comparing cameras... I am looking at the canon sx 230 or sx 210 and the panasonic zs8. Any suggestions on which one of these three is the better choice? I am interested in a high optical zoom yet with good quality and easy to use. Or if you know of another one that would work just as well? comparing cameras... I am looking at the canon sx 230 or sx 210 and the panasonic zs8. Any suggestions on which one of these three is the better choice? I am interested in a high optical zoom yet... » Read More comparing cameras... I am looking at the canon sx 230 or sx 210 and the panasonic zs8. Any suggestions on which one of these three is the better choice? I am interested in a high optical zoom yet with good quality and easy to use. Or if you know of another one that would work just as well? « Show Less
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I have a friend that is having trouble with the ZS-8,just a little dust or dirt and the lens shutter will not open. He is battling Panasonic right now for a fix.Alfred
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Have you had any problems with dust? I found three or more reviews on the DMC-ZS8 with particles of dirt accumulating. How's your camera faring with this problem? One person actually took the time to take the camera apart to clean it - Amazing! He wrote how he did it and posted it in the July/August 2011 time period. I can't purchase this camera with confidence even though it sounds great. Thanks much.
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I just sold a Canon SX210 and purchased the Panasonic ZS8. I wasn't happy with the Canon at all. The pictures came out good, but I found the controls awkward and poorly placed. Flash in upper left corner where you hold camera. It automatically pops up when you turn camera on. Can be pushed down. I like the Panasonic ZS8 much, much better.
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I am in the same position as you and the salesman was pushing the P90 so I went to Consumer reports and the Cannon SX10 IS is recommended. It is at the very top of the list for super zoom cameras. The P90 is 16 cameras down the list. I have a S2 IS that I have been very happy with and it has died and I have decided to go with the Cannon.
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I too am torn between the Canon SX10 and this Nikon. I was 90% sure I was going to go with the Canon as it gets nothing but stellar reviews, but I tried them out side by side today and I have to say - the Nikon seemed more intuitive to use! My kids started going off the deep end before I could make a final decision, but I'll be watching this post to see how others chime in :)
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I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the... » Read More I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! « Show Less
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Also consider the Canon SX210is. Great camera. Out of the 4 cameras mentioned I would say go with the S8100. It's the newest compact mega zoom of the bunch, has a backlit CMOS chip for excellent low light shooting, great Nikkor lens, stereo 1080p video, beautiful lcd and excellent for factor.
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I'm between the same two models, and was also considering the Canon SX30IS. I recommend you read the in-depth reviews on www.imaging-resource.com. Unfortunately, despite all the great features of the Panasonic FZ100 and the Leica lens, it's image quality doesn't compare to the Nikon. Compare the noise and detail of the sample images in both of these reviews. It's too bad, I was about to get the FZ100 until I saw how poor the image detail was up close. But that website ended up giving the Nikon P500 a high recomendation, while they could not in good conscience give the FZ100 any sort of recomendation at all.
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I have the Nikon S8100 and tested it against the Canon S95 and Canon SX210. Overall I like the Nikon the best based on very good photos, great 300mm zoom, terrific indoor (on Party/Indoor mode), and ease of operation. For 5x7 prints or posting photos to Internet the cameras were all comparable. However, when really zooming in on my 27" monitor you can see the qualitative difference. The Nikon S95 simply gets sharper colors perhaps due to its lens and larger sensors. The SX210 and S8100 took similar photos. If I sifted through many comparison shots really zooming in I'd say the SX210 was, at times, just a hair sharper than the S8100. Having said that I like the overall results from the S8100 based on its superior indoor results, bigger and easier to use controls and overall simplicity of use. However, if you are comfortable with the controls of the S95 the SX210 has similar menu options.
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I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued!
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After much research I choose the Canon SX700. Love the camera. I have Canon EOS equipment so a often lean towards Canon.
