Panasonic Lumix TZ3 or Canon SD800? Want a 28mm wide angle (less interested in the telephoto), compact rather than subcompact. Looked at both in stores, similar price. Cannot decide. My first digital so do not care about the manual controls too much. I use a lot the wide angle lens in my film cameras Panasonic Lumix TZ3 or Canon SD800? Want a 28mm wide angle (less interested in the telephoto), compact rather than subcompact. Looked at both in stores, similar price. Cannot decide. My first... » Read More Panasonic Lumix TZ3 or Canon SD800? Want a 28mm wide angle (less interested in the telephoto), compact rather than subcompact. Looked at both in stores, similar price. Cannot decide. My first digital so do not care about the manual controls too much. I use a lot the wide angle lens in my film cameras « Show Less
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....
1056893
My boyfriend has the Canon & I just got the Lumix. I prefer the Lumix, it's easier to switch to different light situations because of the dial on the top. But he prefers the Canon because it's slightly smaller & fits in his pocket. I have to admit, his camera is much slimmer, but I still prefer my own.
1455354
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!
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.
844344
By the way, Panasonic.com doesn't have much info on the ZS3. But Panasonic.net has an entire minisite for it! If you haven't checked it out, here's the link below. Very impressive that they spent so much time providing detailed info. Says a lot about their commitment to the product and consumer segment.http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compact/zs3_tz7/index.html
1507563
I was told this when I asked the same question on another forum: "the SD800IS had a better constructed body and feel, the SD850IS felt cheap when you A/B them. The power button is very small for a camera of this size. It requires most to use their finger nails to activate. Lastly, the shutter lag is longer on the SD850IS. The SD850IS is more of the SD700IS's successor rather than the SD800IS. The body style is exactly the same and it uses the same 35mm lens rather than the 28mm.... There are a lot of people who really liked the wide angle lens part of the 800IS. You can take better indoor, landscape etc. pics." I went with the 800 IS in the end.
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.
2018169
I went to the camera store today to compare these two cameras and came away with a definite lean toward the FZ18 vs the TZ3. The three big negative factors for the TZ were: 1. There was significant color blurring (red text on white background) when magnifying comparable shots (the FZ was clean); the compression noise was also significantly higher on the TZ3. 2. The image stabilization on the TZ3 at 12X zoom was WAY inferior to the FZ18 at 18X. I had a LOT of trouble getting one clear shot out of 10 tries at 12X with the TZ3, while the FZ18 gave perfect 18X images 9 out of 10 times. I don't know why this might be, and I checked all the settings on both cameras to be sure I wasn't comparing apples to oranges, but these results are real. 3. The TZ3 does not have a viewfinder and I have found that in bright sunlight outdoors a viewfinder is a huge plus. All this said, the TZ3 is still a nice camera for the size - it is pocketable (in baggy pants) while the FZ18 is not. -- Just my 2 cents. _eric
287141
I don't think the T300 is in the same class as the G10 and LX3, in terms of features and image quality. I'm a Canon guy and I really wanted to get the G10. But it was a marginal improvement over the G9. And the low light performance is still lacking. I tend to shoot a lot of indoor and night time pics, so the LX3 was a better choice for me. But if you're more of an outdoor daylight shooter, the G10 blows the LX3 away. And I have to say that Canon has a better menu system and user interface. The Panasonic UI takes some getting used to. I would highly recommend browsing through Flickr to get an idea of the image quality that comes from each of the cameras. It should help you decide on the best camera for your needs. And Amazon uses automated scripts to adjust pricing. If a Marketplace reseller offers it for a lower/higher price, the Amazon price will drop/increase by X dollars. So if you're looking for the best price from Amazon, it helps to be a little obsessive and check every half hour or so. :-)
814961
I had a Canon PowerShot SD800, which also has a wide angle lens. In my opinoin, WIDE ANGLE is WAY MORE VALUABLE than higher zoom. I find that I often "can't back up far enough" to get the shot I want ... for many situations, wide angle is super useful. Zoom doesn't help nearly as much.. you're likely to get blur, etc. I'm now searching for a reaplacement and I will ONLY buy one with wide angle. I'd recommend the same for you. thx
1917125
I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA... » Read More I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. « Show Less
565185
