Panasonic TZ3 vs. Canon SD1000: Does anyone have any comments on either of these two cameras?
11416
well, the TZ3 is more for outdoor/good light photos.... its bad for low-light(because the flash is weak, and the anti-noise algorithm employed by the processor for high-ISO blurs out fine detail)..... consider your priorities.... zoom, type of surrounding for shooting, size, price...
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....
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!
658928
I read a review at one of the camera review sites, sorry I can't remember which one, that compared the shutter lag times of the two cameras. The Canon had a shorter lag time than the Panasonic in their findings.
858602
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.
288589
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!
186606
From what I have found the DMC-ZS30 is the USA Version of the DMC-TZ40. I am considering this camera just haven't made my mind up yet. Thanks to those who posted about the language issues with the camera menus.
1595862
I was also on the fence between these cameras. Tried both out at the local camera shop. I will probably be doing a fair amount of video too, and the Nikon P500 had the worst image stabilization I have ever seen. The FZ100 was rock solid in comparison. I also recently found out that the FZ100 can have filters and telephoto extensions added to the lens. I'm going to wait a few weeks to see if it gets upgraded, but if not the FZ100 seems the way to go. The Nikon felt cheap in comparison.
391686
I think I will buy the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 hybrid camera when more positive reviews are available, probably in April. It has stereo sound recording, usable zoom while taking video and 3" 460K resolution LCD. The only minor drawback with it is it does not support manual mode. There is no RAW mode too at this time, but that's software and they can easily add that later in new firmware. It also costs about $50 more than the SX200.Of course the SX1 IS is better, but that is a different class of camera and too bulky for light traveling.
415912
Stockinv, As John McQuitty recomments the ScanDisk Ultra II and Extreme III memory cards work well in this Camera. I am using the Ultra II 1GB in My TZ3 with no problems, but would recommend you try the Extreme III 1-2GB or any of the Panasonic high speed (Class 6) cards available. Amazon has good deals on the Extreem III 2GB and Panasonic 2GB (class 6) memory cards.
1414229
I think the PSC-55 is too big for the SD1000. You end up with a lot of empty space that just gives bulk to a svelte camera. That said, I'm not terribly impressed with the PSC-1000 that I just got. Out of the box, the flap doesn't close properly. Maybe after some breaking in it will work out OK.
940341
I have had both the s95 and s100 and they are wonderful cameras..What I love about the Canon 120 :touch screen..great for spot focusing with stills and moviesFaster AfSlow motion video optionShoots 10 fpsVery sold feel....great pocket cameraHDR that really works very wellTerrific low lightSo my answer to you is I think you would be very very happy with the S120//Hope that helps Dave
470693
Thanks for the links, R.G.! Esp. the comparison. I've been holding off for THE p+s camera (to replace my Canon S410) and I think TZ5 is it.
243337
Hi, I was wondering if you could elaborate more on your response? I am trying to decide between these two cameras. I love the look of the Lumix photos taken in good lighting, but I have read many reviews commenting on the weakness of the Lumix in low-light situations. I read one person's comment that they returned their Lumix ZR3 for a Canon SD940 to have better overall quality of photos regardless of the lighting situation. Can you tell me what your experience has been with this?
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
1563170
Ok. I ended up trying both Canon SX200 and Panasonic ZS1. I didn't get the ZS3 because the price is much more for functions that aren't important to me. I decided that I am still better off with a point and shoot so I returned SX200 and kept ZS1. Although some of the shots came out great from the SX200 after doing some manual adjusting, I can't afford to take that much time for every shot on my trips. The auto function of Canon is very poor and that makes it rather inconvenient. ZS1 quality is similar but easier to use when there isn't enough time to take pictures. I like it so far.
134354
The two biggest differences between the ZS1 and ZS3 are the ZS3s ability to shoot HD video and the much higher quality LCD on the ZS3. The LCD size is only sightly higher, but the resolution of the screen is substantially higher than that of the ZS1. Also, the ZS3 will produce better videos. It can film HD and has a stereo microphone instead of a mono one. In addition, according to Cnet "The ZS3 actually uses a 12-megapixel sensor in order to maintain the same angle of view 16:9 and 4:3 aspect modes" while the ZS1 only features a 10mp sensor. All that said, Panasonic just announced the specifications and pricing of the new versions of this line of cameras so if you are willing to wait I would try to see if the price drops on these next month when the new ones arrive or just skip this model and get one of the newer ones. http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/panasonic-prices-lumix-dmc-ts2-dmc-zs5-dmc-zs7-and-dmc-zr3-cam/