Alan Humphries - My Introduction To Digital Photography

MY INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
by
Alan DW Humphries.
Some members will remember an article that appeared in the Newsletter a few years ago
in which I described my conversion to digital photography. I will write a short recap of the
circumstances that led to this monumental change, consider the characteristics of the
camera and attach some illustrative images.
The event that led to my conversion was the celebration of my 65th birthday in April 2006
which was held in Harlingen, where I was a resident. A friend, Hein, was snapping away,
with what looked like an interesting camera. He was willing for me try it, I was immediately
struck by how well it came to hand added to which it had a Leica zoom lens, the camera
was a Panasonic Lumix FZ 30 A couple of evenings later Hein came to the house with
photos, they were only 6 x 6’s but equal to anything I had from film. I was immediately
converted after he left I went on-line to order one, the rest is history.
As most readers will know I am not a techie chap, I just enjoy taking photos, hence the
details I will be giving about the FZ30 are pretty basic: Introduced in 2005 it is a bridge
camera with a 35/420 Leica Vario-Elmarit-f3.7-f7.4 manual zoom lens, 8 megapixels, IS0
range 80/400 and 1.75in articulating screen.
Within two weeks I was back in the UK attending a Fellowship meeting at Alnwick,
Northumberland. Turning up with a non Leica, albeit with a Leica lens, I was a little
nervous of the reaction of members, as it turned out there was no need for concern. If my
memory serves me correctly, although they hadn’t brought them three other members
admitted to owning FZ30s.
The weekend was a revelation, I was sold and have used a variety of Lumix cameras with
or without Leica lenses ever since. As mentioned earlier the camera comes to hand nicely,
the large lens and excellent grip make it easy to handle and gives confidence in the slightly
longer exposures and when the zoom is fully extended.
Members might recall my piece about my love hate relationship with the Leica Q and may
be pleased to know that I have recently invested in a D-Lux8, so causing further confusion
when going out on a photo safari. Solution, at least for the time being, has been to put all
other cameras away and go for full immersion with the “Q” and D-lux 8. We will see what
happens - watch this space.
There have been many updates to the Lumix FZ series, I currently have the original FZ30
and the FZ200 with its Leica Vario Elmarit 25/600mm f2.8 over the whole range. There
have been many more reincarnations some bearing both Lumix and Leica badges the
current m ode; being the V-lux5 From the attached images you will see the FZ30 is a
versatile camera, absolutely ideal for travelling light.

© Alan DW Humphries 2025.




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