Cannon SX110 or Panasonic TZ5? Realizing the SX110 isn't out yet (anyone have the SX100?). I can't decide between the cannon and the panasonic. The wide angle Leica lens makes the Panasonic appealing, but have seem discussions about first shot delay. Any thoughts or guidance? Cannon SX110 or Panasonic TZ5? Realizing the SX110 isn't out yet (anyone have the SX100?). I can't decide between the cannon and the panasonic. The wide angle Leica lens makes the Panasonic... » Read More Cannon SX110 or Panasonic TZ5? Realizing the SX110 isn't out yet (anyone have the SX100?). I can't decide between the cannon and the panasonic. The wide angle Leica lens makes the Panasonic appealing, but have seem discussions about first shot delay. Any thoughts or guidance? « Show Less
1358219
I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went with canon. I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went... » Read More I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went with canon. « Show Less
1358220
I bought the TZ5 (really liked the size and LCD) and ultimately returned it in favor of the SX 110. Just took a trip to Italy and am generally pleased with the photos I got. Excellent color, clarity, and the zoom came in handy. It's not the most rugged camera in the world, but with reasonable care, I think it will be fine. I'm not sure I will ever "love" this one, but it does its job very well.
1358221
The Canon cameras that use AA batteries can use rechargeable NiMH batteries in AA format. In my Canon "A" series camera I use four PowerEx rechargeable AA batteries (2700 mAh). With the setup, battery life is phenomenal. I can take hundreds of pictures with one set of batteries. (I rarely use flash, but I do keep the LCD display turned on whenever I use the camera.) The new SX110 uses only two AA batteries, and I'm wondering how the battery life will be for my type of usage pattern. The SX110 would be very tempting if the disappointments reported for the SX100 have been overcome. The Canon cameras that use AA batteries can use rechargeable NiMH batteries in AA format. In my Canon "A" series camera I use four PowerEx rechargeable AA batteries (2700 mAh). With the setup, battery life is phenomenal. I can take hundreds of pictures with one set of batteries. (I rarely use flash, but I do keep the LCD display turned on whenever I use the camera.) The new SX110 uses only two AA batteries, and I'm wondering how the battery life will be for my type of usage pattern. The SX110 would be very tempting if the disappointments reported for the SX100 have been overcome.
1358222
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
1358223
Here is what the CNET.com review had to say about the Panasonic. "In CNET Labs' performance tests, it took about 2.4 seconds for the TZ5 to wake up and shoot. Time to focus and snap under optimal conditions ran about 0.7 second, while that ran 1 second in lower-contrast circumstances. It required 2.1 seconds to shoot 2 sequential shots, which bumped to 2.5 seconds with the flash enabled." You can find the full review here: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-tz5/4505-6501_7-32848644.html?tag=mncol;lst . They have a comparison chart with the SX100 on the review page as well.:). I decided to go with the Canon! Here is what the CNET.com review had to say about the Panasonic. "In CNET Labs' performance tests, it took about 2.4 seconds for the TZ5 to wake up and shoot. Time to focus and snap under optimal conditions ran about 0.7 second, while that ran 1 second in lower-contrast circumstances. It required 2.1 seconds to shoot 2 sequential shots, which bumped to 2.5 seconds with the flash enabled." You can find the full review here: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-tz5/4505-6501_7-32848644.html?tag=mncol;lst . They have a comparison chart with the SX100... » Read More Here is what the CNET.com review had to say about the Panasonic. "In CNET Labs' performance tests, it took about 2.4 seconds for the TZ5 to wake up and shoot. Time to focus and snap under optimal conditions ran about 0.7 second, while that ran 1 second in lower-contrast circumstances. It required 2.1 seconds to shoot 2 sequential shots, which bumped to 2.5 seconds with the flash enabled." You can find the full review here: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-tz5/4505-6501_7-32848644.html?tag=mncol;lst . They have a comparison chart with the SX100 on the review page as well.:). I decided to go with the Canon! « Show Less
1023637
I have been going back and forth with the same question. I have read all the reviews and opinions I can find on both. After going to the local store and playing with the TZ5 and the 100 (since the 110 is not out yet) I did not find many major difference from the point of view of a novice user. The two main difference I noted were 1) the TZ5 is more compact and I really liked that, however 2) when I zoomed in with the canon on a small sign the image was crystal clear, when I did the same with the TZ% the same sign was very blurry, not even close to readable. This decided it for me. I went with canon.
294075
Take a look at the Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD Sometimes it's just a pain to carry my gear around, even if it's a light pack (1 body and a couple lens), so I wanted to find a lightweight and compact solution to this problem. My initial research found that the general consensus for quality point-n-shoot was between the Canon PowerShot S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX-5. After debating and more reseach, I chose the S95 based on my needs. The S95 is smaller than the LX-5, so I could easily carry it in my pocket. I also like some of it's other features: F/2.0 @ 28mm, shoots in RAW, and my guilty pleasure - tilt-shift effect. Needless to say, both cameras have solid picture quality, but of course, not as good as your DSLR. There are plenty of reviews on both cameras. I'd suggest the S95, but I'm sure you can't go wrong with either one!
638198
I compared the Canon SX30is with the Nikon P100, and the Nikon CLEARLY won when I was comparing image quality. I returned the Canon, and when I found out the P500 was being released, I also returned the Nikon P100 and will patiently wait for the P500. Where did you get your Canon? Some places have a 90 day return policy (Sams).
1773306
I have the Oly 45 and 75, and the panasonic 25 and 12. The 75 is regarded and one of the finest lens around, and its very sharp, but its $900, and the focal length isn't always practical. For the money, the 45mm is my favorite. Its inexpensive and very sharp. When you hold it in your hand, honestly, it looks a little cheep but the results are excellent.
