Super Zoom Cameras

[RobertsMx]

To achieve a deep focus image you need a larger f/stop (smaller aperture) of around f/16, preferably f/22 or higher. With this aperture, and assuming you want an image with good detail front, middle, and background everything is in focus. Super zoom cameras apertures usually max out at f/8.

And the reason they max out at f/8 has to do with focal length being very small to begin with. In Nikon P90, for example, the wide angle FL is 4.6mm. And f/2.8 (wide open) leads to 4.6/2.8 = 1.6mm which is already very small. OTOH, on FF sensor, we'd be looking at 28mm/2.8 = 10mm. This is where the DoF equivalence comes into play. Approximately, you'd get the same DOF out of a 28mm lens at f/16 that you would get at 4.6mm at f/2.8 in P90.

[jcuknz]

Just taken in what you wrote Dave and realise I jumped without really taking in what was written
I think though I might be more interested in the FZ70 now I am using MFT though with FZ50's and tele adaptors giving me 750 and 950 at attractive aperture [ f/4.5 ] .... though that airshow photographer was using his FZ200 with x1.5 TA to good purpose.

[jcuknz]

For the record my FZ50 has an f/11 minimum aperture and I read of one aparently going to f/16 but I don't remember the details and that is as good as my SLR 50mm f/1.4 does.

Webmaster .... for some reason, my computer or CiC ? the edit function simply does not work for me ... hence the fresh entry.

[RobertsMx]

For the record my FZ50 has an f/11 minimum aperture and I read of one aparently going to f/16 but I don't remember the details and that is as good as my SLR 50mm f/1.4 does.

The Focal Length on FZ50 started at 7mm or so, as opposed to 4.6mm in P90, so that itself leaves extra room to push into diffraction zone. An aperture of f/11 takes a whole different meaning when "f" is 4.6 or 7mm compared to 50mm.

[CP140]

I'm entering this conversation a wee bit late, but here's my two cents....

I like the Panasonic FZ200. It's got a decent zoom range, can shoot RAW, you can use filters on the lens and the constant 2.8 throughout the zoom range is quite a nice feature. There are enough options (modes, controls, etc) to keep me happy and it's a very capable camera... certainly more capable than I am as a photographer. Is it a compromise.... sure.
Can I live with it? Yes.

There's a number of images taken with the FZ200 in here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/cp140/s...7632891207551/

Just look for images that are named Pxxxxxxx and which are NOT taken under water...

I use mine as a backup to my K30... for when I want a lot of flexibility, but carrying an SLR and a bunch of lenses isn't a viable option. The FZ200, while not exactly "pocketable" is compact enough to toss into a small day pack.

Having said all that, I still grab the K30 when I want to go play.

[jcuknz]

For thoses faced with the problem of a lack of 'filter thread' ... my solution was to fit a step-up ring to the lens and mount the filter on it. Nikon convieniently left me a small rim which held the SUR for best part of three years after I trial fitted it and it stuck when reducing the diameter of the thread by perhaps 0.25 to 0.5 mm These days it is worn a bit and is just a neat fit.

When lens retreated the SUR and lens were proud of body ... unfortunately lens cap no longer fitted. Ce Vie