Prosumer vs DSLR

[rexter]

I'm in a dilemma of buying a prosumer or DSLR camera. Tested out Panasonic FZ28 myself and I'm impressed by the photo and zoom quality but seems like everyone is upgrading to DSLR nowadays. Have tried out many DSLR before and I like it as well. The only problem is it doesn't have video feature except for some models which I don't take them in consideration.

Can anyone please advise me or recommend me which model to buy? Thanks.

[Neo]

Just tried out the Canon EOS 500D yesterday... we took some shots at the Botanical Gardens... damn impressive for a camera of this class! The sharpness is very good, and so is the noise control (didn't try it at high ISO though... the weather was just too sunny!).

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by rexter I'm in a dilemma of buying a prosumer or DSLR camera. Tested out Panasonic FZ28 myself and I'm impressed by the photo and zoom quality but seems like everyone is upgrading to DSLR nowadays. Have tried out many DSLR before and I like it as well. The only problem is it doesn't have video feature except for some models which I don't take them in consideration. Can anyone please advise me or recommend me which model to buy? Thanks.

What is important to you? Picture quality, an all-in-one solution, something with video?

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by Neo Just tried out the Canon EOS 500D yesterday... we took some shots at the Botanical Gardens... damn impressive for a camera of this class! The sharpness is very good, and so is the noise control (didn't try it at high ISO though... the weather was just too sunny!).

when talking about DSLR cameras, lenses matter morethan the body in most cases. For a bright sunny day in the botanical gardens, all DSLR cameras, even entry-level ones, will work well.

As for noise control, if you only shot at low ISO, then there's nothing to be impressed about. All DSLR cameras will perform well at low ISO.

[Neo]

Originally Posted by Rashkae when talking about DSLR cameras, lenses matter morethan the body in most cases. For a bright sunny day in the botanical gardens, all DSLR cameras, even entry-level ones, will work well. As for noise control, if you only shot at low ISO, then there's nothing to be impressed about. All DSLR cameras will perform well at low ISO.

I explicitly highlighted low ISO in my comments, because I was impressed with the performance of the camera at low ISO. I've been shooting for more than 20 years, and I've used a fair bit of cameras including the high end DSLRs such as the EOS 1Ds Mk III and EOS 5D Mk II. My comments was made comparing the EOS 500D's low ISO performance against other low ISO performance of other cameras, and I feel that it delivers superior sharpness and noise.

I agree that the choice of lenses makes a difference, but so does the sensor. It's a linear process - the choice of lenses, sensors, processing algorithm, post-processing techniques and photography techniques. A weakness in any part of the chain will result in lesser image quality than desired.

I take it from the number of posts you have contributed that you're an old bird too. I just wanted to share my impression of this seemingly humble DSLR. The Canon EOS 500D definitely delivered more than what I expected it to.

The EF-S 18-55 IS doesn't look like much, but I'm pretty impressed with this kit lens. Some of the shots had diffraction issues at the very close macro range, but other than that it's pretty good. Hope to try out other lenses next weekend with the EOS 500D.

[rexter]

Originally Posted by Rashkae What is important to you? Picture quality, an all-in-one solution, something with video?

Well I think the photo quality of Pan FZ28 is good enough for me. Sometimes I like to take short video clips so I'm not sure if I would regret taking a DSLR without any video feature.

How about Nikon D5000?

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Neo Just tried out the Canon EOS 500D yesterday... we took some shots at the Botanical Gardens... damn impressive for a camera of this class! The sharpness is very good, and so is the noise control (didn't try it at high ISO though... the weather was just too sunny!).

It's the lenses that matters, the body is secondary. U try it under low lighting, high ISO with no flash and see if u still agree with your statement.

[Anson]

Originally Posted by rexter Well I think the photo quality of Pan FZ28 is good enough for me. Sometimes I like to take short video clips so I'm not sure if I would regret taking a DSLR without any video feature.

I have been using FZ50 for several years... I think that video is the least feature that I have used....

