I acquired my FZ300 (EU version, the FZ330 is the UK version, just has a different charger) on Saturday.
Very pleased so far. Here are the first few test shots I did this morning, posted at Andy's request so he can see the kind of results I am getting so far. The shots are all RAW and automatically developed in DXO Photolab. The 'b' shots are at ISO 400 and f2.8, the 'a' shots ISO 100 and F4. I had the camera set on 'P'. I'll try to get some more repreentative shots later in the week.
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_P1000067_DxO.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21586&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_P1000067_DxO_100pc.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21587&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_P1000062_DxO.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21584&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_P1000062_DxO_100pc.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21585&fullsize=1)
Looks good. I remember when my old workplace got a new camera without asking my views and I moaned like hell about them getting this model. When I used it I found I quite liked it and was tempted to buy one at one stage. Too many cameras to contemplate another now ;).
I`m off on my travels again later this week. My wife`s choice of a Caribbean cruise to get some sun. Given that it will be lots of beaches I`ve decided to leave the Nikon and Fuji at home and revert to my LX100 which has been unused for some months now.Just found that DXO you pointed us towards has downloaded support for LX100 raw files which my Lightroom cannot do. Just a bit overwhelmed by the interface on DXO. Do you find it easy once used to it H? Not sure whether it will be easier to go via Adobe /photoshop to convert if I shoot raw.
I took my shot out of the comp entries as I`ll be away from Saturday for 2 weeks and unfair to put anything on others - that and an older photo anyway
Quote from: jinky on November 27, 2017, 11:34:42 AM
Looks good. I remember when my old workplace got a new camera without asking my views and I moaned like hell about them getting this model. When I used it I found I quite liked it and was tempted to buy one at one stage. Too many cameras to contemplate another now ;).
Just found that DXO you pointed us towards has downloaded support for LX100 raw files which my Lightroom cannot do. Just a bit overwhelmed by the interface on DXO. Do you find it easy once used to it H? Not sure whether it will be easier to go via Adobe /photoshop to convert if I shoot raw.
I thought you'd been retired for longer than that! Our supermarkets are still trying to shift the FZ200s - very nice but no 4k video, which was one of the main reasons I went for this one. The weatherproofing and astonishing level of versatility was another. Just started playing around with the wifi remote control app on my phone. A bit miffed, but not all surprised that I had to get an SDHC1 U3 class 10 card for it.
DXO, I don't find any trouble with it at all (unlike LR which I have always thought to be a total pain in the posterior). You can batch develop if you want. The interface is completely customisable, although I have never bothered to use anything but the standard layout. I think it does a really good job, but it is not a cataloguing and tagging application. I use ADCSee for that, and quick general editing. If I am really going for it I use DXO and then possibly Affinity to edit an image.
Do have a fab holiday - the Caribbean is a place we have been often, although we usually just stay on Barbados. I did a cruise once, Miami and the Bahamas, really not my thing at all :(
Back in time for Santa anyway :)
Thank you Howard, it is very helpful to see the 100% in RAW shots.
Just working my way through the 300+ pages of the full manual. But on the subject of the lens at f2.8 I would say that it is a little soft wide open, but not that you would notice at usual print or display sizes, and it is remarkably free of CA. By the time you get to f4 the lens is pin sharp at all focal lengths. It also has stops at f3.2 and f3.5, but I haven't tested those yet, what with it raining constantly for the past two days. The maximum ISO I have used so far is 800, and that tidies up very nicely in DXO.
So, in a nutshell I'm still very pleased with it.
Have a look at the excellent macros from Simon Marshall (https://www.flickr.com/photos/16155010@N04/) on Flickr. Pretty much all at f4 with an extension tube and a Panasonic close-up lens (I asked him).
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 29, 2017, 03:19:15 PM
Just working my way through the 300+ pages of the full manual. But on the subject of the lens at f2.8 I would say that it is a little soft wide open, but not that you would notice at usual print or display sizes, and it is remarkably free of CA. By the time you get to f4 the lens is pin sharp at all focal lengths. It also has stops at f3.2 and f3.5, but I haven't tested those yet, what with it raining constantly for the past two days. The maximum ISO I have used so far is 800, and that tidies up very nicely in DXO.
