DMC-TZ3 vs. DMC-TZ5 I had a TZ3 which was recently stolen and which I intend to replace with either a TZ3 or TZ5. I had taken the TZ3 to Antarctic and had wonderful results - especially w/the image stablization and glare situtation where we were in bobbing rubber rafts photographing penquins on glaring bergy bits. The question: Is it worth spending the extra $100 for the TZ5, and if so, why? I would appreciate any input. (Beware of thieves when visiting Buenos Aires, even in upscale hotel rooms.) JSP DMC-TZ3 vs. DMC-TZ5 I had a TZ3 which was recently stolen and which I intend to replace with either a TZ3 or TZ5. I had taken the TZ3 to Antarctic and had wonderful results - especially w/the... » Read More DMC-TZ3 vs. DMC-TZ5 I had a TZ3 which was recently stolen and which I intend to replace with either a TZ3 or TZ5. I had taken the TZ3 to Antarctic and had wonderful results - especially w/the image stablization and glare situtation where we were in bobbing rubber rafts photographing penquins on glaring bergy bits. The question: Is it worth spending the extra $100 for the TZ5, and if so, why? I would appreciate any input. (Beware of thieves when visiting Buenos Aires, even in upscale hotel rooms.) JSP « Show Less
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Here is a nice review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 on youtube by cameralabs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g4icsP8kRE
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I've always liked the image quality of the Canons. I know a couple of people with the TZ5 and its predecessor, the TZ3, and a common complaint from both them and many online reviewers is that it's just horrible in low-light conditions - and that often, they have to try several times to get a shot that looks good, or they have to play around with the exposure and white-balance settings themselves. Which is all well and good if you've got the time and luxury to do that, but if you're trying to capture a moment quickly, you need the "automatic" settings to be pretty close to perfect every time. I've always liked the image quality of the Canons. I know a couple of people with the TZ5 and its predecessor, the TZ3, and a common complaint from both them and many online reviewers is that it's just horrible in low-light conditions - and that often, they have to try several times to get a shot that looks good, or they have to play around with the exposure and white-balance settings themselves. Which is all well and good if you've got the time and luxury to do that, but if you're trying to capture a moment quickly, you need the "automatic" settings to be pretty close to perfect... » Read More I've always liked the image quality of the Canons. I know a couple of people with the TZ5 and its predecessor, the TZ3, and a common complaint from both them and many online reviewers is that it's just horrible in low-light conditions - and that often, they have to try several times to get a shot that looks good, or they have to play around with the exposure and white-balance settings themselves. Which is all well and good if you've got the time and luxury to do that, but if you're trying to capture a moment quickly, you need the "automatic" settings to be pretty close to perfect every time. « Show Less
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you may want to search the customer reviews on these cameras. I've seen comparisons of the 2 in the reviews and usually, the ZS3 wins out. one reviewer said the difference in the ois wasn't noticeable. hope that helps.
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I love how this always works out for me. I wanted this camera for my cruise on the 18th, but went ahead and got the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Red) last week because I didn't think the Nikon would be here in time. Now that it's here, what should I do? I like the GPS on the Panasonic, but it takes HORRIBLE low light pics. Any help would be appreciated!
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The wider field of view and the small camera size of the DMC-FX35 are things I like. The FX35 can be purchased today too while the TZ5 cannot. But, I am leaning toward the TZ5 because I also value the features of continuous autofocus and 10x optical zoom and its field of view is also wider than most cameras. This Panasonic page shows the differences between different fields of view. http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/popup/wide_angle/index.html This Panasonic page shows feature differences between the two cameras. http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelComparisonResults?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&catGroupId=75047&surfCategory=Lumix%20Digital%20Cameras&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&items=214163|214166|213677|
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The Canon is a bit smaller, it can get a little closer in macro mode, and you can zoom (so-so focus) in movie mode. Those are the only advantages that I'm aware of for the Canon SD800/850. None of these issues were significant enough to stop me from switching. The TZ3 has a bunch of benefits above and beyond the Canon. I have owned 3 Canon SD's (110, 210, 400) and the next feature I wanted was zoom, but I didn't want to give up size. The Lumix is has a 10x zoom and is only a little bit larger. It is still small enough to carry in my pocket. (I carry it with me all the time.) The zoom is fantastic. The Optical Image Stabilization is excellent. The screen is big and has a super bright mode for bright daylight situations. The movie mode, macro mode, the wide angle, and the battery are all great. I can't say enough about this camera.
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I have just ordered an FZ35. I was previously holding out for the FZ40, but after reading the reviews on the FZ100, I have concluded that the FZ35 is a BETTER product than the FZ40 will be! According to many FZ35 owners who have purchased an FZ100 (which has the same lens, zoom, and CCD chip as the FZ40) the image quality is NOT as good on the FZ100 as it is on the FZ35. This is attributed to the increased Megapixels that are jammed onto a SMALLER CCD chip. In order to add the increased zoom, Panasonic had to shrink the size of the CCD chip, and at the same time they jammed in more pixels. Consequence: loss of image quality. Low light photos on the FZ100 are apparently grainier on the FZ100 than on the FZ35 as well. Add to that the fact that the FZ40 will only accept microchipped Panasonic batteries (at 3-4 times the price of aftermarket batteries) and the choice is clear! Stop waiting! Buy an FZ35. I just did myself!
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I recommend the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 or the older model TZ4 - these are point & shoot cameras with 10X optical zoom - and you can't go wrong with a camera made in Japan, not China.