[Agent Jx]

well.. in my opinion for the difference of a prosumer and a DSLR..

prosumer cams are the so called "all-in-one" camera, can zoom very far, can record videos, can take decent pictures that allows you to print your photo up to super A3 size. you can even take a telephoto macro picture with a prosumer.. if you want extra zoom, you can get yourself the 1.4x - 3.2x type of TeleConvertors, that may cost up to $150 the most.. Or if you want the wide angle convertors, from 0.45x - 0.7x, costing you at ard $50. so overall, the setup for Prosumer cams are like a compact DSLR but limited dpi image. especially night shooting, it's really hard as prosumer cams produce lots of noise during night photography.

on the other hand, a DSLR, as agree to the others, the lens is the important thing, there are many ranges of lens available, and they do not come cheap. the body is just a secondary item that allows you to process a good quality picture no matter where you are or what time is it. Like many others, spend a good sum of investment amount into a good body, for lens, there's never-ending and it's not $100 lens.. those lens could cost you minimum of $350, and the most expensive at 6 figures..

so it's up to you =]
i used to own a FZ18 before, now im at DSLR stage.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Agent Jx well.. in my opinion for the difference of a prosumer and a DSLR.. prosumer cams are the so called "all-in-one" camera, can zoom very far, can record videos, can take decent pictures that allows you to print your photo up to super A3 size. you can even take a telephoto macro picture with a prosumer.. if you want extra zoom, you can get yourself the 1.4x - 3.2x type of TeleConvertors, that may cost up to $150 the most.. Or if you want the wide angle convertors, from 0.45x - 0.7x, costing you at ard $50. so overall, the setup for Prosumer cams are like a compact DSLR but limited dpi image. especially night shooting, it's really hard as prosumer cams produce lots of noise during night photography. on the other hand, a DSLR, as agree to the others, the lens is the important thing, there are many ranges of lens available, and they do not come cheap. the body is just a secondary item that allows you to process a good quality picture no matter where you are or what time is it. Like many others, spend a good sum of investment amount into a good body, for lens, there's never-ending and it's not $100 lens.. those lens could cost you minimum of $350, and the most expensive at 6 figures.. so it's up to you =] i used to own a FZ18 before, now im at DSLR stage.

The downside of the extreme zoom is that usually at the tele end, the pic quality is pretty bad. High ISO noise is also another problem.

[Rashkae]

Also note that video mode on DSLR cameras is still in infancy, and you'll suffer from the rolling shutter effects, such as "jello legs" while panning, etc.

I think you're better off with a prosumer.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Rashkae Also note that video mode on DSLR cameras is still in infancy, and you'll suffer from the rolling shutter effects, such as "jello legs" while panning, etc. I think you're better off with a prosumer.

If really want video, might as well get a video camera.

[rexter]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle If really want video, might as well get a video camera.

I had a compact camera with camcorder before and I found it a hassle to have two with me. Moreover sometimes I switch from photo to video then back again so it is even more troublesome.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by rexter I had a compact camera with camcorder before and I found it a hassle to have two with me. Moreover sometimes I switch from photo to video then back again so it is even more troublesome.

Best is to have a dedicated device which solely concentrates on its primary function. IMO those all-in-one thingy are just not up to standard.

[deklan]

Originally Posted by rexter I'm in a dilemma of buying a prosumer or DSLR camera. Tested out Panasonic FZ28 myself and I'm impressed by the photo and zoom quality but seems like everyone is upgrading to DSLR nowadays. Have tried out many DSLR before and I like it as well. The only problem is it doesn't have video feature except for some models which I don't take them in consideration. Can anyone please advise me or recommend me which model to buy? Thanks.

If you're impressed and satisfied with the FZ28, then get it! doest matter what others are getting... alot of pple are getting dslr nowadays but alot of these pple are not satisfied with it, mainly because they have no clue about what they are working with.
If the FZ28 suits you, and you're happy with it, case closed already! BBB

[DiGdUb]

how about wait for the panasonic GH1? it should be coming really soon and has autofocus for video as well, if its within your budget.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by rexter I'm in a dilemma of buying a prosumer or DSLR camera. Tested out Panasonic FZ28 myself and I'm impressed by the photo and zoom quality but seems like everyone is upgrading to DSLR nowadays. Have tried out many DSLR before and I like it as well. The only problem is it doesn't have video feature except for some models which I don't take them in consideration. Can anyone please advise me or recommend me which model to buy? Thanks.

Not even the newly announced Nikon D5000?

[rexter]

Originally Posted by lsisaxon Not even the newly announced Nikon D5000?

I'm taking Nikon D5000 and Panasonic GH1 into consideration but does anyone have any idea when they will come out?

[vince123123]

Actually both matters.

Originally Posted by Snoweagle It's the lenses that matters, the body is secondary. U try it under low lighting, high ISO with no flash and see if u still agree with your statement.

[night86mare]

Originally Posted by rexter I'm in a dilemma of buying a prosumer or DSLR camera. Tested out Panasonic FZ28 myself and I'm impressed by the photo and zoom quality but seems like everyone is upgrading to DSLR nowadays. Have tried out many DSLR before and I like it as well. The only problem is it doesn't have video feature except for some models which I don't take them in consideration. Can anyone please advise me or recommend me which model to buy? Thanks.

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