Lifestyle Redesigned

I looking for a new camera lens for my new Canon Rebel XSI. I’ve only had it a few months and can’t say I’ve taken many shots with it. The kit lens it came with is just OK, it is 18 – 55mm, image stabilized, auto-focus. I’m looking for a more all around lens that I can have on my camera most of the time. It needs to be a telephoto zoom as well.

The problem is that there are so many options out there. I’m in the market for a consumer lens, I don’t need any of that expensive Canon L glass the professionals use. Those babies can be in the thousands of dollars.

I’m looking at getting a wide angle to telephoto zoom and there are a couple models that interest me. I’m reading all the reviews and one doesn’t really stand out above the rest. I’m thinking of going with either a 28mm -105mm or a 28 – 200mm. I’d like the extra distance on the 200, but I read that there could be some distortion and other issues. Plus, so of the reviewers mentioned quality issues and lens creep.

Decisions, Decisions. I’m in no rush. I think I may head down to the local AZ camera store with my Canon and see it they will let me take some test shots. I’m also looking at getting a prime lens for portraits, but one thing at a time.

I broke my point and shoot camera on my last vacation. I had been carrying it around in my back p0cket for a couple years with no issues, but I guess time and a few extra pounds finally caught up with me. I had it in my back pocket once again as we were out for a night out on the town. When I pulled it out to take a couple of pics, I found the LCD screen on the back had been shattered. I took it as a sign that I should treat myself to a new camera, and that I needed to get back in shape and lose some weight.

I didn’t decide to buy a new camera straight away, my first thought actually turned to getting it repaired. When the clerk told me that it would cost almost as much to repair it as get a new model, I started to do my research. There are so many options to choose from, I had my work cut out for me.

Now I truly believe in a point and shoot camera you really won’t go wrong by selecting one of the many comparable models from Canon, Nikon, or Sony. They all make good camera’s and at this point in the technology curve they will give any user more features and functionality then they could ever want. Plus they are all readily available at best buy. So why did I go with the Panasonic Lumix you ask, well I’ll elaborate.

I had read some good things about the Lumix line, and knowing what I did about most point and shoots being comparable, I thought I would go a different route. The Lumix FS-25 has a large 3″ LCD, 12 Mega Pixels, and other nice pieces of functionality. What set it apart for me, were a few additional features.

It has a nice wide angle Leica lens that is not easily found on the PNS competitors. It has a 5x optical zoom when most others are at 4x. The Lumix line is known for good shooting in low light situations, and that is something I like to do as well. It also has an intelligent auto functionality that sounded really cool and gets good reviews.

More on the Intelligent Auto settings. Most cameras allow you to select from various settings for portraits, sports, landscapes, etc.. The Panasonic FS-25 does as well. However with the intelligent auto feature, you can turn it on and your camera will decide what type of setting should be used for the picture. It is a little more advanced than just leaving your camera on the normal photo mode. It will actually pic the proper setting/scenario and use those options. Pretty cool.

The problem I found was actually locating a supplier that sold the Panasonic brand. Best Buy does not carry it, and I believe only Circuit City did prior to their demise earlier this year. I had made up my mind that I wanted this camera, but was a little uneasy with not being able to actually hold it in my hand and check it out before I bought it.

I looked online and found Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Camera all carried the model, with Adorama and B&H having the best prices. I ordered through Adorama as I had used them before when I purchased my Canon Rebel DSLR. I got the camera, a carrying case, and 4 GB memory card for the list price of the camera itself. I thought it was a good deal. The memory card was Kingston, but it was a Class 4, the slowest transfer rate. So far I haven’t noticed any problems with the slower card, but I may upgrade to a faster one and see if there is any difference.

I have only taken a few shots with it, but I am quite happy with the purchase. I hope to get out an take a few more snaps when the weather cools down. I want to be ready for my vacation in November.