ZR1 vs. ZS3- Mega vs. new Power O.I.S. I have been doing a side by side comparison of the zR1 vs the ZS3 and have read the comments. Beside the very desirable focal length of the ZS3, I am wondering whether the new technology of the "Power" O.I.S. in the ZR1 vs. the older "Mega" O.I.S. in the ZR3 might make a hugh difference for night shots and therefore override the desirability of the 25-300 in the ZS3? Video is not that important, would be nice but I am more of a 'still' shooter - also use it alot on scenery and night shots. Could anyone give me their opinions on comparing the two cameras? I have spent hours on this and would like some intelligent or knowledgeable help asap. (We're going to the Galapagos in 3 weeks and need to add this camera to the trip..) Thanks ahead! Carolyn P. ZR1 vs. ZS3- Mega vs. new Power O.I.S. I have been doing a side by side comparison of the zR1 vs the ZS3 and have read the comments. Beside the very desirable focal length of the ZS3, I am... » Read More ZR1 vs. ZS3- Mega vs. new Power O.I.S. I have been doing a side by side comparison of the zR1 vs the ZS3 and have read the comments. Beside the very desirable focal length of the ZS3, I am wondering whether the new technology of the "Power" O.I.S. in the ZR1 vs. the older "Mega" O.I.S. in the ZR3 might make a hugh difference for night shots and therefore override the desirability of the 25-300 in the ZS3? Video is not that important, would be nice but I am more of a 'still' shooter - also use it alot on scenery and night shots. Could anyone give me their opinions on comparing the two cameras? I have spent hours on this and would like some intelligent or knowledgeable help asap. (We're going to the Galapagos in 3 weeks and need to add this camera to the trip..) Thanks ahead! Carolyn P. « Show Less
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Thank you for your help and relay of information. I have purchased the ZS3 and absolutely love it! It just came, so am eager to spend some 'quality' time with it.
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Sorry, I can't offer any feedback, but I found it funny that someone else is having the same dilemna with the same 2 cameras. So I will also be intersted in hearing any input as well. Is the video capability really worth it?
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I too am stuck! Although POWER is supposedly better than MEGA I think either would be sufficient... I've read places that POWER is more of a software improvement and just processes things faster. Mechanically they are similar.It comes down to video as you both mentioned. I'm off to France in 3 weeks and would like a camera upgrade from 5 years ago. But which?! lolOne other thing I was thinking about with MJPEG vs AVCHD: Since MJPEG uses twice as much space, you'd need twice as fast a card to keep up with the video being written to it, otherwise you'll get dropped frames/choppiness. I too am stuck! Although POWER is supposedly better than MEGA I think either would be sufficient... I've read places that POWER is more of a software improvement and just processes things faster. Mechanically they are similar.It comes down to video as you both mentioned. I'm off to France in 3 weeks and would like a camera upgrade from 5 years ago. But which?! lolOne other thing I was thinking about with MJPEG vs AVCHD: Since MJPEG uses twice as much space, you'd need twice as fast a card to keep up with the video being written to it, otherwise you'll get dropped... » Read More I too am stuck! Although POWER is supposedly better than MEGA I think either would be sufficient... I've read places that POWER is more of a software improvement and just processes things faster. Mechanically they are similar.It comes down to video as you both mentioned. I'm off to France in 3 weeks and would like a camera upgrade from 5 years ago. But which?! lolOne other thing I was thinking about with MJPEG vs AVCHD: Since MJPEG uses twice as much space, you'd need twice as fast a card to keep up with the video being written to it, otherwise you'll get dropped frames/choppiness. « Show Less
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Panasonic note that Power OIS nearly doubles the effectiveness of Mega OIS. It reportedly is aimed at low-frequency movement as found in pressing the shutter button and other sudden movements as opposed to a regular (meaning "repeating") and small tremor as found in muscle tremor. Now ... if someone would actually create an easy, repeatable, and valuable way to test and measure camera stabilization performance ....
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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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Shouldn't zs3 still be under warranty since it just came out 2-3month? I own both zs3 and tx1 (wx1's brother), and zs3's sharper pictures blows both tx1/wx1 under exposed pictures out of the water! the only thing that tx1/wx1 has over zs3 is low light, high iso images (new exmor r sensor and 6 stacking pictures), and easy panorama picture taking. I keep both tx1 and zs3 for different modes. zs3 for outdoor and flash pictures, and tx1 for low light, high iso pictures.
