Bought another camera.

[CuriousMike]

I currently have a Panasonic FZ7 that served me well until I bought a Panasonic ZS3 that served me well until I purchased a Nikon D5000.

There's a lot to love about the D5000, including photos' that don't schmear when zoomed in, good fps, sharpness, aperture control, etc.

I have a 55-200, 35f1.8 and a Sigma 24-70.

I found myself wanting a new 300mm zoom lens.
I found myself sometimes burdened by the bigness of the D5000.
$400 is about what I was going to pay for a decent 55-300/70-300.

Then I sorta got a hair up my bum and bought a Sony HX9.
I've sorta convinced myself it makes sense because
- its 384mm equivalent zoom gets me close-ish to a 300mm zoom lens. Ish.
- most of the time i need zoom is under good lighting conditions - i.e., sons baseball games
- it has a 10fps shooting mode, where my nikon is ~4
- it has a fairly awesome 1080p video mode which is about the nicest in camera land
- it has a couple of gimmicks that might prove useful - semi-HDR mode, low-light enhance mode, etc.
- it has a terrific 921k lcd
- it was reduced to $247 at a local shop ( normally ~$300 )
- due to its size, it should be easier to carry around

Do I really need this fourth camera? I'm still trying to convince myself.

I got it yesterday, shot a few photos in dimming light and wasn't impressed.
I also did a few video tests in same light and it looked pretty good.

I have 15 days to decide, and will have some opportunities to try it out.

 

[AkumaX]

that HX9 is borderline camcorder territory.. haha

Sell one of your other Panasonics!

 

[radhak]

Have you used the D5000? Will you want to use it after getting the Sony, or will you making excuses why the Sony would do, and the D5000 is not needed (too bulky / just a casual party / it's a formal occasion / who takes a huge camera to the beach, etc)? Answers to these will tell you if you want the D5000 itself. If you are happy with it, then of the rest, you just need one; I guess that's the Sony, if you can get rid of the Panasonics. Obviously you cannot get back the money you paid for them, so you will be giving them away (almost).

I have a DSLR, and I have an HD camcorder that I take for a few occasions. I never miss a p&s; but my wife has a one which she uses whenever. So I can agree with one DSLR, one camcorder and one P&S. Nothing more.

 

[CuriousMike]

I've shot a LOT with the D5000 - I love it.

I'm thinking there's room for both in my life... we'll see.

I have 3 kids with one of them going to college in the fall -- she may inherit one of the Panny's if she wants it.

 

[randomrogue]

D5000 plus one more. What you need with all these cameras I don't know. Keep it simple. The new iphone plus the D5000 will cover 95% of your needs. Only thing missing would be the burst.

 

[radhak]

I've shot a LOT with the D5000 - I love it.

I'm thinking there's room for both in my life... we'll see.

I have 3 kids with one of them going to college in the fall -- she may inherit one of the Panny's if she wants it.

If you love the DSLR, then you are in good position, because then you will use it when it matters, and there will be times the Sony will be useful too.

Yes, giving up smaller cameras to youngsters is a good idea - they can actually record stuff they (and you) will love when time passes.