How is the S8000 picture quality? I'm about to buy one.... Hi folks.....how is the overall picture quality? I'm about to purchase this camera although my gut tells me to get the Panasonix FZ18. Thing is, I like the burst mode on the Fuji S8000 for action sports shots ( even at reduced resolution ).Many people are critisizing the S8000's picture quality. Are they nit-picking the micriscopic flaws or are it's pictures really that bad?Thanks for any input.Tony How is the S8000 picture quality? I'm about to buy one.... Hi folks.....how is the overall picture quality? I'm about to purchase this camera although my gut tells me to get the Panasonix... » Read More How is the S8000 picture quality? I'm about to buy one.... Hi folks.....how is the overall picture quality? I'm about to purchase this camera although my gut tells me to get the Panasonix FZ18. Thing is, I like the burst mode on the Fuji S8000 for action sports shots ( even at reduced resolution ).Many people are critisizing the S8000's picture quality. Are they nit-picking the micriscopic flaws or are it's pictures really that bad?Thanks for any input.Tony « Show Less
1590026
Barry/Richard,I'm still having a heck of a time trying to get a decent snapshot of my dog indoors with typical family room lighting ( not dark but not bright either ) with the S8000. If he so much as wiggles his tail, all is a blur. With higher ISOs I don't expect much sharpness. Faster shutter leads to very dark pics. What am I missing? Do I have to use flash - a tripod is out since he won't sit still that long.Thanks guys,Tony
1590027
Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera is the best bargain I've ever seen Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera... » Read More Thank You!!! Richard and Tony, you took the words right out my mouth :) I never use "Auto" mode as the flash mode defaults at too high of an ISO. If you use "P" (program) mode you can adjust the ISO anywhere you want (64-6400) Unless your planning to print most of your pics bigger than 11x14, the noise levels aren't that bad. This camera is taking a bad rap in some forums by people who don;t even own the camera. Know about the $50.00 rebate? I have the form if you want one. write me at barryndallas@earthlink.net and I'll send to anyone who wants it (US only) This camera is the best bargain I've ever seen « Show Less
1590028
I considered this camera until I couldn't find a uv filter for it. It is really small. Less than 46 mm. There may be one somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Love that 18x lens tho...
344030
Has anyone compared the quality of stills from these cameras? I like the faster burst rates on both these cameras (I shoot a lot of sports with my kids). I rarely shoot over ISO 400 and I do not have the capability to print larger than 8x10. Which is the better output in terms of images?
2236560
I spent a lot of time researching and have decided that the wait is worth it (although, unbearable!) The FZ40 is an improvement over the FZ35 as far as startup speed, image quality (not only higher MP, but also a better sensor). The zoom also is worth it to me. If you do some searching, there are a lot of reviews now. The FZ40 also has panoramic, not sure if the FZ35 has that or not.I don't think that the FZ100 is worth the extra 1 hundred. There still is some debate over the quality of the images with the MOS sensor and the 1080 video vs 720 wasn't worth it for me.
2066794
What about low light performance? I took SD900 to Japan for cherry blossom viewing. Flash is definitely a big no no for taking those kinds of pictures at night, so I used Hi-ISO or ISO 3200 all the way. The night cherry blossom pictures turned out to be amazing. Video was fantastic too. I haven't yet read any comment on how SD800 performed in low light situations. Any experience?
120624
Thank you very much, ALT, I really appreciate your feedback. Yesterday I ordered the Fuji S1000fd instead. For $231 the 10MP and 12X optical zoom was just unbeatable. Now I've got to find out if I can use filters on it, too. Thank you!
288589
I have just ordered an FZ35. I was previously holding out for the FZ40, but after reading the reviews on the FZ100, I have concluded that the FZ35 is a BETTER product than the FZ40 will be! According to many FZ35 owners who have purchased an FZ100 (which has the same lens, zoom, and CCD chip as the FZ40) the image quality is NOT as good on the FZ100 as it is on the FZ35. This is attributed to the increased Megapixels that are jammed onto a SMALLER CCD chip. In order to add the increased zoom, Panasonic had to shrink the size of the CCD chip, and at the same time they jammed in more pixels. Consequence: loss of image quality. Low light photos on the FZ100 are apparently grainier on the FZ100 than on the FZ35 as well. Add to that the fact that the FZ40 will only accept microchipped Panasonic batteries (at 3-4 times the price of aftermarket batteries) and the choice is clear! Stop waiting! Buy an FZ35. I just did myself!
552822
I have been tossing and turning over this very same dilema. After MUCH research, I have settled on the sd800 for the following reasons: #1- The .28 wide angle lens (great to have indoors and for group shots!!) #2- 7.1mp is PLENTY! Don't get up in the more mp is more trap! It just slows down picture taking, transferring and printing. Unless you are literally making posters, it is impossible to distinguish any difference between 7mp and 8mp. #3- The 2.5" screen looks huge in person, but the 3" (which I thought I wanted) leaves no room for your right thumb. This might sound stupid, but I've held both cameras, and it felt like I had to really work to keep my thumb off of that 3" screen (again, avoid the "more is more" draw). These, along with the price were enough to tip the scale for me. Hope this helps!
