Advice on purchasing a Z3

[lem7]

After looking at many cameras, and having purchased a 5600 flash for

my Maxxum 7, I am considering purchasing a Z3. I have seen several

sites gripe about the sharpness of the photographs. However, I have

not seen any examples of problems.

 

Do any of you shoot with a Z3? Have you had any problems with shots

not being tack sharp? Specifically, I plan to use the camera for

the macro option, portraits, and sports photography.

 

Thanks for any comments!

[jamesdak]

Well, I bought a Panasonic DMC FZ10 last year to "save" money on all the film I shoot shooting my kids sports. But, this summer I put it away and just broke out the Maxxum 7 again. It's hard to compare a digital P&S to the quality you get from your SLR. If your are used to the Maxxum 7's great pictures you will probably be disappointed with a Digital P&S's abilities. Why not consider a 7D?

[scott_lewis3]

I looked at getting the z3 just to fill in until I can get a 7d but found it way to small for my hands. If you want a Minolta digital then look at the a200 and a2 they cost more but like anything you only get what you pay for

[lem7]

Jim and Scott

 

Thanks for your comments. I considered the 7D. I was extremely excited before I actually got the specifications. It only shoots 3 frames per second. My 7 at least shoots 4. I was really hoping for something in the 6-9fps range approaching the Nikon DH1. I figured with the later release of the 7D it would have a lot more features that other cameras have at a lower price. The cost of a 7D is also prohibitive. For the $1600 ? $1700 you pay for the body, I could purchase a Cannon or Nikon with lenses and flash.

 

The Z3 has many of the "features" I want 15 fps, supermacro mode, hotshoe for the 5600, and it is less than $400. However, as you stated Jim, I am worried about image quality. I wish Photo.net had a way to sort via type of camera. There are so many great photographers on this site; I would like to see what they have done with the equipment. The other telling thing is if anyone uses it.

 

Joe.