We all like to look at nice photos and to be able to take photos we are happy with. On occasion I am asked "What camera do you use?" So here's the little beauty behind 99% of my photos - a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. We bought it early last year before our March family driving holiday. Our first digital was reaching the end of its useful life so after a bit of online research, my husband and I chose this Lumix, purchasing it online from Asia (cheaper). Cameras, as with much technology, are often quickly superseded so I'm not sure if this model is even still available (the new DMC-FZ40 has even better specs).
I have photographed it here beside some of my regular 6" x 4" prints so as you can have a better idea of it's dimensions. It has a 27mm wide lens, 18 x optical zoom and 12 mega pixels. It is not an SLR, nor pocket-size, but neither is it too bulky or heavy to carry all day. I use the Intelligent auto setting most of the time.
Above is my cheap, snug camera bag which I purchased locally, taking my camera with me to try out for what suited me best. I fits my camera plus a spare battery in a front pocket. One day I should buy a lens cleaning cloth too. The camera bag came with a strong shoulder strap which I don't usually use as I generally pop my (only) handbag and this camera bag into a larger waterproof shoulder bag when out for the day - both fit neatly end to end.
Last Christmas we bought this little pocket camera, fantastic to take along in your pocket for a walk or slip in my handbag for those just-in-case times. Also great for when I don't need a big zoom or don't want to risk sand/dust/water damage to my "good" camera. The prints in this photo were taken with the Canon, as well as the two photos above of the Lumix.
So that's about it! No extra lenses (although some are available for the Lumix). I have used an old tripod during the last week a couple of times but am not convinced of it's usefulness yet. Over the last week or two I have also experimented with using a sheet of black cardboard to provide a better background in some shots. I happened to have some 12"x12" black card from my scrapbooking supplies, so just grabbed that. Today I was reading that black velour is a good option too as it's non-reflective and would be more easily transported too. I'm not an expert at photography at all, but I do enjoy taking photos! All the more fun when I can share them with you too ;)
NB I edit most of my photos, using iPhoto which we already had as part of a software package.
UPDATE: February 2012 I bought a Raynox Super Macro Conversion Lens (DCR-250) and adaptor ring. It's wonderful. You read about it and can see it with my camera here.
Sharing at Little Somethings: Cameras.
15 comments:
I wondered how you made the background black, now the cat's out of the bag!
Indeed Deanne. I have caught some flowers still in sunlight while the background is in shadow and had liked the effect. However, this isn't easy to do. The cardboard works well in complete shade too, or even inside at night (with appropriate lighting).
So lovely to see what you are using Karen, I adore your shots. Funny, I've been researching a new camera for the past 2 months and have settled on the exact one you have, but the next model out, FZ40. Hopefully will purchase in the next month or two so it was lovely to read this info. Ta. xo
I've had more than one Panasoninic Lumix and i'm very pleased with them. right now I have a DMC-ZS7, had that for so it's been upgraded as they seem to be very fast these days. As an addition I have a recently bought Nikon P100 that I'm exploring...
Have a nice summer with lots of photos :-)
Beautiful pictures from a proffessional "Gear". The Lumix has a wonderful design. Good ogjects and great shots for you !
Ah, so that's the trick to your brilliantly black backgrounds. Am going to have to try that! Robyn
Always fun to know what's in other's bags!
Thank you for sharing your gear. Your photos prove that these cameras work very well for you!
Thanks for sharing the details on what you use to take such awesome pics!
What a cool way to take a picture of your camera with pictures next to it! Love it!
Tamar
http://goodrandomfun.blogspot.com/2011/01/just-because.html
good post!
I love your post.
Wonderful. I am discovering photography is truly a hands-on experiment, yet reading tips and discoveries from others provides great help. You do a good job of capturing through your lens eye.
Two great cameras!! Wow the Lumix is a real treasure.
oh I like how you set out this post bout your camera; a nice idea. They become such 'a part of us' don't they that it's kind of a dedication. Your 'big' camera is beyond the capabilities of my own. Mine is just 5mp with x12 zoom; I'm really surprised what it manages though considering. Thanks again, for sharing your photographic treasures.
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