not bothered bout video

[bss]

Hi - I've just sold my fuji s9600 which was a decent camera, but really was too big for a lot of occasions and I'm tempted by the Panasonic dmc fz45 which is a bit smaller. The tz8/10 seem super cameras too but I am put off by the lack of an optical viewfinder. And now I come to my main dilemma - I dont particularly want an all singing and dancing video facility on the camera and it seems that this is the main addition to recent updates of all the super zooms. So would I be better off saving some bucks by getting a second hand fz28 or a Canon G9(which is still a bit pricey)

Any views, folks?

[mtclimber]

bss-

Welcome to the Forum. We pleased that you dropped by.

Buying a used Panasonic FZ-28 is a good idea if you know something about how the camera was used and cared for. I purchased a FZ-28 about 6 months ago for a family friend at www.KEH.com for $220.00 and it was in great condition.

I regularly deal with KEH so I had real confidence in what I was purchasing.

Sarah Joyce

[corkpix]

Originally Posted by bss

Hi - I've just sold my fuji s9600 which was a decent camera, but really was too big for a lot of occasions and I'm tempted by the Panasonic dmc fz45 which is a bit smaller. The tz8/10 seem super cameras too but I am put off by the lack of an optical viewfinder. And now I come to my main dilemma - I dont particularly want an all singing and dancing video facility on the camera and it seems that this is the main addition to recent updates of all the super zooms. So would I be better off saving some bucks by getting a second hand fz28 or a Canon G9(which is still a bit pricey)

Any views, folks?

Welcome to the forum.

The FZ45 seems to be a very fine camera. See the images posted
in the Panasonic/Leica forum.

The bad news is that the FZ28 can also record HD video. You
can eliminate this problem by simply not using this feature
The FZ28 is still one of the better bridge cameras. As it is
now two generations old, you can pick them up at very
reasonable prices. Mine has been absolutely reliable and
it produces images that compare quite well with the newer
12 and 14MP models.

You could always split the difference and buy the FZ38. If
you want to stick with Fujifilm, the HS10 might be a good choice.

[bss]

thanks for the comments. I did look at the HS10, which looks a super camera, but it is bigger than the Panasonics. What you say confirms my view so I think I will setle for the FZ28
ps. I do enjoy the site and the comments and feel quite chuffed at times when an obviously knowlegible contributor makes a point which coincides with my own experience!

[mtclimber]

bss-

We're please that you have determined a proper strategy and are moving forward with the FZ-28. Congratulations.

Sarah Joyce