Re: Low end DSLR or High end P&S

Thank you all for your replies, Everyone's contribution certainly has
improved my perspective.

I was, as you know stuck between buying either a

Panasonic Lumix FX01 ( the wide angle P&S ) , Fujifilm S9500 (ZLR),
and the cheapest d-SLR.

I agree with all the points made by everybody and it seems like if I
want to have just 5x7 prints then
any of the above are great.

The Panasonic P&S for its portablity, the Fujifilm for its zoom and the
d-SLR for its versatility.

I don't want to brave starting another conversation about which is
better:- the ZLR or SLR (but that would be kinda interesting as well:)

Based only on what I've read about ZLRs, My observations are:-

Similarities between a ZLR and SLR
==========================
1) Same look, feel, size and weight
2) Program and Manual controls, just like the SLR ( though a bit
limited for e.g aperture closing to F11 only which is F16 - F22
equivalent of SLR)
3) Not much shutter lag
4) Not pocketable
5) Both expensive

Differences between a ZLR and SLR
==========================
1) SLR has larger sensor = meaning better pictures, rather, less noise
2) ZLR has image stabilization ( though the ZLR model I like which is
the fujifilm S9500 doesn't have that and the minolta 5D SLR does have
it)
3) ZLR can zoom to 300+ whereas its a fortune to buy even 200mm zoom
lenses for an SLR
4) SLR can interchange lenses, though I don't like that because it
means more weight to carry
5) SLR has better quality even for 5x7 prints because of its bigger
sensor and quality lens.
6) SLR still has a quality picture at ISO 1600 or more..
In that regard is Image Stabilization on an ZLR equivalent to a Higher
ISO and Higher shutter speed on an SLR ? Is it the same thing?
7) ZLR has no optical viewfinder - That's enough to make me turn the
page.
8) SLR has depth of field preview
9) ZLR can do movies.

I believe, like many others in this group, that the camera is not more
important, rather its the photographer behind it that is.
However I also think that the photographer should choose his tools
right. :)

I do take effort in composing my pictures with quality content taken at
the exposure level, shutter speed and aperture that I think would be
right.
However because my current camera being film I cannot preview anything
nor can I keep on clicking away because that would cost me a fortune.

Thats why i decided to go digital, and so this post.

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Low end DSLR or High end P&S
    ... If the focus is not far off, e.g., the lens does not need to change ... ZLR has image stabilization (though the ZLR model I like which is ... lenses for an SLR ... If movie is more important, then get a camera with good movie. ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: Low end DSLR or High end P&S
    ... Similarities between a ZLR and SLR ... ZLR: The Panasonic FZ5 is just 326g with lens, ... image stabilisation reduces the visible effect of camera shake on the ... The ZLR provides an electronic version of the viewfinder, ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: Canon S3 Opinions
    ... When it comes to ZLRs versus SLRs, it's usually not the expense. ... They compare megapixels, they compare the ZLR zoom range with what they could achieve on the SLR, and conclude that the ZLR is just as good. ... What they don't look at are issues such as noise, shutter lag, the ability to use an external flash, and whether the zoom range goes down to a wide enough angle. ...
    (rec.photo.digital)
  • Re: Low end DSLR or High end P&S
    ... Similarities between a ZLR and SLR ... ZLR: The Panasonic FZ5 is just 326g with lens, ... image stabilisation reduces the visible effect of camera shake on the ... The ZLR provides an electronic version of the viewfinder, ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: Low end DSLR or High end P&S
    ... Same look, feel, size and weight ... just like the SLR (though a bit ... Differences between a ZLR and SLR ... SLR still has a quality picture at ISO 1600 or more.. ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)