[BenHardy]

Hi
I just bought me a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18. As you may know, the FZ18 has an 18 times optical zoom.
According to what I've read this translates to an equivalent of 28-504mm on a 35mm camera.
My question is this: With no zoom applied I'm taking wide angle shots (28mm) and what I'd like to know is how to set the zoom to 50mm prime/natural setting.
(When applying zoom the readout indicates as follows: 1x zoom: 0.04ft - infinity, 2x zoom: 0.5ft - infinity etc - Don't know if this is relevant).
So how would I know what zoom factor gives me the equivalent of a 50mm prime lens?

[silkstone]

Hello Ben and welcome to Pixalo.

Many compacts aren't very helpful with the zoom settings, but assuming 1x zoom is maximum w/a (28mm equivalent) then 2x should be 56mm which is near enough a natural perspective.

There's nothing sacrosanct about the 50mm value, and some people reckon that a slightly longer focal length is nearer the mark.

Look forward to seeing some of your photos.

[stepheno]

Hi Ben and welcome to Pixalo. Looking at this mathematically your lens has a range of 476mm which divided by 18 gives approximately 26mm per each 1x zoom. Therefore, 50mm is about 2x zoom on your camera.

By the way - don't bring prime into the equation. You can't compare the quality of a 50mm prime lens with 50mm on an 18x zoom lens. HTH.

[BenHardy]

Thanks for that. It's rather obvious I suppose when you think about it.
After a pretty good browse round these forums I wish I'd have found it before. It's a great resource.
Happy new year to you all.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by BenHardy

After a pretty good browse round these forums I wish I'd have found it before. It's a great resource.
Happy new year to you all.

Glad you find it of use Ben & don't forget to spread the word

Happy New Year to your good self