Camera Lenses

kah22

Camera Lenses

I hope to buy a new Bridge Camera.  Possibly the Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX880 but it doesn’t quit fit the bill.

There is one issue that throws me and that’s the way lenses sizes are measured .  When I was more into cameras I easily understood what a standard lens was or a telephoto lens was.  I’m not to sure that’s the case now!   

If I’m reading it correctly the Panasonic is supplied with a LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens which when fitted gives the Optical Zoom gives 24-64 (taken fron Which? Online.) That confuse me!  In old money is that basically the same as a 24-64 zoom lens.

While the Panasonic is my choice at the moment, I would hope to trace a camera which in old money would give me something like a 24-80 or even 110 but then that’s probably asking to much on a budget of around £500

I’d be glad of your views

ps Maybe a quick question a number of cameras seem to come without a viewfinder, would you consider this a major drawback

debitcardmayhem

kah22 said:

Camera Lenses
.....

ps Maybe a quick question a number of cameras seem to come without a viewfinder, would you consider this a major drawback

I think it is especially on the one day the Sun is bright ... probably sometime this July

cymruchris

Yes - 24-64mm equivalent of an old style full-frame sensor on a DSLR or a 35mm film body. So a widish zoom (but not very wide) to just beyond the old 50mm standard lens. So in other words, not a lot of reach to get closer to something.

Many, many, many new cameras come either without a viewfinder, or an electronic viewfinder - but I still prefer a real viewfinder for those sunny days. 

wongataa

kah22 said:

Camera Lenses

I hope to buy a new Bridge Camera.  Possibly the Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX880 but it doesn’t quit fit the bill.

That camera isn't a bridge camera. It is a micro 4/3 camera - a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with the 4/3 size sensor and the micro 4/3 lens mount.  Bridge cameras do not have interchangeable lenses.

There is one issue that throws me and that’s the way lenses sizes are measured .  When I was more into cameras I easily understood what a standard lens was or a telephoto lens was.  I’m not to sure that’s the case now!   

If I’m reading it correctly the Panasonic is supplied with a LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens which when fitted gives the Optical Zoom gives 24-64 (taken fron Which? Online.) That confuse me!  In old money is that basically the same as a 24-64 zoom lens.

While the Panasonic is my choice at the moment, I would hope to trace a camera which in old money would give me something like a 24-80 or even 110 but then that’s probably asking to much on a budget of around £500

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX880 can use different lenses. You can buy a lenses of different focal lengths for it. It will take any micro 4/3 lens.

Martin_the_Unjust

If zoom is important and you want a bridge camera, something like this would seem to fit your budget
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-cameras/1890806/

Can’t change the lens though (but would you need to?)

Sandtree

kah22 said:
Correctly the Panasonic is supplied with a LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens which when fitted gives the Optical Zoom gives 24-64 (taken fron Which? Online.) That confuse me!  In old money is that basically the same as a 24-64 zoom lens.

Yes and no

Its easiest to imagine it as its using a 12-32mm lens, cropping the photo to 25% and then enlarging it up to full size. As a result the "zoom" would be the same as if it were a 24-64mm lens however depth of field will remain that of a 12-32mm. This is why cameraphones even with telephoto lenses that they are having to use software to blur the background in "portrait mode" etc

Farway

kah22 said:

Camera Lenses

I hope to buy a new Bridge Camera.  Possibly the Panasonic LUMIX DC-GX880 but it doesn’t quit fit the bill.

There is one issue that throws me and that’s the way lenses sizes are measured .  When I was more into cameras I easily understood what a standard lens was or a telephoto lens was.  I’m not to sure that’s the case now!   

If I’m reading it correctly the Panasonic is supplied with a LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens which when fitted gives the Optical Zoom gives 24-64 (taken fron Which? Online.) That confuse me!  In old money is that basically the same as a 24-64 zoom lens.

While the Panasonic is my choice at the moment, I would hope to trace a camera which in old money would give me something like a 24-80 or even 110 but then that’s probably asking to much on a budget of around £500

I’d be glad of your views

ps Maybe a quick question a number of cameras seem to come without a viewfinder, would you consider this a major drawback

Have a search on "Crop Factor" ref focal length, it's linked to sensor size, with the 4/3 system the focal length is double as you found out, which can be very useful at times, wildlife for instance

The option of a view finder I think would be ideal, but depends on how you intend using it, always indoors or maybe macro maybe not so critical

You could check second hand bodies to fit your budget, not from a some mystery e bay seller but somewhere with a guarantee, like MPB or WEX

You will find loads of reviews on You Tube for camera makes / models / lenses, well worth a look

You will find used DSLRs tend to be cheaper now due to the rise of mirror less cameras, so you really can get a lot of excellent used bang for your buck

photodgm

Martin_the_Unjust said:

If zoom is important and you want a bridge camera, something like this would seem to fit your budget
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-cameras/1890806/

I can't speak for this camera but if it fits your needs, look here for prices https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/
Personally I wouldn't buy a camera without a viewfinder.
IMHO the best camera for any individual depends on a range of things starting with what type of subjects are being photographed and what you want to do with the images (share online, print at 6x4 or print a poster). If you could give some details I'm sure people on here could give some helpful suggestions.

cymruchris

And if you are looking to buy new - and you want to be a money saver - and don't mind a grey import you'll find some decent prices on websites such as Panamoz, DigitalRev and E-infinity, all three of whom are based in Hong Kong, ship to the UK, and offer full warranties. (The reputation of Panamoz out of the three appears to be the highest across the photographic community). I've used all three without issue.

Farway

cymruchris said:

And if you are looking to buy new - and you want to be a money saver - and don't mind a grey import you'll find some decent prices on websites such as Panamoz, DigitalRev and E-infinity, all three of whom are based in Hong Kong, ship to the UK, and offer full warranties. (The reputation of Panamoz out of the three appears to be the highest across the photographic community). I've used all three without issue.

Did you have VAT or import duties levied on delivery?

A._Badger

I'm another who wouldn't have a camera without a decent viewfinder. I've yet to find a rear screen that is much use on a bright, sunny day, even on a decent quality DSLR.