Home Forums Gear Photography I need a new camera

I accidentally dropped my Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 Digital Camera in the water and it is toasted. I bought it a couple years ago and like the camera and may just get another one but I thought I would see if anyone can provide a strong argument for something else.

My main use for a camera these days is when I am out bird watching. I don't want a monster camera and lens and like being able to slip my camera into a pocket at times.

I also really like the ability to operate my old camera with my phone and then transfer the photos to my phone. I will sometimes put my camera on my tripod outside by our bird feeder and then take pics from inside the house without spooking the birds. Pretty cool.

I would go with the Sony HX80. It has a 30x zoom Real Zeiss lens. Panasonic makes some Leica cameras so they can use the Leica name on their lenses. Not a real German Leica lens.
The Sony is a 18.2 MP sensor vs a 12.1 on the Panasonic. The Sony has a great pop up viewfinder and built in image stabilization

Feel free to call me to discuss

Joel
516-217-1000

Joel, thanks for the recommendation. I will do some research to fully compare it against the Panasonic.

If the Panasonic worked that well for me, I'd git another. Ya already know how to work it and right at home with it. In DSLR's I only buy Nikon Not because I think they are the best but I know about how to work them! Didn't have much luck with Nikon P&S camera's and now use a Canon. Haven't a clue how to use most of it but I do get photo's I can live with and carry it around much much easier than any DSLR.

Don, I hear you. Familiarity is worth a lot. My Panasonic does power up and the zoom lens goes in and out but the screen is ruined as is the view finder. I wonder if it would be worth sending it in for repair? Maybe I just need a new screen. Question is what would it cost to replace that?

I have heard good things about the Panasonic's with pancake lenses.

I bought a Sony RX100 VI from Joel last summer, as I wanted the highest quality camera that would fit in a pocket on my caribou hunt. Worked great, transfers to phone with good app. Get an extra battery. Not cheap, but excellent.

I ended up getting another of the same model that I had. I just received it today. For some reason I am unable to pair it to my phone so that I can operate it remotely and transfer images from camera to phone. I also ruined my old phone (a Motorola) in the same incident that ruined the camera. My new phone is a Samsung S10e. I can pair the new camera with my old tablet but not my new phone. Anyone have any ideas why?