Canon S95 v. Panasonic Lumix LX5 I know that this question has been asked about a thousand different times, but I need help choosing between the two based on my specific needs. I am a beginner (with a husband who is clueless) but hope to learn and make photography a bit of a hobby. With that said, my clueless husband will also be using this camera so it will definitely be in auto mode as well. We are about to have a new baby and I am looking for a good, small compact camera that I can learn on as well as take good pictures in auto mode. Good low light performance is a must as well (but, from what I read, it seems that both take good pictures in low light settings). Any suggestion on which one to buy? Canon S95 v. Panasonic Lumix LX5 I know that this question has been asked about a thousand different times, but I need help choosing between the two based on my specific needs. I am a beginner... » Read More Canon S95 v. Panasonic Lumix LX5 I know that this question has been asked about a thousand different times, but I need help choosing between the two based on my specific needs. I am a beginner (with a husband who is clueless) but hope to learn and make photography a bit of a hobby. With that said, my clueless husband will also be using this camera so it will definitely be in auto mode as well. We are about to have a new baby and I am looking for a good, small compact camera that I can learn on as well as take good pictures in auto mode. Good low light performance is a must as well (but, from what I read, it seems that both take good pictures in low light settings). Any suggestion on which one to buy? « Show Less
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.
1407506
If you need the camera to go in your pocket, get the S95. The LX5 probably won't fit a man's pants. If you are a woman with a purse, more choices. If that is not an issue, there are a LOT of good cameras to pick from. Although keep in mind the saying: the best camera is the one you have with you. If it's not convenient to bring with you, then the odds are you won't bring 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?
953430
If price is not a factor the choice is tougher. I understand the the RX 100 is a great little camera. I might have gone that way except that I was looking for value. For the money the Lumix was my first choice.
965783
i think s95 is compelling if u want better pictures and control. since s95 has the bigger sensor (better pictures) and the PASM (better control).but really, the 4000 is a true P&S; wif some kick-ass hardware baked in.
260131
For alot of folks, it comes down to the option of shooting in RAW. P300 does not shoot RAW, S95 does. Is that worth the extra +$120 (as of 10/11) for the S95? Do you even shoot in RAW? If you even know what RAW is, you should be shooting with your dSLR right now. :)B&H; photo is selling the P300 for $239 through 10-29-11. Seems like a deal too good to pass up. Upgrading my 2+ year old Canon P&S.; Boy...technology moves quickly. I'll upgrade in another 2 years when all of these P&S; cameras shoot near dSLR quality.
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!!
1477873
This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this... » Read More This is my second Lumix and I only used it for a short while and gave it to my granddaughter. I think I had the same thing happen and fixed the flash part by playing around on the menu settings. When I got my first Panasonic about 3 years ago it was highly rated for taking fast in low lighting. I drop my small cameras alot and that took it's toll. That's why I won't pay over $150 for a camera and besides they change technology so fast. But I was disappointed in this camera because the focus is off in some of the shots. So I read new reviews and bought a Canon Power Shot ELPH340 HS this time. I am happier with the Canon but did pay more. Lee « Show Less
1673296
I am also comparing the two and cannot make a decision. Help, please. I am not that interested in video, but most concerned with qulaity of photo (true colors & sharpness) and the use in low light (indoor). I have concerns about the flash and what I have read is not too promising. Is one of these cameras better than the other in low light situation....without the use of 'flash'?
1419976
Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the... » Read More Thank you for the advice. I played with the ISO, MP and color settings a little bit today and got some pictures that came out a little better. Sadly, I am comparing the pictures to my 8 year old Canon S50 and the S50 takes better pictures. Indoor flash pictures are particularly disappointing. It is hard for me to accept this. The reason I want to upgrade the S50 is for the smaller size, wider angle, zoom and HD video. I expect the pictures to be at least as good if not better after so many years.The S95 is a great suggestion. I may look into a Panasonic too. Now back to the search for the S50 successor. « Show Less
490818
I am also looking at these two cameras. My needs are a good low light performance as well as action sport shots. I had purchased the Panasonic FZ8 but have returned it because the inside low light pictures were very noisy and grainy. It took great outside pictures and was responsibly fast. I'm currently wanting to try the Sony but don't like the idea of having to buy a memory stick for it, I have a few sd cards that the Canon takes.
