Just starting out... is the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 a good camera for a beginner?

[awaish]

Hi all,

this is my first thread on this forum.
I've suddenly gained an interest in photography and have never owned a digital camera before.
I have read some books on photography, and I'm really liking the DSLR's visual appearance.
Would the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 be a good camera (buying for 100.00GBP) for a (more or less) complete beginner?

Thanks for your time people.

Regards

 

[Dao]

In my opinion, I prefer a camera (even for beginner) that

- Allow you to control the aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
- Able to shoot RAW (for digital only)
- Able to change lens
- Able to add a hot shoe flash


For tight budget, that many mean film based camera, older generation DSLR / mirrorless cameras or used one.

 

[awaish]

In my opinion, I prefer a camera (even for beginner) that

- Allow you to control the aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
- Able to shoot RAW (for digital only)
- Able to change lens
- Able to add a hot shoe flash


For tight budget, that many mean film based camera, older generation DSLR / mirrorless cameras or used one.

Yeah, the panasonic lumix dmc fz18 is the 2007 model, so quite an old DSLR.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[jaomul]

For 100 and a beginner this is a great camera, I have the fz28 which is slightly newer but basically the same. I am not sure if the fz18 shoots raw, the fz28 does, but either way it is a good beginner camera with a well performing Leica lens. There is also plenty of manual control with this camera

 

[awaish]

For 100 and a beginner this is a great camera, I have the fz28 which is slightly newer but basically the same. I am not sure if the fz18 shoots raw, the fz28 does, but either way it is a good beginner camera with a well performing Leica lens. There is also plenty of manual control with this camera

The FZ18 does shoot raw, and thanks very much for the helpful advice! I was a little skeptical on 'splashing out' a high amount on a camera for a newbie.
But hopefully it should work out.

 

[jaomul]

I considered the fz28 as my first foray into a serious camera, many here will laugh as in real terms it is not that expensive. I thought i would never buy an interchangeable lens camera. The Panasonic is great for lots of things and more than enough for most people. If you find it lacking in some things you may have to step up to a DSLR. I did this but still use the Panasonic very regularly. Enjoy

 

[orb9220]

Yep a good start. Mine was the Pansonic Fz-7


Golden Crane - Redux by Orbmiser, on Flickr

But quickly outgrew it. As requirement for lower light and higher iso use. But for a little bit more may find a used Nikon D40 setup for 150-200 GBP and take you further into photography. A D40,D50,D60,D70 all can be had for around that slightly higher cost. But give you something that you can learn and grow into a bit. As my Fz-7 was good for about 6months before moving into a D40 setup.
.
.

 

[awaish]

Just purchased my first camera - the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18.

Thank you all for your comments & advice!

 

[enzodm]

Yeah, the panasonic lumix dmc fz18 is the 2007 model, so quite an old DSLR.

This Panasonic is not a dSLR. It is called a bridge, that is, a compact camera with some larger body, but still inheriting limitations from compacts.

 

[awaish]

Yeah, the panasonic lumix dmc fz18 is the 2007 model, so quite an old DSLR.

This Panasonic is not a dSLR. It is called a bridge, that is, a compact camera with some larger body, but still inheriting limitations from compacts.

Ah yes of course, just goes to show how much of a newbie I am.

Yeah, thanks for clearing that up.

So, would you recommend a DSLR after around 12 months or so using/getting to grips with this bridge camera?

 

[enzodm]

Ah yes of course, just goes to show how much of a newbie I am.

Yeah, thanks for clearing that up.

So, would you recommend a DSLR after around 12 months or so using/getting to grips with this bridge camera?

Compacts of various kinds have limitations in what they can do (things that made me upgrade: DoF management, speed of shooting, low light behaviour), but at least the basics can be learnt with them.
So start taking pictures (and learn), if in 12 months you will be still passionated, you naturally will aim at a dSLR, knowing also why .

 

[Solarflare]

One can learn composition with compacts.

Then again, one can learn that with DSLRs too. Just keep them on AUTO for everything.


Oh, and bridge cameras are IMHO simply a waste of money.

Get a nice real point & shoot you can carry anywhere, in your jacked pocket or preferably at your girdle (thats faster).

Or get a real camera, a DSLR. They are not THAT expensive. There are plenty of "bridge cameras" around that are more expensive than DSLRs and they are so much worse than the later - slow, bad controls, bad autofocus, bad low light performance, bad everything.

For example, just check out how nice it is to use a DSLR zoom and compare that with how most "bridge cameras" work. On a DSLR you can zoom very quickly and controlled with your hand. On a "bridge camera" you have to pull some lever to make it use a motor to zoom.

 

[awaish]

One can learn composition with compacts.

Then again, one can learn that with DSLRs too. Just keep them on AUTO for everything.


Oh, and bridge cameras are IMHO simply a waste of money.

Get a nice real point & shoot you can carry anywhere, in your jacked pocket or preferably at your girdle (thats faster).

Or get a real camera, a DSLR. They are not THAT expensive. There are plenty of "bridge cameras" around that are more expensive than DSLRs and they are so much worse than the later - slow, bad controls, bad autofocus, bad low light performance, bad everything.

For example, just check out how nice it is to use a DSLR zoom and compare that with how most "bridge cameras" work. On a DSLR you can zoom very quickly and controlled with your hand. On a "bridge camera" you have to pull some lever to make it use a motor to zoom.

Thanks for the insight, I have already bought the camera stated in the OP however.

Looks like I'm starting my photography journey with a bridge...

 

[jmorrow79]

One can learn composition with compacts.

Then again, one can learn that with DSLRs too. Just keep them on AUTO for everything.


Oh, and bridge cameras are IMHO simply a waste of money.

Get a nice real point & shoot you can carry anywhere, in your jacked pocket or preferably at your girdle (thats faster).

Or get a real camera, a DSLR. They are not THAT expensive. There are plenty of "bridge cameras" around that are more expensive than DSLRs and they are so much worse than the later - slow, bad controls, bad autofocus, bad low light performance, bad everything.

For example, just check out how nice it is to use a DSLR zoom and compare that with how most "bridge cameras" work. On a DSLR you can zoom very quickly and controlled with your hand. On a "bridge camera" you have to pull some lever to make it use a motor to zoom.

I appreciate your quote. I feel like I should get used to the "bulk" of the camera. I am just going to take "photo days", so I don't really feel the need to carry it around all the time. I will however take your advice and obtain a point and shoot (probably from a thrift shop as well). Good advice. Thanks
jmorrow79