TZ vs. FZ: One thing or reason to lean towards one or the other?
2018169
I went to the camera store today to compare these two cameras and came away with a definite lean toward the FZ18 vs the TZ3. The three big negative factors for the TZ were: 1. There was significant color blurring (red text on white background) when magnifying comparable shots (the FZ was clean); the compression noise was also significantly higher on the TZ3. 2. The image stabilization on the TZ3 at 12X zoom was WAY inferior to the FZ18 at 18X. I had a LOT of trouble getting one clear shot out of 10 tries at 12X with the TZ3, while the FZ18 gave perfect 18X images 9 out of 10 times. I don't know why this might be, and I checked all the settings on both cameras to be sure I wasn't comparing apples to oranges, but these results are real. 3. The TZ3 does not have a viewfinder and I have found that in bright sunlight outdoors a viewfinder is a huge plus. All this said, the TZ3 is still a nice camera for the size - it is pocketable (in baggy pants) while the FZ18 is not. -- Just my 2 cents. _eric
1056892
Mica,from my research the TZ3 is the only camera with the wide angle and a 10x zoom. Add in the other features including the 3" monitor and you have a camera in a class by itself. If your the type that likes to have some flexibility in your camera settings then this is the unit for you. The TZ3 is in a class by itself for a point and shoot in this price range. No comparrison to any other cameras....
2167429
Personal preference really! Depends what you're shooting and with what gear.
2236558
It would not fall too much down (10% best) for FZ35, as most of the seller switches over to the newer model FZ40, then few odd deal for the older model even selling at higher price!!! Check out the trend of other similar product line then you shall agree.
160270
I'm not a G series owner "yet", but I think there are very few real choices for lenses. The 45-200 is the most likely choice for telephoto. And the 20mm/f1.7 "pancake" for indoors/low light. I'd think the lense you have is probably the better overall for average use, especially if the EZ zoom feature works as well as in the FZ series. I would think you could reach @150mm at 5EZ. The EZ zoom feature is supposed to be able to double the focal length, bringing the 14-45 (28-90) to 28-90 (56-180). And it is "free". Unless you need the long reach of the 45-200mm (90-400mm), which I can't do without, why spend the money?
842594
I understand, Blue Diver. I'm torn because I'm traveling along the Rhine River next month and really wanted to upgrade to the FZ150, but in the end I will probably just stick with my FZ35 which does a good job.
2187666
think the changes between models are more intense than anything else, for my Ultra Z works fine, comes with an adjustable tab, I would say you could prove it to see.
2236560
I spent a lot of time researching and have decided that the wait is worth it (although, unbearable!) The FZ40 is an improvement over the FZ35 as far as startup speed, image quality (not only higher MP, but also a better sensor). The zoom also is worth it to me. If you do some searching, there are a lot of reviews now. The FZ40 also has panoramic, not sure if the FZ35 has that or not.I don't think that the FZ100 is worth the extra 1 hundred. There still is some debate over the quality of the images with the MOS sensor and the 1080 video vs 720 wasn't worth it for me.
529730
if you look at the specs, the fz8 tops the fz18 in one crucial area: aperture. it's f/3.3 fully zoomed out, which is fairly impressive. the wider the aperture --smaller the number-- the more light is let in to the camera. this helps in low-light situations and in acquiring focus. that's a pretty big plus, but the fact that the fz18 starts at 28mm and is a true wide-angle in addition to going longer might weight heavier for some.
775906
S., been tearing my hair out trying to figure out which one to buy. Really appreciate the info you posted - thanks for your assessment. Will get the F7, if not the F6.
2184215
Fz40. I have a FZ28 and will prob go w the 40 once some reviews start coming in -only one so far but it's a good review.
795505
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.
326286
The FZ200 (it is a great camera) which I purchased via Amazon has English language menus, but others have been offered there (from different suppliers) which have Japanese menus, so you have to read the wording VERY carefully before ordering.
851241
I tried both side-by-side. F/3.5 model focused noticeably faster in low light. It also has a better build. On the other hand it is larger, heavier and uses more expensive 82mm filters (F/4-5.6 uses 77mm filters). Plus at the time I purchased it, the 4-5.6 model cost $407$ at my local store and the 3.5 model cost $649, which is $250 difference. At that price difference you might as well get excellently reviewed Tokina 11-16 constant F/2.8. Some food for thought
1621243
I don't think so... While they look the same, I went online and looked at some TZ40 pics and some of the controls aren't in the exact same spot. One being the power switch
1223647
The EVF on the FZ7 is large enough to view comfortably. Not as high resolution as the Sony but works okay.
462703
You get more bang for the buck with the XTi, however, that wasn't the reason I went with the 40d (originally purchased a 20d a few years ago). The size of a Rebel is a bit too small for my hands and it felt really uncomfortable when I held it. Also, after using a 20d/40d, I couldn't give up the two wheel selectors for speed of adjustments without going through menus. But as with any item like this, it all goes back to what you are comfortable with and what works for you.