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
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.
2114350
As other have found though the S90's f/2 is only at the widest setting and the G11 is brigher at full zoom and the zoom is longer. So there are a few tradeoffs with the lenses. I'm actually in the same boat I got the G11, but fell in love with the s90 so I got that as well to replace my SD20 pocket camera. Sorry I have not had them long enough or shot enough pictures to give any real comparison. Coming from the SD20 I have a lot of catching up to do on the cameras and the software. I will say I think the rear dial on the s90 and G11 are too easy to rotate, I like the rear dial on the Canon SLRs, these little ones feel cheap and really are not the break through they represented for the SLRs. The s90 control ring on the lens seems very nice, but if it was all metal it would feel much nicer; still that feature is going to work well. I already put an egrips pad on the front of the s90 and a couple other carefully placed so I can hold onto the camera. First pocket camera I've put the hand-strap on as well (very nice one is supplied with camera). They should have included a slim slip case for the camera. I agree the Articulating LCD is a very nice feature and one of the main reasons I'll hold onto the G11, I know the new screens are better but often I'm shooting blind with my SD20. Coming from SLRs still nothing beats a great view finder or angle finder, but the articulating LCD can be very very handy. Now I have two cameras to learn (well actually 3 I replaced my film SLR with a digital as well), it maybe the G11 won't get a lot of use as the s90 will almost certainly be my pocket camera. Still It will be nice to have and after learning to operate these new digitals it should not be to hard to switch between the s90 and the G11.
154002
Thank you! I haven't heard of the sx40 i'll check it out. I really like the specs. On the sx230. The images looked better than the Sony hx9 I was gonna get. But the canon seem to beat it with quality of picture. Thanks again
792518
I have been wondering the same thing & still can't decide. I was wondering if you have decided yet & if so which way you went? I have a Pentax Optio A10 right now & I love everything about it except the shutter speed so I have been looking for a new one & can't decide between the Sony DSCW80 & the Canon SD1000.
15746
I'm debating between the SX230 and the 300HS. I love the GPS feature in the 230 but am worried about bad battery life with it on. I also love the great zoom on the 230. On the other hand, I already own 3 NB-4L batteries that I can use as spares for the 300HS and it will fit perfectly in the case I have for my 1100 (that will be retired by whichever new camera I decide to buy).
1588521
the hex-5TL is way smaller than Leica M-series & does not have the fragility 0f a leica. What other option would you go for/want?leitz
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.
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!!
1321781
Thanks amazon for your reply!Could you tell us Why the DMC-SZ9 is Under Review?Does the Panasonic DMC-SZ9 has Some kind of technical or malfunction problems?I'm a little worried because I have ordered the Panasonic DMC-SZ9 from Amazon a few days ago, and am waiting to receive today ...So hope, I will Receive it in good condition and with all accessories!
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
1869221
The best way around that idiotic "photo pass" requirement would be to buy a used Leica M8.2, but that's a very different beast from either a P&S; or a DSLR.The GF1 should definitely do better than a TZ5, though it won't be up to DSLR standards. You might also consider the Olympus E-P1, which is very similar to the GF1 but has in-body image stabilization.
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.
1149039
I had the S5200 until it was stolen. I replaced it with an S700 and even though it was cheaper, it had more features, I like it so much I ordered the S8000Fd, I love what that zoom can do, so much power and can do it hand held. Great macro shooting with both cameras too.
2197786
I'm a bit of a lens snob too, being a contax shooter. I bought the Lumix fz50 for my wife and it arrived yesterday, and let me tell you, it is fantastic; best digital camera I've ever held. We considered the nikon d80, but my wife preferred the LCD preview on the Lumix, and although it is easy to use, the manual options are versatile. FZ50 is not lighter than the nikon, but on the other hand, it has a 420mm Leica lens, so it does the job of two lenses. The price is incredibly low, I think because once you get out of the 300 dollar range, people think they need skip over to a DSLR. They're wrong! Lumix provides all you need with a Leica lens.
1796829
@Coog makes good points for a new G series, however, my number one interest in the G12 is the viewfinder. This is simply where the S100 doesn't make the cut. The fully articulating rear screen on my S5 IS has enabled many, many otherwise unobtainable shots. Being able to hold the camera in positions where one's head can't go simply enables shots that would otherwise be missed. With that, I hope that Canon does continue the G series, swapping sensors and processors as prices come down. I need these sub-$400 cameras because I'm pretty hard on pocketables. The last two only lasted 4 months each.
399093
First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd buy one that Panasonic makes for the FZ200. I have no experience with any of them. Sorry... First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd... » Read More First off, the FZ200 is NOT a DSLR. You cannot change the lens. It is called a "bridge camera." The lens that is built into the camera is a Leica 25mm-600mm constant f2.8 aperture lens. That is about as much lens as most people ever need.I just use the builtin flash. Panasonic makes several flashes, but the cost almost as much as the camera. If I need an external flash, I use my Canon 40D DSLR and its EX58o external flash.I realize this doesn't help you, but with the f2.8 lens you "might" not really need to buy an external flash. If you do, I'd buy one that Panasonic makes for the FZ200. I have no experience with any of them. Sorry... « Show Less