Digital camera accessories

[Linda Barrera]

I am thinking of buying a Panasonic FZ3 due to its excellent reviews, 12x optical zoom, and low light capabilities (I prefer no flash in low light situations).  The one thing that is missing is wide angle capabilities.  I have seen suggestions that one could purchase a 3rd party wide angle converter, but I can't find any recommendations on brands, etc. so I don't know where to start on looking for one to buy.

I am interested to find out if anyone has a recommendation or experience with using a wide angle converter with the FZ3.  I have read that there may be some vignetting issues with the FZ3 & wide angle as well.

Any info would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!
linda

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Linda,

Welcome to the Q&A Board!

I have fz3 and, thus far, have found little if any noticable vignetting. I personally have not used a conversion lens but I've heard numerous people recommend the Olympus WCON-0.7x Wide Angle Conversion Lens. You can get a description of it here:

http://www.adorama.com/IOMWCON07.html?searchinfo=olympus%20wcon-07&item_no=3

Make sure when you purchase the camera and lens that you will be able to exchange it or get a refund if it doesn't meet your expections. You may pay a little more by going to a local camera shop, but many other places charge a hefty restocking fee (abut 15%). A local camera store can also advise if you will need a step-up ring for the converter lens.

The fz3 does a fairly good job in low light, if there is contrast in an image and you use Image Stabilization. However, based on my I would not call the low-light capabilities excellent. It's on par with other digital cameras in it's class. One nice thing is that you can switch a AF assist lamp to pre-focus, so you have the benefit of the focus assist without using a flash.

I really love my fz3.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi again Linda,

I found some additional information for you. When you go to the site, click on the FZ-10 link. Then click on the link:  Some High Quality Wide Angle Converter Lenses

I think these lenses will work with the FZ3, though check before buying.

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/