Canon S95 v. Panasonic Lumix LX5: Any suggestion on which one to buy?
576887
Firstly, congratulations! And my opinion: (1) If you want to take videos (and I am sure you will with the new baby), S95 can not change zoom and focus while shooting a video. To me, this is a very big turn off. (2) Optics (lens) on LX5 seems to be better. It takes in more light and that gives LX5 some advantage in terms of indoor/low light shooting. (3) Both cameras take great pictures but S95 JPEG images seem a little sharper. (4) LX5 has a ton of manual controls, which may be a good way to learn a lot about photography. (5) Automatic mode on both cameras are excellent. (6) S95 is noticeably smaller and more difficult to hold and control for bigger hands. (7) S95 has an automatic lens cover, while LX5 has a lens cap, which must be taken off manually before shooting a photo. Personally, I would go for LX5 because of #1 above, but it may not be such a big deal for you. Hope this helps.
1338308
S95 vs LX5. Not even close. With the LX5 you get far more than your money's worth. It's all about the lens and quality of design and build. The lens wears its name proudly. Images are incredible. Isn't that the bottom line? Don't buy into the ad hype about the camera fitting into your pocket.
876661
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.
119786
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
876663
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
1507229
Like the S90, it's decent at wide angle. At 24mm, it supports a maximum aperture of f/1.8 (so a little better). Plus, the newer processor will help reduce noise at higher ISO settings (again, a little better). For low light photography, you might look at a camera with a larger sensor like the Sony RX100 or RX100 II. I'd also look at the Panasonic LX7 if you need decent low light performance throughout the zoom range.
1229168
The Canon S95 has a METAL CASE except for the top and bottom plates which are polycarbonate - as in football helmets? The Ring around the lens is also Metal.It may "feel" cheap because it weighs ONE-THIRD of the Panasonic LX-5. If you believe that Heavy things are better then dip it in lead.[Sorry to be brusque but usually people buy a camera for the quality of the pictures and not for its "styling".]
2176429
Here's another camera in the same price range you might consider --- Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8K 8MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) As you can see it's similar to the A590 in several respects, but it has a better LCD and more video modes -- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras;=canon_a590is%2Cpanasonic_dmclz8&show;=all
1963666
Isn't the RX100 smaller as well? Big plus. I had a Lumix LX5 and my RX100 is smaller than that one.
721913
Go with this one:Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/F2.8 ASPH./POWER O.I.S./H-HS12035 - International Version (No Warranty)Really hard to get your hands on one but if you do, you're in luck! Great lens for the camera.
1940849
I think both are great cameras...Canon seems to perform a little better, but the difference is very slight, this, according to the reviews I read...I think the bottom line is; Canon performs a little better, the LCD screen can be moved, and it has a hot shoe for a better flash unit, but Panasonic has RAW format and HD video, and also, the zoom can be used with the video format, something most cameras don't have...I guess since both are equally good, you should buy the one you feel more comfortable with, or you like the most...you can't go wrong with either one...Good luck!!
1257208
You would not get a good answer, here of all places with so many opinionated people.Only recommendation I can give is try both cameras in store and see which once you find comfortable to use. Both are great cameras. And really similar in performance. Can't go wrong either way.I've heard/read that Lumix is slightly better. But I have the S90 and I can't imagine how any P&S; can be better than it (aside from S95/S100) in the same category. I love the controls on it especially the customizable ring.
1469933
Hi Morris. The S95 and S90 are unique. As a subcompact it can be carried in your pocket....SX40 no..no in the pocket. The S95 has incredible low light at wide angle and F2. I used it today to document and help identify some piping in the wall with available light. It was too awkward with the super zoom. This is why you need to bring 2 cameras when traveling. I actually carry 3 including a camcorder which I think is better for video then either super zoom or S95. Many people swear by the DSLR and that works for them
1746412
Late to respond, but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18, a point and shoot camera which I thought took outstanding pictures...until I bought the DMC-FZ150. Holy cow! What a jump in performance that even an unsavvy enthusiast like myself can actually use. I am, however, shocked by the price increase. I had to buy it online because it wasn't available locally but with the reviews and my past experience with Panasonic, I took a deep breath and did it, purchasing it through Amazon for $439 in early April 2012. I consider it top echelon of the "amateur" use cameras.
2284472
I'm running the same research and here's the comparison, WX1: in addition to the HD video, its 24mm wide angle is precious in daily shootings (indoors, group pics, ...). It also has 5x zoom. And the CMOS sensor is supposed to be a notch better than CCD. The build quality is good and it's smaller than S90 except the thickness. It's also $100+ cheaper than S90. Battery life is rated at 350 shots v. S90's 220. S90: Manual everything; RAW; F2@28mm; SDHC card; external flash. The DSLR advantages have been the interchangeability for lens and flash. S90 takes another bite on those claims while providing the convenience and accessibility. If you're going up from Point&Shoot, WX1 is the winner; If you're going down from DSLR after the form factor, you'll miss less features with S90. Either is a great camera that will take wonderful pictures in the right hands.
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.
548593
After much research I choose the Canon SX700. Love the camera. I have Canon EOS equipment so a often lean towards Canon.