rjacksonphoto Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 A friend needs a digicam for soccer photos of the kids. So, reasonably fast long end of the zoom, short shutter lag, 5 MP or better, advanced but non-SLR. Would like to spend less than $500. Any recommendations? I tried searching, found nothing too enlightening although I know this has come up a lot before. He is looking at dpreview right now. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phule Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Panasonic FZ20 at 432mm it's still f/2.8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phule Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 B.t.w. the Panasonic FZ5 is smaller and less expensive but is f/3.3 at 432mm and f/2.8 at 36mm. That might be a decent compromise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjacksonphoto Posted November 1, 2005 Author Share Posted November 1, 2005 Thanks, Rob. The FZ20 looks great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_van_hulle1 Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 Save the money and get the FZ5. FWIW, per DPReview, the 5 focuses faster than the 20 (as I read the full review). That would be important for sports. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstrutz Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 I would either go for the FZ5 or put in a few more bucks & get the FZ30. Sony's H1 is another choice if you can afford their memorysticks. Canon's S2 IS is still another option, but it doesn't focus as fast as the Panasonics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcuknz Posted November 1, 2005 Share Posted November 1, 2005 The key to fast operating, and the FZs are nice and quick transfering data to the file card, is to pre-set focus by knowledge of the game and anticipation of what is likely to occur. Else using the 'half-trigger' technique to quickly pre-set focus and then wait for the 'action' to happen where you have focused while holding half trigger. But beware of the slight time delay inherant with EVFs and LCDs and learn to look around the camera with the spare eye while the other composes the picture through the EVF. As far as taking the actual shot the ordinary digitals are quicker, micro seconds :-), than DSLRs which have to raise the mirror out of the way. Explain to your freind that OIS only helps with his shakey hand and doesn't freeze the action any better than cameras without it. Suggest he also gets something like Paint Shop Pro, a cheap version v.7 onwards which has levels and curves. He can then under-expose by up to two stops [working in S Mode to select the shutter speed needed for the action] and then lifting the under-exposed shots in editing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjacksonphoto Posted November 2, 2005 Author Share Posted November 2, 2005 Thanks for all of the information and suggestions. I've forwarded him all of the responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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