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What did Consumer Reports' say about these two cameras? How do you like your ZR1 so far?
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Hey Michael, I compared the two but wasn't able to notice any difference. I have the version II and it works great. For the record, I've used the Z finder and this one is on par with it. I'm assuming that the new one has some minor fixes or changes, but I can't really tell the difference. Best of luck!
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Didn't get but one answer. Bought the Panasonic TZ 3 and i am VERY happy with it so far. No regrets about the choice. Very good quality of 8x10 enlargements even without any corrections. Sturdier than the Cannon i think. Two other friends just bought it also.
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I won't go as far as to say FZ18 is featureless but I will say that the older one hands down takes better photos. (I have new one/brother has old one). Image quality IS not as good, even with the steadiest of hands. I'd recommend going with older one until sensor is improved in new model.
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I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go... » Read More I was all set to buy the SX200 and have been a die-hard Canon fan for many years, but I am not ready to dismiss the ZS3. Yes the camaralabs.com review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/index.shtml) talks about the focus issue on the ZS3 but overall the review is very favorable and it is unclear whether it is an issue in all situations or just the challenging scene in the sample video. Furthermore the Canon SX200 not only does not zoom during video, but auto focus is disabled altogether in this mode. I think I would rather have my focus hunt a little than go completely out of focus as the subject moves. « Show Less
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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.
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Check out reviews and sample photos/videos of the sx200, zs3 and tz5 at cameralabs online. The zs3 is worth the difference in price over the sx200 and tz5 due to better lens, image quality, video compression and the Venus HD processor built into it. The zs3 is also smaller, lighter and has longer battery life than the sx200 and tz5. Search youtube for "zs3" or "tz7" (as it is known in europe) and you'll find a lot of sample video showing what can be done with it. Oh, and search youtube for "tz7 night restaurant" for a very well done commercial quality video done on a tz7/zs3. The video capability of the zs3 is amazing. Check out reviews and sample photos/videos of the sx200, zs3 and tz5 at cameralabs online. The zs3 is worth the difference in price over the sx200 and tz5 due to better lens, image quality, video compression and the Venus HD processor built into it. The zs3 is also smaller, lighter and has longer battery life than the sx200 and tz5. Search youtube for "zs3" or "tz7" (as it is known in europe) and you'll find a lot of sample video showing what can be done with it. Oh, and search youtube for "tz7 night restaurant" for a very well done commercial quality video... » Read More Check out reviews and sample photos/videos of the sx200, zs3 and tz5 at cameralabs online. The zs3 is worth the difference in price over the sx200 and tz5 due to better lens, image quality, video compression and the Venus HD processor built into it. The zs3 is also smaller, lighter and has longer battery life than the sx200 and tz5. Search youtube for "zs3" or "tz7" (as it is known in europe) and you'll find a lot of sample video showing what can be done with it. Oh, and search youtube for "tz7 night restaurant" for a very well done commercial quality video done on a tz7/zs3. The video capability of the zs3 is amazing. « Show Less
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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.
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Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
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I was thinking that, too, Media Hub. I was part of that comment thread and this was posted:**Mel / Yarii : If you two are still getting updates on Mel's comment, you've got to look at Page 41 of the Owners Manual on CD, and the 6th bullet point on the right side... LOL !!!! Lumix knew about the shadow all along ! And Mel is right that the only way to avoid the shadow is a slight bit of zoom.BTW, this manual on its face says it is for ZS8 and ZS9 ... so wonder if ZS8 owners just haven't noticed, or don't have the shadow.**
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Is the EVF viewer large enough to view comfortably? I was comparing the S3 to the Sony H2 and the EVF on the Sony seems smaller compared to the S3. Can't find a FZ7 in town to physically look at, but it sounds like a great camera for the price. Any info you can give would be greatly appreciated.