1657028
Canon sx40 has 32x zoom and video and burst shooting. About $400. It has auto mode, too, so you don't have to be an expert. At the longest zoom, you need bright light, but this is standard for zooms. Not that small compared to the compacts but not too bulky. I like the specs of this camera, the s9100, but it sounds like there are a lot of lemons coming out, which is too bad. The s8100 only has 10x zoom, so that wouldn't be for you.
1002182
These two cameras are both good at what they do but are different in the needs they are designed to address. Your needs (atleast mine) would direct me towards one or the other. You say absolutely nothing about your needs or intended uses so there little else I could add. The zoom range, video resulotion, flexibility, and size differetiate the two. The S95 has a marginal image quality and low light advantage at the expense of lower video resolution and a much shorter telephoto.
940342
Since you like the Canon S95, you should REALLY like the little S120. But I returned it to consider the Sony RX100, but more moola for it! My DSLR kit is Canon T5i and 3 lenses, but we all need a little "pocket-rocket" also. I am also considering the little Coolpix P330.
1469934
I own both the SX30is and S95. Of course the 95 can do RAW and the 30is can't so that is one thing to take into consideration if you do a lot of Photoshop work. Even with it's fantastic zoom tests (see this test I've posted elsewhere:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C1e05eKoiEI still like the sharpness and versitility of the 90 - and end up using that for most of my friends and neighbors shots, parties etc. Both cameras have their place and Canon has done a great job.I spent many years hauling around an F1 and various lenses. It's so nice to have these two cameras, both of which fit in one bag, to do almost everything my old films SLRs did. I am very pleased. I own both the SX30is and S95. Of course the 95 can do RAW and the 30is can't so that is one thing to take into consideration if you do a lot of Photoshop work. Even with it's fantastic zoom tests (see this test I've posted elsewhere:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C1e05eKoiEI still like the sharpness and versitility of the 90 - and end up using that for most of my friends and neighbors shots, parties etc. Both cameras have their place and Canon has done a great job.I spent many years hauling around an F1 and various lenses. It's so nice to have these two... » Read More I own both the SX30is and S95. Of course the 95 can do RAW and the 30is can't so that is one thing to take into consideration if you do a lot of Photoshop work. Even with it's fantastic zoom tests (see this test I've posted elsewhere:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C1e05eKoiEI still like the sharpness and versitility of the 90 - and end up using that for most of my friends and neighbors shots, parties etc. Both cameras have their place and Canon has done a great job.I spent many years hauling around an F1 and various lenses. It's so nice to have these two cameras, both of which fit in one bag, to do almost everything my old films SLRs did. I am very pleased. « Show Less
1199108
takes great pictures in low light. I find all I need to use is the "auto" mode. Shoots fast as well, no distortion. The 20x zoom is fantastic. I did own a Panasonic Lumix which was 4 years old. I researched Panasonic, Nikon, Fuji and this was the best and I have now owned it for over three months.. Also the battery lasts a long time as well!
989001
I would get the Canon S95. It has a bigger sensor to collect light and a larger maximum aperture, the hole that allows the light to go in. This is the old fashioned way of getting better pictures. My next pocket camera will be something like the S95. Sony does good stuff and I have a Sony HX5V (and its great), and I go nuts taking pictures of my baby niece and my little nephew, but after learning more about cameras, I'd spend at little extra cash and get a camera that has a larger sensor and bigger maximum aperture. Shooting pictures indoor means less light that the camera can collect, so it best to have a camera equipped with the means to gather the most light it can get....if that makes any sense.