Cansler Photography – One Story at a Time family portraits, senior photography, children's portraits

So you want a good camera?

Posted on 15. Jul, 2010 by Cansler Photography in He-Said-She-Said

During our early morning senior session yesterday, mom and I were visiting while her son was changing clothes.  She had seen the images that I had posted from our recent vacation and was curious about what type of camera I took with me on vacation. Lately several clients have contacted me with the same question, so here goes.

Several years ago I was looking for a camera that would be small but have the ability to take great photographs. My main frustration with all the point and shoots was the painfully long lag time between pushing the button and the actual photograph being taken. I found this to be extremely annoying because you usually missed the great shot because of the delay.  I started reading specs on all the point and shoots and only one brand had any reasonable response time, the Panasonic Lumix cameras.  At the time, I didn’t realize that Panasonic cameras were actually just re-branded Leica’s.  Leica’s have always had the enviable reputation for being the best 35mm cameras, albeit quite expensive.  I ordered my wife one and we soon went on vacation to the Grand Canyon. During that trip I took hundreds and hundreds of photographs and became intimately familiar with the capabilities of the camera.  To say I was amazed at the quality would be an understatement, after we got back I immediately ordered myself the top of the line point and shoot and have been using it ever since.

I have recommended these cameras to a lot of people because of the great LCD screen, no shutter time lag and intuitive user interface. One thing that they all do in addition to taking great pictures  is take excellent HD video.

Currently my wife Helen, my daughter Sydney and myself all use different models when we travel.  The current models we use are Helen – Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F2, Sydney – Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2 and myself – Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 (since replaced with LX3).

The other camera that I have been recommending to a lot of friends is the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS5. It has an incredible 12x optical zoom and is only slightly bigger than these other cameras.

As with any camera spending a little time learning how to use it pays large dividends in improved photographs.

Oh and by the way, the client I mentioned, ordered the camera from B&H Photo Video and should have it here today so she will be ready to take it on her trip to Alaska tomorrow!

Tags: cameras, fun, Leica, Lumix, Panasonic, photo tips, vacation