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!
132645
I have the sony and love it. I particularly like the fantastic panoramic feature - I dont see a reference to that on the panasonic description here. I have had the Olympus variants of the waterproof cameras in the past and they were quite good. Have not taken the sony into the water yet - I assume it will be trouble free (as the olympus cameras have been in the past). The picture quality on the sony is a step up from my past cameras. Having not tried the Panasonic yet, I recommend the sony.
847993
I have a 720 mju and I love it. I was also looking at the Pentax WP10... but I went with the 720mju for several reasons-There's a higher ISO sensativity.-Digital image stabilization(this feature is niiiice... no accidental blurry photos!)-Overall build quality. It just feels rock-solid which is good for me because I do lots of hiking/climbing and stuff. I know I'll manage to drop this thing on the ground eventually... the shock-proof feature is nice.I personally don't have a problem with the button sizing. It seems a bit small, but they're spaced far enough apart so you don't hit things accidently.Cheers. I have a 720 mju and I love it. I was also looking at the Pentax WP10... but I went with the 720mju for several reasons-There's a higher ISO sensativity.-Digital image stabilization(this feature is niiiice... no accidental blurry photos!)-Overall build quality. It just feels rock-solid which is good for me because I do lots of hiking/climbing and stuff. I know I'll manage to drop this thing on the ground eventually... the shock-proof feature is nice.I personally don't have a problem with the button sizing. It seems a bit small, but they're spaced far enough... » Read More I have a 720 mju and I love it. I was also looking at the Pentax WP10... but I went with the 720mju for several reasons-There's a higher ISO sensativity.-Digital image stabilization(this feature is niiiice... no accidental blurry photos!)-Overall build quality. It just feels rock-solid which is good for me because I do lots of hiking/climbing and stuff. I know I'll manage to drop this thing on the ground eventually... the shock-proof feature is nice.I personally don't have a problem with the button sizing. It seems a bit small, but they're spaced far enough apart so you don't hit things accidently.Cheers. « Show Less
568654
Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or... » Read More Very bad in my experience with it. It's a good camera outdoors, especially on sunny days. Indoors, the combo of the long zoom and small sensor make for dark pics and/or blurry pics. Almost all cameras are trade-offs. This one's trade0offs were not for me. The FZ150 is a much better camera and the FZ200 is probably better yet. The FZ200 is expensive, so not a truly fail comparison. It is also bigger.The best compact in the world right now (my belief and that of many others) has a 3 -4 x zoom and a 1" sensor and costs $650 --- the Sony RX100. It's the same size as the ZS15 or maybe even a bit smaller. I wish it were cheaper !!! :-). « 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
209420
I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated.Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It will have a 30X zoom, RAW shooting, and EVF, and several other new features. Might want to check that one out if you can wait a bit. I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated.Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It... » Read More I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated.Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It will have a 30X zoom, RAW shooting, and EVF, and several other new features. Might want to check that one out if you can wait a bit. « Show Less
209419
I really like the Panasonic ZS30. I do not have the Fuji f900, although I've heard nice things about it. Google www.dpreview.com. I think they have professional reviews of both cameras. Might also try www.whatdigitalcamera.com. Another good place for professional reviews is www.cameralabs.com. If you go to www.whatdigitalcamera.com, it is a British magazine, and the ZS30 is known as the TZ40 in Europe - same camera. Both the Fuji and the Panasonic are highly rated. Another option to consider - Panasonic has announced that the ZS40 - next upgrade - will be coming out in March. It will have a 30X zoom, RAW shooting, and EVF, and several other new features. Might want to check that one out if you can wait a bit.
1168521
I find it frustrating that the. Sx40 does not take pictures fast enough. I don,t want to use burst mode. After reading that it has 1 sec. Between shots which is a built in feature I m. Thinking of returning it for one that can shoot faster. Any suggestions oncameras that shoot faster and are just as good?
883521
I've never owned a Panny FZ70, but I did own a Panny FZ40 and I will say the FZ40 is a fine camera with excellent image quality. That being said, I love the image quality on the X-S1 and overall I think it is a better camera. I don't know about anybody else, but I had a problem with dust and dirt getting inside of the FZ40 camera's lens and it made the camera unusable. The X-S1 is an amazing camera and it is built very solid with many metal fittings instead of plastic pieces that you find on a lot of cameras. I love the manual zoom as well, it's got a pro-camera feel about it, I wouldn't trade my X-S1 camera for any other out there. The filter size is 62mm which I highly recommend getting to protect your lens. I bought a Fujicon clear UV filter lens and a Sigma polarized lens as well for bright sunlight days. I couldn't be happier with my X-S1 camera.
160800
Thanks, John. Now if only I had pockets big enough both to purchase the S5 IS *and* to hold its bulk. :-/ So I guess I'm still wondering: Just what the heck IS the reason none of the pocket-size digi-cams seem to allow zooming in video mode? Too expensive? Too noisy? Simply not possible due to some technical constraint? If anyone has a good answer, I'd still like to know. Thanks for the good discussion so far...