows me that deep down I knew I was asking for too much. It was also my fault , I did not ask the right question. Let me try again.

From a distance of approx. 20 feet (from garden bench to birds house) can I get a decent picture of a small bird that happens to be stationary with the Panasonic Lumix with 18X zoom capability?
Better then the pic of the Rosebreasted Grossbeak pic I took with my Nikon P3?

Thank you again for your time.

Calenduls

[Hards80]

The FZ-35 with its nice long zoom lens is a wonderful camera for stationary birds.

It is much more capable for that task than the P3.

For stationary birds, you can't do much better, and you should be quite pleased.

[billy]

Hey guys, I'm going to move this thread to the Panasonic forum

Calenduls, welcome to Steve's!

[mtclimber]

Calendula-

Welcome to the Forum and to the Panasonic P+S Folder. We're delighted that you dropped by.

Dustin/Hards was correct. For very good photos of birds in flight, a DSLR camera is a must. Getting into a DSLR need not be overly expensive. The Sony A-230 is selling for around $(US)370 to 380 here in the USA with the 18-55mm kit lens. A longer zoom such as the Sony 55-200mm lens (82mm to 300mm in 35mm terms) is selling for around $(US)100 on E-Bay, so that is a possibility.

The FZ-35 with 18X optical zoom (27 to 504mm in 35mm terms) is very capable of wonderful bird shots, but it cannot focus on a bird in flight. We have a very active Fz-35 group here in the Panasonic P+S folder. So not only are we friendly, but we can provide a good deal of technical support on the FZ-35 as well.

Attached you will find a photo of a Butcher Bird. This is the kind of photos that the FZ-35 excels at when doing bird photos.

Have a great day.

Sarah Joyce

[Clint501]

Calendula, here are a few. I'll post a few more in the album.

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/me...fz35-pics.html

[mtclimber]

Nice photos, Clint-

Sarah Joyce

[Mark R.]

This is good news indeed! Because I am an avid birder, especially around the feeder that we've put into a tree in our garden.

Regards,
Mark

[Alun_D]

I have had the FZ35/38 for a few weeks now, and i think it is great for garden birds. I dont think you will be dissapointed.
Alun