So, in a nutshell I'm still very pleased with it.
Have a look at the excellent macros from Simon Marshall (https://www.flickr.com/photos/16155010@N04/) on Flickr. Pretty much all at f4 with an extension tube and a Panasonic close-up lens (I asked him).
I thought FZ300 was a fixed lens - how do the extras attach? Just googled 'Panasonic close-up lens' and :tup: can now see how its done.
I wonder if the 260g additional weight would mean a heavier drain on battery power and leverage strain, wear & tear upon the tele mechanism?
I would imagine so Andy. Where did you get the weight info from? I can find the boxed weights, but not the net weights. If I do get them I shall let you know about battery life etc. I don't suppose I would be using them enough to make any difference to the lens mechanisms.
Quote from: Hinfrance on December 02, 2017, 02:23:30 PM
I would imagine so Andy. Where did you get the weight info from? I can find the boxed weights, but not the net weights. If I do get them I shall let you know about battery life etc. I don't suppose I would be using them enough to make any difference to the lens mechanisms.
I looked at the product on Amazon as far as I can recall - 3 or 4 lines above box weight I think product weight is given as 262g.
I'm still doing more research as I sometimes miss the 'convenience of one lens' when out & about point & shooting so to speak - What made you choose FZ300 from all the similar options?
I chose the FZ300 because of the smaller pixel count micro 4/3rds sensor, the constant f2.8 aperture, 600mm zoom, the wireless flash control, the weather proofing and the IMHO outstanding flexibility it offers.
Starting with the pixel density, this is not that far off that of a 1" sensor running at the most common 20mp plus that seems to be the standard. The f2.8 aperture, although a bit soft at full zoom it nevertheless gives the possibility of twice as much light capture than f4, reducing the ISO, which with a compact sensor is a bonus. 600mm zoom gives as much reach as I will ever realistically want. Wirelesss jolly useful. Weather proofing is a must in a go anywhere camera for me. Then we have huge user customisation options and a decent smart phone remote control app.
I did think about an FZ1000, but decided on balance the cheaper FZ300 because of the extra reach and I think it's jolly good value for money.
Oh, and I looked at various Flickr group pools and formed the opinion that the results from the FZ300 were the ones I liked the best.
Quote from: Hinfrance on December 02, 2017, 05:11:43 PM
I chose the FZ300 because of the smaller pixel count micro 4/3rds sensor, the constant f2.8 aperture, 600mm zoom, the wireless flash control, the weather proofing and the IMHO outstanding flexibility it offers.
Starting with the pixel density, this is not that far off that of a 1" sensor running at the most common 20mp plus that seems to be the standard. The f2.8 aperture, although a bit soft at full zoom it nevertheless gives the possibility of twice as much light capture than f4, reducing the ISO, which with a compact sensor is a bonus. 600mm zoom gives as much reach as I will ever realistically want. Wirelesss jolly useful. Weather proofing is a must in a go anywhere camera for me. Then we have huge user customisation options and a decent smart phone remote control app.
I did think about an FZ1000, but decided on balance the cheaper FZ300 because of the extra reach and I think it's jolly good value for money.
Oh, and I looked at various Flickr group pools and formed the opinion that the results from the FZ300 were the ones I liked the best.
Its the pixel density bit that I missed - always confusing when looking & trying to get my head around Sensor size to lens specifications.
It works out at around 30% less, and I have no problem with having 12mp instead of 20mp. The first (and so far only) time I had pictures on public display they were taken with a 10mp DSLR and looked perfectly OK as A1 prints: I am not one of those obsessed with having the most pixels ;)
Noise is always an issue with smaller sensors, but NR these days is very good, and anyway there is not too much at ISO 800 which where I have set the ISO limit for the moment.
You might find this review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ketr0-HiFk&t=298s) inspirational :)
Quote from: Hinfrance on December 03, 2017, 03:38:40 PM
It works out at around 30% less, and I have no problem with having 12mp instead of 20mp. The first (and so far only) time I had pictures on public display they were taken with a 10mp DSLR and looked perfectly OK as A1 prints: I am not one of those obsessed with having the most pixels ;)
Noise is always an issue with smaller sensors, but NR these days is very good, and anyway there is not too much at ISO 800 which where I have set the ISO limit for the moment.
