Nikon D3200 or Lumix GX1

[matt3001]

For the past year or so I have been using a Lumix TZ20, which I love and get some great shots from, especially the trade off on quality and size.

However, next year I have a busy year of travelling, Iceland (Northern lights), Jordan, Rally Portugal, Skomer Island and a month in China. So in order to do the aforementioned justice think an upgrade around xmas time may be necessary.

This has left me in a quandary; I love the practicality of the compact camera which lead me to look at the Lumix GX1 with its power zoom lens? Will this give me a quality bump in images that I need?

Also, I have been looking at the D3200, I think this provides better value for money than the Panny, and looks very compact for a dSLR, however, if I can get just as good images from the Panny then I would pay the extra for the convenience of carrying a smaller camera.

Would like to get some thoughts,

[marctwo]

The GX1 is an excellent camera. The best thing you could do is go to a shop and try them for size / ergonomics. I don't think there will be a massive difference in IQ but you might really appreciate having something smaller and lighter with you when travelling. As well as the zoom you might want to consider at least one fast prime for low light; the 20mm f1.7 would be a good choice and keep the compact form factor.

[matt3001]

I also have a bit of a Noddy question.

The GX1 has a 14-42mm lens. How does this compare with the zoom on my TZ20? Just as far?

[mids]

At the moment your TZ20 gives you 24-384mm (in 35mm equiv.) and the GX1 with that lens would give you 28-84 as Lumix m43 cameras have a 2x crop factor.

So, nowhere near as far but m43 obviously gives you the option to change lenses and there are long zooms out there that would go further than the 384mm if you need it.

[sneaky schnell]

Agreed.

Also, for the Panasonic there are various lenses in the 45-200mm (90-400mm equivalent) range which would give you most of the lenght you might need.

These are also significantly smaller and cheaper than a comparable lens would be for an SLR.

[matt3001]

Noted.

Or do I keep the TZ20 and just get a D3200 as well? I also have two lenses from my old Nikon F75 which I believe would work on a D3200. Or do I look used and get a D5100?

There was a really good second hand website that someone posted a while back, that told you how many shutter actuations had been done per used camera etc.

As you can tell I am very confused.

[marctwo]

matt3001 said:

Noted.

Or do I keep the TZ20 and just get a D3200 as well? I also have two lenses from my old Nikon F75 which I believe would work on a D3200. Or do I look used and get a D5100?

There was a really good second hand website that someone posted a while back, that told you how many shutter actuations had been done per used camera etc.

As you can tell I am very confused.

I think you have to ask yourself: what is it about my current camera that is limiting me?

A 'better' camera does not equal better photos. In fact, the more complicated the camera is, the more scope for you to mess up. The best investment you can make is to learn the equipment you have. If you find that it is the limiting factor then, by all means, upgrade. Otherwise just spend some time on YouTube to learn more about photography. This guy explains things quite well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O29OCSg96Y&lis...

[matt3001]

Thanks for the link, very useful. I am happy with the TZ20 and do use it in S and A modes occasionally.

Just when you hear that the sensor in the this and that are much better, you assume that its worth the upgrade even if I just used the GX1 in auto 60% of the time...

One of my biggest concerns is trying to snap the Northern Lights in Iceland, whilst I am not after something worthy of a submission to the Royal Observatory I would like to capture something half decent.

For this I know I need a decent tripod (I had a 70-100 budget?), playing with the camera in S last night, it seems that the longest shutter period I can get it to do is 8 seconds.

Would this at say ISO400 (800?) be enough to capture the lights well on a tripod?

[marctwo]

Looks like 8 seconds would not be enough:

http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/knowledgesafety/...

Check the see if your camera has a 'b' (bulb) mode.

I am not trying to put you off upgrading, but you just need to know what you are getting into. Interchangable lens cameras are a complete money pit!

[matt3001]

Ah ok, it seems that the TZ20 has a starry sky mode that allows for exposures of 15, 30 and 60 seconds.

Will have a look at this tonight. Obviously worth trying out with some night scenery when I get the tripod before parting with more money.....