1813534
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!
1198691
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!
1691038
Michael, I own a Panasonic DMC-FZ30. If I had the money I would switch to this S100 for one main reason, that being low light capability. The 30 is limited to ISO 400, I see the 50 can go all the way up to 1600 so that may do the trick. Other than that I'm quite happy with the 30. I've had it three years, taken 1000's of photos of which I'm pretty happy. However the low light limits me quite often. The 30/50 have sensors much smaller than the s100. I think Fuji would have been better off with the large sensor they used but with 8 megapixels which would have improved photo quality, especially at the higher ISOs. The megapixel race is one of the biggest problems in the digital camera arena today. There again the 50 and S100 aren't that far apart in the megapixel race but look at the size of the Fjui sensor - wow! I would enjoy the 2 1/2 inch LCD over the 30/50's 2". I wouldn't miss the rotating feature on the Panasonic as I mostly use it in vertical modes and the Fuji provides that. Another thing I'd want is better video. Even though the three cameras have the same specs I'm disappointed with the Panasonic results. The video from my 30 aren't as good as my wife's Sony W50 point-and-shoot. I guess I'd have to hold them in my hand to compare the Fuji 100 vs the Panasonic 50. My conclusion for you? If I had the 50 in hand already I wouldn't be looking to upgrade. The Panasonic is bound to have more noise due to the smaller sensor. The Fuji looks like it has less noise but there are rampant complaints about purple fringing although most say it only shows up on hard contrast shots. The Panasonic is better at purple fringing but worse on noise - choose your weakness. Battery life is awesome on my 30 and it is indicated to be lower on the S100. Are these differences worth the difference in price (50=$579 S100=$655 9/19/08 on Amazon). If it was me purchasing today I'd go for the S100. What did you decide?
2200566
Personally, I chose the Tonika lens over the canon. I've taken it to Southeast Asia, done a wedding, and a few photoshoots and I have to say that I've been extremely impressed with the len's range as well as speed. It's definitely produced some amazing shots and I have zero regrets! I can say that it's done more for me in portrait photography vs landscape. If you're looking to get a wide angle for landscape than go with the canon simply for its extra mm.
440162
I agree completely. We have a G-9 and LX-2. I love the interface of the Canon but the images of the Leicasonic are often a little cleaner. The G-10 is not as good as the G-9 IMHO and the LX-3 is a smarter upgrade (they tried for improved images, not pixel count). The paid reviewers generally agree that the LX-3 is better, but things could change in the next iteration. Someone (Steve's?) said that they'd wished Canon had used a sensor like Panasonic did. That would be close to an ideal pocket camera for me.
1338312
I have owned a Cannon S90 and now the Panasonic LX5. I found the S90 wasn't nearly as accurate with white balance and I also had to fiddle around with it too much to get a good pic in some situations. The LX5 while a little bigger is much easier to get a very good shot, meaning much less fiddling. And the updated 2.0 firmware makes it that much better. I'll take a little bigger size any day to get the ease of use and fantastic shots that I get with little effort. IMHO.
2073936
I just read your posting and it has been a month since you put it up so I don't know if your still interested in a comparison, so I will keep it brief. I got the X100 in July and the S95 a year ago but by coincidence I just took some test shots in the back yard this morning to compare the two as I will be using both at a BBQ on Sunday. The S95 looks good until you see it next to the x100. The X100 is the first digital camera I have owned where the photos look a bit more real than the other digital cameras I have used. I also have a Nikon D7000 and did some test shots while on vacation using it and the Nikon 12-24mm lens ( set at 23mm) and the X100 looks better, sharper than the $1000 Nikon12-24 lens. There are some down sides as is mentioned on many websites, but you can get used to them, or at least I did. On the video, I like the S95 by far as it is easier to get usable footage. The X100 is sharper and cleaner by a little bit, but the focus is not as good as the S95. The X100 is a great camera for what it is, and I really like mine.
154001
Thank you. I bought the 2sx230 on 11/11/11 and I noticed outside in the bright sun light it captures movement well well and pretty sharp. Inside not so well. I want very much to learn how to use the ISO and how to make great photos using the manual functions. I bought the canon for its size, I will be traveling which is why I wanted a small camera. The shutter speed seemed to be the fastest. Thanks again these comments are very helpful, I'm really looking forward to getting to know my new camera.
2184216
I am looking for a camera of this range. My short list is like this Panasonic FZ 100, FZ40, Fuji Film HS10, Kodak Easyshare Z 981 and Olympus SP 800 UZ. Basically I am looking for a camera useful for birdwatching - distant shots, high optical zoom, faster speed etc. can you pl help me in selection. e mail haridas53@gmail.com
326235
Thanks for your recommendation of the Panasonic Lumix LZ8. (Like others in this dialogue, I'm looking to replace a Nikon that was very disappointing.) It's been three years since your post, and I've noticed that it's hard now to find an LZ8. Is there a newer Panasonic you'd recommend with the same enthusiasm now? Thanks for your help.
844346
In addition to several other professional reviews available online in favor of the Panasonic ZS3/TZ7, one of the most reputable online sources for photography (i.e., The Luminous Landscape) has published its findings on April 28, 2009, comparing Panasonics ZS3, Canon SX200, and Fuji F200EXR, and I found it very informative:http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/pocket.shtml
277312
I've had the S95, two,S100s & now I've purchased my second S110. So far I've never had any problem with the dreaded "Lens Error" which seems to plague so many people. My cameras have all died from Unnatural Causes which can be blamed on my own stupidity!