You might find this review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ketr0-HiFk&t=298s) inspirational :)
Yes, the video inspires me to think further and perhaps see how it balances in my shaking hands - If my wrists are too lose together I may have a problem if it is not heavy enough to steady the jitters. I also wonder whether I would still wish for a slightly longer zoom :-\
Thanks for posting all the info.
If you want a bigger zoom in a bridge camera then you really are looking at the Nikon P900 (no RAW) for the 2000mm zoom, or for somewhat less but only 1200mm the Panasonic FZ82. I don't know about the Canon SX60HS and other make offers in this field - I dismissed them from my long list early on. There are certainly a goodly number to choose from. Happy hunting!
Quote from: Hinfrance on December 04, 2017, 10:41:21 AM
If you want a bigger zoom in a bridge camera then you really are looking at the Nikon P900 (no RAW) for the 2000mm zoom, or for somewhat less but only 1200mm the Panasonic FZ82. I don't know about the Canon SX60HS and other make offers in this field - I dismissed them from my long list early on. There are certainly a goodly number to choose from. Happy hunting!
Sadly I do not think there is a perfect camera in the current bridges for me yet - the XT1 will have to do for the moment.
Indeed Andy, I doubt there will ever be a perfect one, but I'm very happy with the FZ300 (so far!)
Quote from: Beaux Reflets on November 29, 2017, 06:06:51 PM
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 29, 2017, 03:19:15 PM
Just working my way through the 300+ pages of the full manual. But on the subject of the lens at f2.8 I would say that it is a little soft wide open, but not that you would notice at usual print or display sizes, and it is remarkably free of CA. By the time you get to f4 the lens is pin sharp at all focal lengths. It also has stops at f3.2 and f3.5, but I haven't tested those yet, what with it raining constantly for the past two days. The maximum ISO I have used so far is 800, and that tidies up very nicely in DXO.
So, in a nutshell I'm still very pleased with it.
Have a look at the excellent macros from Simon Marshall (https://www.flickr.com/photos/16155010@N04/) on Flickr. Pretty much all at f4 with an extension tube and a Panasonic close-up lens (I asked him).
I thought FZ300 was a fixed lens - how do the extras attach? Just googled 'Panasonic close-up lens' and :tup: can now see how its done.
I wonder if the 260g additional weight would mean a heavier drain on battery power and leverage strain, wear & tear upon the tele mechanism?
:-[ Doing more research I realise now, that the x1.7 teleconverter perhaps sits over the whole of the moving lens mechanism, effectively protecting it :-\ while increasing the optical zoom to x40 which would suit rather nicely. Mmmm more to think about.
Took delivery yesterday of a Godox TT350o mini dedicated cobra flashgun. My word is it good. Very impressed with its performance on about 20 test shots indoors (weather is still miserable). Looking forward to trying out the remote flash capabilities, although as I only have the one unit (so far) I won't be able to use the 2.4ghz wireless control on offer. Might get an X1To to have a play.
Hi Howard,
I'm interested to know more upon the tele/converter options you went for and how things are panning out with your FZ300 adventure.
Hi Andy, just a quick update. I am not going to bother with the tele multiplier, I really have no use for it (at the moment). I have taken delivery of two extension tubes, the first an after market example from eBay that simply didn't fit - now in use as a desk caddy, and a second genuine one from Amazon that does fit. So far I have only experimented with a couple of cheap eBay 55mm close up lenses that I have had for long time - the results are not too shabby, I'll try to find some time to post a few. It has enabled me to make the decision to by a Panasonic close up lens, which I hope to do next month.
I also took the opportunity in eBay's new year sale to buy an X1T, 30% off, and that is brilliant. I kind of feel cheated as I only have one flashgun to control, but it works really well.
End of bulletin :)
Quote from: Hinfrance on December 22, 2017, 01:30:04 PM
Took delivery yesterday of a Godox TT350o mini dedicated cobra flashgun. My word is it good. Very impressed with its performance on about 20 test shots indoors (weather is still miserable). Looking forward to trying out the remote flash capabilities, although as I only have the one unit (so far) I won't be able to use the 2.4ghz wireless control on offer. Might get an X1To to have a play.
