Zoom

We all do it when we buy a new camera.
Lets just see how good this zoom lens is!
I saw a hint of sun reflecting off a TV aerial across the road tonight, and a chance for a shot.
First is at 28mm on my Panasonic DMC TZ3
Second is x40 Zoom Shot
Third is a crop from the x40 which I believe is usable.
All hand held on full auto, on a dull evening
I reckon this is a cracker of a lens for a pocket digital
Robert

28mm full wide


Full x40 zoom


Crop from x40

Hope this may of some use to you if you considering a digital camera at this time
robert

 

It looks pretty good to me Robert.

 

Now that's what I call the real deal Robert --
ooops! wrong programme :rolleyes:

Very good zoom pic!:D

 

WoW

 

Yes. the optical is to x10 which is amazing. Plus the digital to x40
Its more like a telescope at those magnifications and all stored away in your pocket!

 

how much was it?

 

Looks good to me.
Joe.

 

Hi Capney, if you dont mind me asking, How much did you pay for your camera, im after a new one...

 

Panasonic Lumix DMZ-TZ3.. Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens also has a nice big 3" screen which suits me.
I payed £235 for mine but no doubt it can be had cheaper now.
Please dont rush out and buy one on my say so. All depends on your own requirement. Go google and check the reviews.
I know photography is not all about Zooming but I have been playing with the settings again and found it I reduce the image from 7Mp to 4.5 I can now zoom to 50.3. also if I further reduce image size to 2.5Mp Zoom now goes to an amazing x60.
Two pictures first 4.5Mp F4.9 1/640sec ISO100 x50.3
Second is 2.5Mp F4.9 1/640sec ISO100 x60


Second is 2.5Mp F4.9 1/640sec ISO100 x60

 

Must say I'm very impressed and surprised by the digital zoom effect Robert it looks very unpixelated.
Have you tried comparing the effects of 'zooming' a hi-res 7Mp photo via software on your PC with one zoomed (optical + digital) on the camera? Reason I ask is that conventional wisdom was that it was better doing it on a PC.
With regard to getting a bigger zoom effect by reducing image file size from 7Mp to 2.5Mp that's 4.5 Mp of data being 'lost'. It may not make a lot of difference when viewing on a PC, but have you tried/compared the effect on an A4 print?

 

I see where you are coming from Dave, and very good points you make.
I shall try the idea of zooming on the hi res shot on the PC.
One advantage I can see is that there is least risk of image blur due to camera shake with a zoomed hi res PC image then a camera lower res high zoom image.
Those pictures do say a lot about the Panasonic anti vib system being very good.
I shall post more results soon.
robert

 

Robert, our cameras are sort of similar, mine is the DMC FZ7 10X and all my holiday pics were taken hand held, the Humming birds were taken at 16x using the extra optical zoom which reduced the pix rate from 7 to 3. Even at this rate you can still get a good shot showing the image stabilizer really works. I haven't tried enhancing any pics but yours are coming on really well. Can't praise the Panasonic range enough apart from probs with extreme close ups.

 

From the way you describe the zooming by reducing the pixel count, it sounds exactly like what digital zooming does, they just use the pixels from the centre of the image, presumably they then do some crafty software enhancement in the camera to reduce any pixellation effects.

Comparing the 2 pics of the pigeon on the aerial, the second one at 2.5Mp is definitely less sharp than the first at 4.5Mp. As you say it could be at least partly due to camera shake, you wouldn't be able to tell for certain unless you magnify considerably on screen AKA "pixel peeping".

The Panasonics do seem to do a better job than some of the other compacts on the market, for quite a few applications they are possibly better value for money than some DSLRs, it's only when you come in to more specialised fields that DSLRs take over, real close ups and high magnifications, sports, low light work, and some wildlife and any work that needs really large prints.

 

Morning all
Picking up on Mikes last paragrapth, I have to agree. but for me the biggest plus with my panasonic is I can put it in my pocket.!
I decided a few year ago in my film days I had a mountian of kit to hump around and also another mountain at home to set up before I could see the results. Those days I vowed I shall never go back to.
I understand the reasons why if you are earning your keep from photography the need for DSLR and lens etc: Fact is I was looking at the Nikons and the Canons the other day but I resisted temptation.
A few features I do miss on the Panasonic are, no viewfinder, a few more manual controls would be nice. and close up work is restricted by an otherwise amazing Leica lens. I believe also there may be issues with action shots without a viewfinder. I have yet to explore this avenue.
Ok I,m off to capture a moment in time.....