Super zoom DigiCam Purchase in Hyderabad

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Lord Nemesis

Lord Nemesis

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Last year, I wanted to gift my mom with a Super Zoom Camera for Christmas, but for some reasons that plan did not materialize. So I am going to that this time around.

Any way's I will be back home in Hyderabad for Christmas this year. Are there any decent showrooms where we can checkout cameras in the flesh before purchase? (Prices should also be decent however).

I have also noticed that many of the models which I had researched last year are out of the game and the avg prices of super zooms have somehow sky rocketed. I will need suggestions for the model as well. The camera has to support good zoom for distance shots as well as macro shots and still remain easy to operate. Point and Shoot operation is an absolute must have although having manual control in addition would be nice to have.

20k is the max budget limit and it would be nice to have some warranty. The models that seem to fit the bill.

Kodak Z980 (12MP, 24X Zoom)

Panasonic FZ35/38 (12MP, 18X Zoom)

Olympus 590UZ (12MP, 26X Zoom)

There is also the Nikon P90 and the entry level Nikon L100, but I heard that Nikon P90 tends to introduce more noise than its contenders under super zoom. Are there any other models that I should be aware of.
 
The Panasonic FZ35/38 is the best among those you have narrowed-down to. RAW imagery is present incase you make use of that. :)

FZ35 will set you back by 18.5k imo.

btw, check this video tour of the FZ35, it's amazing the way they have tested all the features in one video.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 / FZ35 review: video review in High Definition | Cameralabs

Also, check out Canon SX20 IS, although it is way out of your budget (26k locally). I ordered it through KMD for 21.5k. Its a bit bulkier than the latter. Does NOT have RAW, but has 20x zoom and an articulating screen(movable) and a hot-shoe for external flashguns. As far as the online reviews are concerned, i did not notice any IQ loss when compared to the FZ35.. well maybe on higher ISO levels, but again who needs a full-fledged 12mp snap which weighs 5mb/snap?

I also checked the Nikon P90 at Croma and I just didnt like it.
Not enough grip.
Produces grainy images when zoomed.
A not-so-powerful flash.
Slow UI.. etc

Heard a lot of -ve things about the Olympus and Kodak.

Do check with BF1983 for more info, oh and yes.. post the same thread on LensWorth.in - Indian Photography Forum. You might get a few professional responses o'er there ;)
 
Canon SX 200 IS, 12 Mp, 12x Zoom, super compact, grey 16k, with bill 20.5 & 2 yr warranty

and comes in 3 diff colours
 
Look no Further.... Head away straight to the Panny FZ35/38

Its awesome cam.... N the LEICA lens wont dissappoint u man !

Dont even think of a Nikon if it aint a SLR ... n just forget Kodak n Olympus
 
Go for the Panasonic FZ 35 with your eyes closed. It is that good a camera. However, if it seems a bit too bulky, especially since it is to be used by your mom, then you should consider the compact Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (ZS3 as it is known in the US).

I had a similar dilemma last week, and I chose the TZ7 above the FZ35, because a small form factor and portability was my first requirement, apart from awesome features of course. :)
I haven't yet bought it, but have already located the best deal in all of India. Will be getting it soon.
axeman said:
Canon SX 200 IS, 12 Mp, 12x Zoom, super compact, grey 16k, with bill 20.5 & 2 yr warranty
and comes in 3 diff colours
Click to expand...

No doubt it is a great camera, especially with those variety of bright body colors, but its only and biggest drawback is - the 12x super zoom cannot be used while recording videos! I mean who makes a camera, with HD recording, and doesn't make use of the super zoom ? That was the back breaker for me, and I chose the Panasonic TZ7 over the Canon SX200 IS.
 
go for panny Fz35/38 as suggested by many.

it may be tough to find panny in hyd since it is very new ot market.
Its already available in grey market though for around 18k

Best shop in hyd for camera's is
VG Chimalgi, RP Road, Secbad ,
It has dealers with decent knowledge and nice after sale support also

If you need other stores

Shetala cameras and third eye are 2 more.
 
V. G. Chimalgi, R. P. Road is a very old & reputed outlet. The pricing is not very competitive there. You can also try Jyothi Art Studio on R. P. Road which is walking distance from Chimalgi or try IIIrd eye outlet in Banjara Hills. For all your purchases in Gray market you can go to Pappu's Shop which is in Kothi. He is a reputed seller too. I have used Panasonic Camers and later shifted to canon because of some features but I prefer the Lumix lens of Panasonic any day.
Hope this helps,
Srinivas.
 
Lord Nemesis said:
Thanks for all the replies guy's. Is the FZ35/38 easily available in the gray market in Hyd?
Click to expand...

FZ28 was available at Pappu's electronics easily about 4 months or so back, so am guessing those should too
 
I'd strongly recommend the Panasonic TZ7 over the FZ35!

Smaller, lighter, wider-angler and bigger screen! All with a solid 12x zoom. Unless of course, if your mom prefers big bulky cameras!
 
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^^ already have a compact digi cam (although its not a super zoom) , so its pointless to get a compact again with limited zoom and compromises in other features because of the form factor while spending almost nearly the same as cams like FZ35.

Besides, weight and bulkiness is not so much of a problem as learning curve. My mom previously used to click photos with an Alfa Film camera with detachable lenses and separate flash gun and that easily weighed more than 500~600 gms in total.
 
The prices are gradually growing for this cam and the stocks depleting everywhere, so I just finished ordering the FZ35 from solardigicam on ebay. However I will need a nice pouch/carrying case for this as well. There are tonnes of camera carrying cases on ebay and I am not sure what to get. So can someone link me to a decent carrying case for the FZ35.
 
@Lord Nemesis: Apologies for stereo-typing the "mom" character. :) If she's used film cameras with flash-guns, the FZ35 will be a toy to use!

The biggest superzoom - the Canon SX20IS - feels like a piddly little compact in front of a full-frame SLR, so am sure she'll love the FZ35. :D

Cheers!

Payne
 
Bomb said:
Try to get "LowePro" or "CaseLogic" bags from Ebay. These are the best in quality.

I found a couple of links on Ebay :

eBay India: Case Logic SLR Camera Holster SLRC1 (item 280439445383 end time 23-Dec-2009 12:56:20 IST)

eBay India: Case Logic SLR Camera Holster SLRC200 (item 260524489110 end time 23-Dec-2009 14:01:17 IST)

Else visit your nearest "Croma" Store. They keep LowePro and Caselogic camera cases.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the links, Can you tell me which model no's of LowePro would be suitable for the FZ35. There are a tonne of these as well on smartshoppers.in.
 
@Lord Nemesis: If it is possible, I'd suggest you go out and check these out at a store and only then buy one.

A bag is a very personal choice and it'd be great if you can wait till you get the FZ35 in your hands and then take it to a store and try it out.
 
Got the cam from solardigicam in a record 20 hours from order on ebay to delivery at my home in Hyd.

As for the case, I could not find the Lowepro Apex 110AW online anywhere in India. Neither eBay or even smartshoppers.in which had a considerable collection of Lowepro cases has this specific model in stock.

@D.Payne, I would love to check out the cases personally before buying one, but the I am not very keen on the idea of running around in Hyd to find the perfect bag considering most of these places are very far off from my home.
 
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