Everybody on Fuji groups goes on about how great the Godox 350 and 685 flashes are on their cameras. Should be a good buy.
I just weakened and bought a Russian Helios 44 - 2 lens which is supposed to give a unique swirly bokeh when used fully open and again is raved about in a Leeds photography group on Facebook on various bodies. Got it for £20 on ebay and it came today. Looks clean and built like a tank - probably from late 70s early 80s. Manual only of course and I cannot even test it until I get the M42 to Fuji adaptor which is on it`s way. Curious when I got it out though. Discovered it is a "pre-set lens" with 2 aperture rings. 1 has clicks and you set it at the aperture you want to shoot with . You get the exposure right having moved the 2nd smooth running aperture control at the right number to nail exposure. However you can then use that smooth one to fully open for maximum light to nail focus before sliding it back down to selected aperture. Very odd- even odder is that the numbers don`t correspond on the 2nd smooth ring so the iris is fully open when the red dot is at the f16 end and closed down at the f2 end. Going to be a learning experience!!! I`m seeing if anyone locally has an adaptor available to test it with for peace of mind until mine gets here on the slow boat from China!
I came across this page http://www.safari-guide.co.uk/panasonic-telephoto-conversion-lens.php which appears to be quite helpful, especially as I think with my condition of being clumsy, I would prefer moving parts to have a physical measure of protection.
Paul - good luck with the new lens. Sounds intriguing and well worth a punt for £20. I've got a partially working Zenit on my shelf - never taken a photo with it on account of the sticky shutter. A Zenit was my first SLR ;)
Andy - yes, I'd seen that site and the Raynox sounds like a very good choice - but rather more expensive than the Panasonic alternative, albeit with a greater multiplier. I'm going to try to take some shots today of the camera with the extension tube on, and also a few close up or macros - although you have to understand that the lenses are very cheap indeed.
Later!
Andy, here are some pictures you might find helpful:
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_HWK53213CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21749&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_HWK53214CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21750&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_HWK53216CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21751&fullsize=1)
This shows that the lens barrel doesn't protrude past the end of the extension tube even at full zoom:
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_HWK53217CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21752&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_P1000429CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21753&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_P1000430CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21754&fullsize=1)
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10146/normal_FZ300_P1000431CC.JPG) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=21755&fullsize=1)
Using the macro and 4x lenses is a bit hit and miss as they don't have the same characteristics as the genuine close up lens - auto focus doesn't work precisely, gets you in the right ball park. The automatic setting for macro lenses sets the aperture minimum to f4 and zooms to 121mm. In a serious case of NTIT (not thought it through) the preset also turns of the flash. Which considering the camera can control 3 remote flash groups is a bit daft. I had to use flash on the sample images - it's still dull and overcast here today at times.
Thanks Howard much appreciated :tup:
I just noticed the EZ feature - Extra optical zoom - I think I'm going to have to try saving a bit harder and hope the price drops to speed things up.
I feel sure Howard has already found this site; but for others pondering Panasonic Lumix Bridge cameras FZ200 & FZ300/330 there is a mountain of information to be found here https://www.grahamhoughton.com/ https://www.grahamhoughton.com/ (https://www.grahamhoughton.com/)
Finally took to temptation of FZ300 - Early days getting used to settings and handling with my shakes
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11049/normal_Bee2.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=22240&fullsize=1)
Given its specs, in general I'm impressed with the out of camera jpeg files and how much of the detail is still retained after Noise Reduction.
Wow, that is very impressive for a bridge camera. :tup:
Quote from: Simple on June 01, 2018, 05:56:48 PM
Wow, that is very impressive for a bridge camera. :tup:
It certainly packs a punch Simon :tup:
Thanks for the heads up and encouragement Howard :)
Wowsee, that is a corking shot Andy. Did you get the close up lens with the camera?
Quote from: Hinfrance on June 02, 2018, 12:50:18 PM
Wowsee, that is a corking shot Andy. Did you get the close up lens with the camera?
No the shot was just taken at full zoom (high resolution setting in menu) and I just processed the out of camera jpeg file with SilkyPix and Affinity.
I think I will investigate a close up and tele along with a couple of batteries as its giving my mojo a lift :tup:
Great to hear you're enjoying it so much.
