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Question

Old dude here; wanting a camera not as obsolete as I am...

Oct 29, 2011 3:41AM PDT

Hi all, Happy

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Wanting a non DSLR
Oct 29, 2011 5:35AM PDT

My first digital camera (Epson) was a bit short of 1 megapixel,
but I was hooked immediately.

I have been looking for that ideal small camera ever since.
Every year they teased me with tons of features and lots of megapixels, I just knew they would come out with my ideal small camera next year.

Several times I settled for something else because the ideal camera was always in the future.
I bought a Canon 20D way back when, because I was tired of waiting.
It has served me well and I keep pulling it out when I am into something serious.
The last time was another family wedding.

The camera makers seem to have found the limit on megapixels for small cameras with that universal small sensor.
The ideal size seems to be 10 megapixels but 12 MP can be OK in some instances.
Forget 14 and 16 megapixels.

The current direction is toward a larger sensor for small cameras but nothing like the DSLR size.
But again they are talking next year.
You are going to have to plant your feet at one point and buy something not quite ideal.

The Panasonic FZ150 is looking like a good compromise for this year.

Here is a review that gives you more detailed information and some sample photos:

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fz150_review/

With your Photographic experience, you are not afraid to turn off the Auto Mode and adapt to the situation.
You can use those great features that most people ignore.

You never get too old for photography.
I won't tell my age, but you are a young whipper snapper!
..

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Hi snapshot2,
Oct 29, 2011 6:19AM PDT

Thank you for your timely reply and link, snapshot2!

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Panasonic G3
Oct 29, 2011 12:52PM PDT

If you do not need a 24x zoom lens, for about the same cost as the FZ150 you can get the G3. The G3's M4/3 sensor is huge compared to the compact camera sized sensor in the 150, meaning it will be more forgiving when it comes to low-light situations, and give you all around better image quality.

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_g3_review/

Note that the G3 is the overall same size and weight (with the 14-42mm kit lens) as the FZ150. PhotographyBlog liked it so much that they gave it their highest 5-star "essential" rating.

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Great link, Piston...
Oct 30, 2011 12:30AM PDT

Geezalou, I gotta stop researching. Now, this new Fujifilm X10 has gotten my attention!!!

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Sensor Size
Oct 30, 2011 1:23AM PDT