FZ18 v FZ50

[MalR]

I am currently considering buying one of these cameras and have been reading numerous reviews. Both are considered worth buying, but both are said to suffer from a fairly high level of noise, certainly at anything over ISO200.

The specs show that the FZ18 has a 1/2.5inch sensor with 8 megapixels, while the FZ50 has a 1/1.8inch sensor with 10.1 megapixels. Is it a general principle that a larger sensor + fewer megapixels = more noise? Or is the reverse - small sensor + more megapixels = noise?

Apologies if this is a dumb question - I'm on a learning curve here!!!

[nok]

I've just bought the FZ18 (awaiting delivery) and can't wait to get it in the field. Reviews of this cam are very good and i've seen a lot of shots taken with it. Noise isn't that worrying and even if it were, theres always 'noise ninja'
I'll post results when i have them..

[kittykat23uk]

Me too! took mine out yesterday so will try and get some shots up on the web asap.

ETA and here they are:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8773601@N03/sets/72157602613555322/

[RAH]

Is it a general principle that a larger sensor + fewer megapixels = more noise? Or is the reverse - small sensor + more megapixels = noise?


Small sensor + more megapixels = noise. Otherwise, we'd have 20MP cameras with tiny sensors. In the point and shoot world (superzooms are a subcategory of these), the size of the sensor is pretty much the same for most of the cameras - i.e. they are all small. So you won't find many folks talking about the size of P&S sensors, except to say they are small and as they increase the number of pixels the noise gets worse.

Where you find larger sensors is with DSLRs. They all have larger sensors than point and shoots, but within DSLRs themselves some have larger sensors than others. So even in this world, the larger the sensor the less noise for a given number of pixels (as a general rule).

[Stevie babe]

I have an FZ50 & very pleased with it. I'm not looking at profesional standards or I'd probably have got a Canon SLR plus a multitude of lenses - as far as the purse will allow.

I have found that using the manual control produces far superior pictures than any of the automatic settings.

I have loads of pictures that are clear and have received appreciative criticism. As with anyone there is a massive percentage of duff pictures to sort out of those you want to keep.

Steve

[MalR]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. Since my first post I have actually bought the FZ18. Still getting to grips with it but it looks very promising. Of course the image quality is nothing like that from a DSLR, but it suits my purposes for the moment. And I love how portable it is. Hardly seems like you're carrying any extra weight at all. I've certainly been able to get some shots that I would never have got with my digiscoping set-up.

Malcolm

[kittykat23uk]

Thought this was an interesting article on the FZ18 http://artzen2.com/artzen2-0047.htm

[NoSpringChicken]

That is an interesting article, Jo. It makes me feel better as my camera doesn't allow RAW shooting.

Ron

[kittykat23uk]

a few more birding shots with the FZ18:

Great spotted woodpecker- nowhere near as close as the ones I got digiscping, but might try and crop it later- although I quite like the pic as a habitat shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8773601@N03/1813404724/in/set-72157602613555322/

long tailed tits had to post process this because the bird was in heavy shadow- the light was coming from the side.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8773601@N03/1812555955/in/set-72157602613555322/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8773601@N03/1812553869/in/set-72157602613555322/

[SteveC]

This site has a really good review of the fz18 plus a video review which really shows off the zoom.
Check it out:
http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/superzooms/best_super_zoom_camera.shtml

[MalR]

Some very interesting articles there on the FZ18. So far I have just shot Jpegs and have been impressed with their quality. I've attached one or two that I took a couple of days ago. The light was good, they were all at ISO 100 with exposure set to minus one third. All taken at maximum zoom.

Malcolm

[kittykat23uk]

Nice shots!

[kittykat23uk]

There is now a full review of the FZ18 over on dpreview.com.

And a little stonechat from me below!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2053/1885538806_a66d5b9545_b.jpg

[SteveC]

Well I've taken the plunge and I pick my FZ18 up tomorrow. His a good tip if you are looking to buy one, just because it says "web only offer" on the website doesnt mean the shop wont match the price, I went into Comet where the camera was £299, I asked if they would do the price on their website and was suprised when they agreed, so I'm getting the camera for £254 which I think isn't a bad price.

Will let you all know what I think of the camera in a few days.

[firstreesjohn]

Has any FZ50 owner bought the FZ18 . . . and regretted it ?

I'm having another FZ50, as part settlement of an insurance claim, and have started wondering if I should exchange with a dealer, etc, in favour of an FZ18- before I open the box.

What has hitherto put me off upgrading (?) is the lack of a manual focus ring on the FZ18. Do current users find the joystick manual focus difficult to use ? Often birds perch behind twigs etc (very inconsiderate of them) and using auto focus results in a blurred image.

Many thanks.

[Alan G]

Personally I wouldn't swap the manual zoom and manual focussing rings of the FZ50 for the extra reach of the FZ18.

And I wouldn't be without the front and rear wheels that are your fingertips for instant adjustment of AV and and AE adjustments.

But - horses for courses, etc.