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very interesting. i've had my TZ5 for a couple of yrs, and used the digital zoom frequently, always in Normal mode, (I know it won't work in iA mode.) Recently, it refuses to work in normal mode-- stays grayed out, even with 3 mp manually set. However, in Scene 1 mode I am able to use digital zoom, just like before, (combined with optical and ez-zoom, giving me a total of 67.5X). I don't understand the change. Any ideas? Firmware update?
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a friend suggested the Fz70. He has a lot more experience than I do. I find it amazing! I can take hand held pictures of the moon and you can see all the craters and the mountains around the edges. Its a little slow for most of my work but Iif you want great close ups (I've taken images on pill bottles within an inch of the label) I don't think you can beat it even if you wanted to pay a lot more.
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Well, that depends upon what sort of camera you want. If you are looking for a compact with big zoom, one that u can carry in ur trouser pocket, well TZ3 is the one. FZ18 on the other hand has a lot of manual control and offers more features. I dont own the FZ18 but i own the FZ8. Size wise they are almos the same.. and it wont get any prizes in the compactness section. And i believe its better that you go thru reviews at places like dpreview.com .Anyways happy snapping.. both will give you good 6x4 prints.
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I have been looking into buying one of the two as well. One of my interests is birds. The have the highest zoom Nikon 36 zoom and canon 35 zoom and all in one piece. Does anyone use either for birding?Thank you!
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Thanks for the replies. After playing around with the TS2 for a few weeks I decided to exchange it for a Lumix DMC-ZS7. It's not rugged but it's a great camera. Thanks again.
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I just returned from a 17 day ride around the west with my Hero 2 and I'd go with the Hero 3. The Hero 2 did great photos but you have to reach up on top of your helmet or if mounted on your bars, reach up and press the button on top. The Hero 3 comes with the remote control built in, and you can have that on the tank bag, etc. and it solves the problem. I took over 200 "video clips" and there were times I was never sure if the camera was running or not. The Hero 2 is cheaper but if you add the remote to it, you're getting close to the cost of a Hero 3 anyway. Go with the newer technology, buy the Hero 3. IMHO. ;-) I just returned from a 17 day ride around the west with my Hero 2 and I'd go with the Hero 3. The Hero 2 did great photos but you have to reach up on top of your helmet or if mounted on your bars, reach up and press the button on top. The Hero 3 comes with the remote control built in, and you can have that on the tank bag, etc. and it solves the problem. I took over 200 "video clips" and there were times I was never sure if the camera was running or not. The Hero 2 is cheaper but if you add the remote to it, you're getting close to the cost of a Hero 3 anyway. Go with the newer... » Read More I just returned from a 17 day ride around the west with my Hero 2 and I'd go with the Hero 3. The Hero 2 did great photos but you have to reach up on top of your helmet or if mounted on your bars, reach up and press the button on top. The Hero 3 comes with the remote control built in, and you can have that on the tank bag, etc. and it solves the problem. I took over 200 "video clips" and there were times I was never sure if the camera was running or not. The Hero 2 is cheaper but if you add the remote to it, you're getting close to the cost of a Hero 3 anyway. Go with the newer technology, buy the Hero 3. IMHO. ;-) « Show Less
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I am also comparing these 2 Cameras. I want to use for Snorkeling and Beach pictures on our upcoming cruise. My preference is for Quality Underwater Photos over how stylish the actual camera is. Also, I am looking for the one with the Best Zoom Capabilities.......Anyone out there own one of these cameras ???
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Bill, not sure if the ICE doesn't work with Kodachrome, or the dmax of the V500 is just insufficient for Kodachrome. I felt my V500 wasn't up to the task regardless, so I went with a slide duplicator on my digital camera. I can pump tons of light through it...but of course I have to deal with the dust manually. ;-)Golfer, I'm not sure what they are doing on the V600, whether they're really using the IR pre-scan to identify flaws (tears, etc) in the print, or they are just "rebranding" digital ICE to include software-based flaw removal.I don't scan enough prints to make it worth finding out. Bill, not sure if the ICE doesn't work with Kodachrome, or the dmax of the V500 is just insufficient for Kodachrome. I felt my V500 wasn't up to the task regardless, so I went with a slide duplicator on my digital camera. I can pump tons of light through it...but of course I have to deal with the dust manually. ;-)Golfer, I'm not sure what they are doing on the V600, whether they're really using the IR pre-scan to identify flaws (tears, etc) in the print, or they are just "rebranding" digital ICE to include software-based flaw removal.I don't scan enough... » Read More Bill, not sure if the ICE doesn't work with Kodachrome, or the dmax of the V500 is just insufficient for Kodachrome. I felt my V500 wasn't up to the task regardless, so I went with a slide duplicator on my digital camera. I can pump tons of light through it...but of course I have to deal with the dust manually. ;-)Golfer, I'm not sure what they are doing on the V600, whether they're really using the IR pre-scan to identify flaws (tears, etc) in the print, or they are just "rebranding" digital ICE to include software-based flaw removal.I don't scan enough prints to make it worth finding out. « Show Less
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Ninan, I have the ZS3 and love it. I reviewed the H20 and it lacks a few things. Most notably, the lens only goes to 38mm on the wide end compared the the ZS3 which goes all the out to 25mm. That was enough for me to rule out the H20, so I don't know much more about it. I'd suggest going to the Panasonic global website at www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix and checking out their info on the ZS3. It is amazing. Then go to youtube and search for "tz7 night restaurant" and "20090514 ZS3 Sample Videos" to see some examples of the video and zoom. (note the ZS3 is known as the TZ7 in Europe).