The spare battery I got is THIS (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0051GO05Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Had to buy a bunch of dashcams this month after Mrs H had her wing mirror vapourised on the way to work, so no spare cash - but will be looking at the close up lens at some point.
Quote from: Hinfrance on June 02, 2018, 01:20:54 PM
Great to hear you're enjoying it so much.
The spare battery I got is THIS (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0051GO05Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Had to buy a bunch of dashcams this month after Mrs H had her wing mirror vapourised on the way to work, so no spare cash - but will be looking at the close up lens at some point.
Thanks for the page link Howard.
Sorry to hear about the mirror and hope Mrs H is OK.
I think dash cam is a necessity these days and that's on our next spend list as well.
Given the clarity and quality of the Bee shot, for Close ups, I think first off: - I will try a 52mm Closeup 'filter lens' screwed directly onto the lens, while using the
iA+ mode which takes the Zoom to 1200mm equiv' (a X2 by cropping) as the in camera crop may effectively cut away the 'any edge distortion'.
I have not tried the 'extended zoom' shooting in
iA+ yet, beyond a quick (shaky handheld) test on a short H burst that looks like such a method may be quite promising.
You are obviously working your way through the manual far more effectively that I have. Never even tried the extended (digital?) zoom. ::)
Quote from: Hinfrance on June 02, 2018, 04:32:23 PM
You are obviously working your way through the manual far more effectively that I have. Never even tried the extended (digital?) zoom. ::)
You are correct, the 'extended zoom' is digital , all be it at a reasonably high resolution, so the only true benefit gain will be from the optic closeup lens ; and then doing the 'digital zoom' bit on the PC by creating & cropping an even higher resolution image file in Affinity .
Shot on a dull day in between heavy showers;
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11049/normal_Bluedamsel.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=22256&fullsize=1)
And another taken in better light
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11049/normal_DamselMale1.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=22260&fullsize=1)
I am really impressed by the Lumix FZ300 ; With good lighting it is on par with my Fuji XT1 DSLR
I am quite looking forward to trying out some close up lens filters on the FZ300 when they arrive.
(https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11049/normal_Hoverflyfeeds.jpg) (https://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=22261&fullsize=1)
I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures with the filters too. I do seem to recall that the camera wouldn't focus when I just put the close up lenses on without the extension tube. Let me now how you get on. In the meantime, if I get a chance this afternoon I'll dig out my cheap close up lens set and let you know what happens.
Quote from: Hinfrance on June 05, 2018, 11:38:24 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures with the filters too. I do seem to recall that the camera wouldn't focus when I just put the close up lenses on without the extension tube. Let me now how you get on. In the meantime, if I get a chance this afternoon I'll dig out my cheap close up lens set and let you know what happens.
I was wondering about the need for the extension tube, and then decided that if such was the case I would get one, hopefully with a Teleconverter when I have done a bit more research.
Not sure but the Closeup setting in the setup menu may have to be activated regarding a focus adjustment, which I guess can be set up in a Custom mode for ease (since I don't currently use the screen or its additional Fn buttons to save on the battery power). :-\ Still lots to learn :tup:
Just tried it - it will only focus at any kind of useful distance with the close up lens if the zoom is left at the wide end. Maybe you'll have a different experience.
The close up setting in the conversion sub menu is for using the bespoke close up lens with the extension tube, I think it sets the zoom at something like 122mm and the minimum aperture at f4 (if memory serves - it's in the manual somewhere).
Avoid the eBay extension tubes - buy cheap buy twice, the eBay one would not fit the screw thread on the camera lens - I got a Panasonic one from Amazon.
Quote from: Hinfrance on June 05, 2018, 01:29:12 PM
Just tried it - it will only focus at any kind of useful distance with the close up lens if the zoom is left at the wide end. Maybe you'll have a different experience.
Physics and maths were never my strong point, but I guess, with an effectively 'floating' front lens; to enable the subject to remain within a selected depth of field, the whole camera body has to be moved relatively as well. Effectively, altering the distance between it and the subject, to accommodate for the difference between the wide and zoomed ends. If that makes sense.
I guess I will find out more when the lenses finally turn up.