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I've been comparing them for 2 months and finally bought the 1000IS because:1. It has a rotating wheel on top to change from auto to programmable to movie and all other modes. The review button is on the back.With the 1200 it is a rubber slider and movie mode is in between shoot and review. With my old Canon, I was always getting back to the hotel room out of battery life and discovering it was because in going back and forth between review and shoot mode I had slipped into movie mode and had lots of footage of my feet walking around while sight seeing. Hopefully this can't happen now. I've been comparing them for 2 months and finally bought the 1000IS because:1. It has a rotating wheel on top to change from auto to programmable to movie and all other modes. The review button is on the back.With the 1200 it is a rubber slider and movie mode is in between shoot and review. With my old Canon, I was always getting back to the hotel room out of battery life and discovering it was because in going back and forth between review and shoot mode I had slipped into movie mode and had lots of footage of my feet walking around while sight seeing. Hopefully this can't... » Read More I've been comparing them for 2 months and finally bought the 1000IS because:1. It has a rotating wheel on top to change from auto to programmable to movie and all other modes. The review button is on the back.With the 1200 it is a rubber slider and movie mode is in between shoot and review. With my old Canon, I was always getting back to the hotel room out of battery life and discovering it was because in going back and forth between review and shoot mode I had slipped into movie mode and had lots of footage of my feet walking around while sight seeing. Hopefully this can't happen now. « Show Less
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GET THE Z950 NOW! The price listed today (6/15) is crazy! Sorry I'm excited lol, 139.99 is awesome. I've been eyeing this camera for a while. I'm all in for this price and free two day shipping for non prime members is bacon on the burger....... Back on topic!The z915 uses AA batteries so the more you spend for batteries the longer they will last and there's some decent rechargeables out there. The z950 uses this Kodak KLIC-7003 Li-lon Rechargeable Battery and I think it last for about 250 shots.I like the z950 battery option more but I'm no camera pro so hopefully someone has better advice for ya. GET THE Z950 NOW! The price listed today (6/15) is crazy! Sorry I'm excited lol, 139.99 is awesome. I've been eyeing this camera for a while. I'm all in for this price and free two day shipping for non prime members is bacon on the burger....... Back on topic!The z915 uses AA batteries so the more you spend for batteries the longer they will last and there's some decent rechargeables out there. The z950 uses this Kodak KLIC-7003 Li-lon Rechargeable Battery and I think it last for about 250 shots.I... » Read More GET THE Z950 NOW! The price listed today (6/15) is crazy! Sorry I'm excited lol, 139.99 is awesome. I've been eyeing this camera for a while. I'm all in for this price and free two day shipping for non prime members is bacon on the burger....... Back on topic!The z915 uses AA batteries so the more you spend for batteries the longer they will last and there's some decent rechargeables out there. The z950 uses this Kodak KLIC-7003 Li-lon Rechargeable Battery and I think it last for about 250 shots.I like the z950 battery option more but I'm no camera pro so hopefully someone has better advice for ya. « Show Less
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Hmm... I'm still trying out the SX but am tempted to try out the ZS3 with all the great reviews on the camera. The Canon is working all right but not as great as I would like. It might be the fact that I'm too lazy to read the instructions. It does get tiring a bit when you have to adjust the light with each shot. How's the color and focus quality in ZS3? I noticed that TZ5 have focus problems when zoomed and trying to focus on small white objects in the light. Does ZS3 have the same problem? Is ZS3 much better than TZ5? I'm not sure if it's worth it to get ZS3 if the quality isn't too much better since the price of the 2 is very different. Hmm... I'm still trying out the SX but am tempted to try out the ZS3 with all the great reviews on the camera. The Canon is working all right but not as great as I would like. It might be the fact that I'm too lazy to read the instructions. It does get tiring a bit when you have to adjust the light with each shot. How's the color and focus quality in ZS3? I noticed that TZ5 have focus problems when zoomed and trying to focus on small white objects in the light. Does ZS3 have the same problem? Is ZS3 much better than TZ5? I'm not sure if it's worth it to get ZS3 if the quality isn't too much... » Read More Hmm... I'm still trying out the SX but am tempted to try out the ZS3 with all the great reviews on the camera. The Canon is working all right but not as great as I would like. It might be the fact that I'm too lazy to read the instructions. It does get tiring a bit when you have to adjust the light with each shot. How's the color and focus quality in ZS3? I noticed that TZ5 have focus problems when zoomed and trying to focus on small white objects in the light. Does ZS3 have the same problem? Is ZS3 much better than TZ5? I'm not sure if it's worth it to get ZS3 if the quality isn't too much better since the price of the 2 is very different. « Show Less
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Well, I'm now reading about another option: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20/B 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization.This one compares to the Panasonic ZS3 and both sell for approximately the same price. I guess I'm still stuck in wanting to figure out which one of these models (DSC-H20, ZS3, DSC-W350, W370) can do all of the things they promised but at a faster speed.