Biggest differences is TZ3 is smaller, has a wider wide angle(NICE), a 3 instead of 2 1/2 LCD, more LCD pixels for brighter LCD screen in daylight, and self-closing lens cover(no manual cap). You will lose zoom capability during movie mode in the TZ3 however. Those familiar with both say TZ3 seems to produce better pictures. You can compare camera model specs side by side at DPReview.com. On left panel select BUYING GUIDE, then SIDE BY SIDE, then pick camera mfgs and models you want to compare from list and ADD. Up to five models will show side by side in one pane. When you have added models to compare, clic COMPARE. Site also has professional reviews and user ratings and comments. Nice! Biggest differences is TZ3 is smaller, has a wider wide angle(NICE), a 3 instead of 2 1/2 LCD, more LCD pixels for brighter LCD screen in daylight, and self-closing lens cover(no manual cap). You will lose zoom capability during movie mode in the TZ3 however. Those familiar with both say TZ3 seems to produce better pictures. You can compare camera model specs side by side at DPReview.com. On left panel select BUYING GUIDE, then SIDE BY SIDE, then pick camera mfgs and models you want to compare from list and ADD. Up to five models will show side by side in one pane. When you have... » Read More Biggest differences is TZ3 is smaller, has a wider wide angle(NICE), a 3 instead of 2 1/2 LCD, more LCD pixels for brighter LCD screen in daylight, and self-closing lens cover(no manual cap). You will lose zoom capability during movie mode in the TZ3 however. Those familiar with both say TZ3 seems to produce better pictures. You can compare camera model specs side by side at DPReview.com. On left panel select BUYING GUIDE, then SIDE BY SIDE, then pick camera mfgs and models you want to compare from list and ADD. Up to five models will show side by side in one pane. When you have added models to compare, clic COMPARE. Site also has professional reviews and user ratings and comments. Nice! « Show Less
681556
The 15mm wide angle is nice, but I had image quality issue with my copy of this lens. I don't think it's worth the money. I just recently bought the Canon 10-24mm lens and am much happier with it as a wide angle choice. Don't get sucked in by the fact that it's got a nice general purpose range. Its quality just doesn't match its cost.
1721987
I have a Lumix DMC-FZ18 and a Canon SX10. I wanted to buy a camera that was a little better than the FZ18 and wait a little longer for a DSLR. Picture quality on the Canon is not as good as the Lumix. Image stabalization on the Lumix is also noticably better. I have already taken over 300 photos of the same scene with both cameras for comparison. I should have upgraded to the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 as it is getting great reviews from everyone on the web.
1638741
It depends on whether you want the extra range at the wide-angle end and whether you want an optical viewfinder. The reviews tend to rate the picture quality from the two cameras highly.dpreview has reviewed the 870. He likes it a lot better than the 800, which has the same wide-angle lens (at least the same range) as the 870. Perhaps he had an inferior sample, but the 800 produced
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
2094837
>> the SD800 also has a 3.8x Wide Zoom lens >> whereas the SD700 has 4x zoom lens.True, but those X figures not tell the whole story. The longest focal length of the SD800 is 105mm/equivalent. One the SD700 it's 140mm.I happen to prefer the longer zoom length and am very pleased with the SD700. The build exudes quality. The SD800 seems to have a tad better perfomance at higher ISO numbers. Many like the face recogniton technology, which the SD700 doesn't have (and doesn't really interest me personally). But if you're a pixel peeper, watch for fairly obvious corner softness at wide angle for the SD800.Both are great cameras, neither is perfect. Saying that, you can't go wrong with either. >> the SD800 also has a 3.8x Wide Zoom lens >> whereas the SD700 has 4x zoom lens.True, but those X figures not tell the whole story. The longest focal length of the SD800 is 105mm/equivalent. One the SD700 it's 140mm.I happen to prefer the longer zoom length and am very pleased with the SD700. The build exudes quality. The SD800 seems to have a tad better perfomance at higher ISO numbers. Many like the face recogniton technology, which the SD700 doesn't have (and doesn't really interest me personally). But if you're a pixel peeper, watch for fairly... » Read More >> the SD800 also has a 3.8x Wide Zoom lens >> whereas the SD700 has 4x zoom lens.True, but those X figures not tell the whole story. The longest focal length of the SD800 is 105mm/equivalent. One the SD700 it's 140mm.I happen to prefer the longer zoom length and am very pleased with the SD700. The build exudes quality. The SD800 seems to have a tad better perfomance at higher ISO numbers. Many like the face recogniton technology, which the SD700 doesn't have (and doesn't really interest me personally). But if you're a pixel peeper, watch for fairly obvious corner softness at wide angle for the SD800.Both are great cameras, neither is perfect. Saying that, you can't go wrong with either. « Show Less
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!