john_mccormack

November 17, 2009

I recommend the Panasonic FZ35 (38 in Europe). It's small, light and the lens resolution is very good. Its sensor can be noisy but the 35/38s are much better than the older Panasonics.

Check some of the reviews.

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.photoreview.com.au/Panasonic/reviews/advanced/panasonic-lumix-dmcfz35.aspx" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ38 review at PhotoReview</a></td>

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/FZ35/FZ35A.HTM" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ35 review at Imaging-resource</a></td>

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ35_FZ38/" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ35/FZ38 review at CameraLabs</a></td>

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz35-review" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ35 review at DCResource</a></td>

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2009/07/28/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ38/p1" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ38 review at TrustedReviews</a></td>

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<td width="100%"><a href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fz38_review/" target="_blank">Panasonic DMC-FZ38 review at PhotographyBLOG</a></td>

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Here's a link to the Panasonic page on the camera:<a href="http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/fz35_fz38/index.html">Pana Home Page for DMC-FZ35/DMC-FZ38 | PRODUCTS | LUMIX | Digital Camera | Panasonic Global</a>

October 31, 2009

Ricoh has this feature on some cameras. I think the R10 has it.

September 29, 2009

Here's a good general resource: <a href="http://www.onebag.com/">One Bag.com</a>

September 19, 2009

Yes, you need an adapter to attach a macro lens to the G series cameras. Here's a good source:

http://www.lensmateonline.com/

I'd go with the G11, but it's not available yet. Canon is using a new 10MP sensor that should be very good indeed. The smaller S90 uses the same sensor and the first sample images with it look very good. Check here: http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canons90_preview/

The G11 images will probably be even better as the lens on the G11 should be superior to the S90's - but that remains to be seen.

September 15, 2009

Poor samples overall. Fair examples for shots taken in foggy/misty conditions, I guess. I post processed a couple and the clean up okay. They are a bit better than the S90 samples on the same site.

September 11, 2009

I've heard good things about INCA tours. Not cheap but very good. I have no connection with them, but they were recommended on one of the Amateur Traveler podcasts about the Galapagos, where they also tour. Check out these links.

http://www.inca1.com/

http://amateurtraveler.com/2007/05/05/episode-89-the-galapagos-islands/

August 26, 2009

I'm pretty sure B&H sold out of their first shipment pretty fast. I know of several posters on the Panasonic forum at <a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033">Dpreview.com</a> who did order from B&H and have their cameras in the mail. You might want to check www.Vanns.com - http://www.vanns.com/shop/index.jsp - (very reputable dealer from whom I purchased my FZ18) in the next week or so. They advised me by email that their shipment would be arriving within a week.

August 13, 2009

August 13, 2009

I just returned from Amsterdam last week. Many great photo opps along the main streets and canals. Was there for the Gay Pride parade on the canals on August 1st. 800,000 people were in attendance. A real wild scene.

I'd also recommend a visit to Zaanse Schanze, which is a restored (touristy) windmill village about 25 minutes by train outside Amsterdam. Here are a few pics from the trip:

http://jpmccormac.smugmug.com/gallery/9206012_vCLJM/1/617441006_vKgRC

http://jpmccormac.smugmug.com/gallery/9245638_Xs8rK/1/617289301_9XeZq

http://jpmccormac.smugmug.com/photos/617441645_Dyszb-S.jpg

July 12, 2009

LX3 for sure. I use it a lot for travel.

July 11, 2009

My US-sold ZS3 has only two language options: English and Spanish.

June 23, 2009

SX110. I have a friend who got one with the Canon Loyalty program and is very happy with it.

May 23, 2009

I suggest you download one of the better free programs such as Google's Picasa 3 - <a href="http://picasa.google.com/features.html">http://picasa.google.com/features.html</a> - or FastStone Image Viewer -http://www.faststone.org/ - and forget using Finepix Viewer. Picasa has some nice editing features and FastStone is quite fast.

May 21, 2009

The latest version of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) supports the .RW2 RAW files from the FZ28, so if you have ACR installed you can edit the .RW2 files directly within PE7.

May 16, 2009

I've used Paint Shop Pro for years - but - I don't think they are keeping up with developments in post processing. I just uninstalled PSP X2, since I rarely use it. Corel is VERY slow about supporting new RAW formats. Elements is probably a better choice, and it lets one use ACR directly from the application.

May 8, 2009

1. How to access firmware version should be listed in the manual. If you don't have a manual, you can download a .pdf from Panasonic.

2. I don't see any updates for LC1 on the Panasonic site. Have you checked the Panasonic firmware upgrade site?Try here:

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/index.html or http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/220239/index.html#anker_220239

May 4, 2009

I cruised to NZ in January, so it was summer there. The fjords are fantastic. Other nice spots are the Otaga peninsula, Napier and Dunedin area on the Otaga peninsula I recommend Back to Nature Tours in Dunedin, but they probably don't work in the winter. The people are warm and friendly everywhere. I have some snaps posted here, FWIW: <a href="http://www.pbase.com/jpmccormac/new_zealand">New Zealand</a>

April 30, 2009

Ouch! I assume it's still under warranty? You can always send it in to Panasonic's service center. They did a good job on my FZ18, with a quick turn around. The service center in the Chicago area is a contractor for Panasonic. I think the name is Bigston Corp. http://www.bigston.com/

April 22, 2009

I use the Lensmate adapter on my LX3. Go to http://lensmateonline.com/newsite/LeicaLX3.html The price is reasonable and the quality and service from Lensmate is excellent (I have no affiliation with the company.)

April 9, 2009

The function you describe cannot be set on the LX3. It can be set on the super zoom Panasonics, like the FZ18 and FZ28 though.

April 2, 2009

I'll second the FZ28. I had the FZ18 and moved up the FZ28, which has a bit better noise handling and few more bells and whistles than the FZ18. For traveling it's hard to beat.

March 9, 2009

Your size and price restrictions don't leave a lot of options. The GX200 - maybe. I love the FZ28 for its long zoom and RAW or maybe you can find an older FZ18 (but it doesn't have the image quality of the FZ28, IMO). Look at this site for a whole list of RAW shooters:

http://rawsumer.1001noisycameras.com/2007/07/list-of-rawsumers-work-in-progress.html

March 6, 2009

24mm is great for landscapes. I leave my D-SLR at home when I go on a cruise and take my FZ28 and LX3. Works for me.

February 24, 2009

I have a Rebel Xt and a bunch of lenses, but when I travel I usually end up using my LX3 for most everything but wildlife. It's a great little tool with a fine fast lens. <img src="http://www.pbase.com/jpmccormac/image/109547365/large.jpg" alt="" />

February 15, 2009

While in Barcelona I heard about this scam/mugging scenario from several locals: while passing a building entry or alleyway the tourist will be "accidentally" hit with a spray of noxious water/liquid by a "merchant." The merchant will approach and apologize or offer to clean the damage if you step into his "store." Don't do it! You will be at the mercy of a pickpocket or worse. Later in our trip we met a couple that had this happen to them. The wife was wearing a lot of jewelry so she was easy prey. Personally, I never had a problem. Just use common sense and stick to well traveled areas.

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Posts posted by john_mccormack