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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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The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating display far superior in operation to the Nikon. The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating... » Read More The SX30 IS has been replaced by the SX 40 HS and I believe the FZ100 has been replaced by the FZ150. Both addressed problems with the previous models There is very little out about the Canaon yet, but the emerging consensus regarding the two is that the Canon has better image quality (very good quality for this kind of camera). The Panasonic's images while very good, do not match the Canon's and it doesn't have as much zoom (the Canon's and Nikon's zoom range is essentially the same), but it offers more features, including RAW, and significantly better LCD. Both have an articulating display far superior in operation to the Nikon. « Show Less
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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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Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before I finally buy one. Thanks again for your time, that was very nice of you ;)Isabel Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before... » Read More Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before I finally buy one. Thanks again for your time, that was very nice of you ;)Isabel « Show Less
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Brad - I don't think you can go wrong with either camera. Add to for your consideration the Sony HX5 - it's on a par with these two.I looked long and hard at all 3 of these, researching specs and comments, as well as trying them out in camera stores, etc. I finally chose the S8100, although only coming out in September the amount of reviews is sparse - but even compared to the S8000 earlier model the improved S8100 proves to be a great camera. One thing I really like is the heft and feel of the camera, as well as the professional and high quality look and detail of the camera. It's a joy to take photos with this camera. The photos from it are stunning. Brad - I don't think you can go wrong with either camera. Add to for your consideration the Sony HX5 - it's on a par with these two.I looked long and hard at all 3 of these, researching specs and comments, as well as trying them out in camera stores, etc. I finally chose the S8100, although only coming out in September the amount of reviews is sparse - but even compared to the S8000 earlier model the improved S8100 proves to be a great camera. One thing I really like is the heft and feel of the camera, as well as the professional and high quality look and detail of the camera.... » Read More Brad - I don't think you can go wrong with either camera. Add to for your consideration the Sony HX5 - it's on a par with these two.I looked long and hard at all 3 of these, researching specs and comments, as well as trying them out in camera stores, etc. I finally chose the S8100, although only coming out in September the amount of reviews is sparse - but even compared to the S8000 earlier model the improved S8100 proves to be a great camera. One thing I really like is the heft and feel of the camera, as well as the professional and high quality look and detail of the camera. It's a joy to take photos with this camera. The photos from it are stunning. « Show Less
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I've never owned a Panny FZ70, but I did own a Panny FZ40 and I will say the FZ40 is a fine camera with excellent image quality. That being said, I love the image quality on the X-S1 and overall I think it is a better camera. I don't know about anybody else, but I had a problem with dust and dirt getting inside of the FZ40 camera's lens and it made the camera unusable. The X-S1 is an amazing camera and it is built very solid with many metal fittings instead of plastic pieces that you find on a lot of cameras. I love the manual zoom as well, it's got a pro-camera feel about it, I wouldn't trade my X-S1 camera for any other out there. The filter size is 62mm which I highly recommend getting to protect your lens. I bought a Fujicon clear UV filter lens and a Sigma polarized lens as well for bright sunlight days. I couldn't be happier with my X-S1 camera.
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As someone who spent months in research (and finally decided on the NIKON) allow me to offer my advice: The NIKON P80 has a new sensor with 10.1MP (size 1/2.33" and a pixel density of 36MP/cm2). On its plus side, the small size (although it turns long when zoomed all in), the comprehensive menu and the overall built. On the minus side, the NIKON, although perfectly capable, will not take the best photo if left on Auto. The PANASONIC FZ18 has an older 8.1MP sensor (size 1/2.5" and a pixel density of 32MP/cm2). On its plus size, the impeccable LEICA lens system (and quite short even at maximum zoom), the handy joystick, the great image quality and the mechanical stabilization (the only one of these three that comes with it). On the minus side, the FZ18 is a bit larger that the P80 - and is bound to be replaced by Christmas. The FUJI S8100FD was never a contender for me. With a 10MP sensor (size 1/2.3" and a pixel density of 35MP/cm2) it is not too shabby. Yet, its overall design was not to my liking at all (of course that is a personal preference). The best advice a professional photographer gave me was this: choose the best lens and then the best sensor. Then make sure it is a camera for your level. The PANASONIC has the best lens whereas the NIKON has the best sensor (these cameras are still Point&Shoot, nowhere near the sensor sizes of a DSLR). Bottom line: if new to digital photography or do not care to be concerned with all the tweaking, go with the PANASONIC - it has a much better intelligent Auto (iA) function. If more experienced or would like to be more involved in taking a photo, go with the NIKON. Happy shooting!
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I did a lot of research between these two cameras before I bought mine (the Panasonic FZ35) and the most helpful website was cameralabs.com. They have side by side comparisons of pictures and video footage so you can see for yourself the difference in image quality.