Canon PowerShot SD940IS or Panasonic lumix zs3? Hi,I normally shoot a dslr, I would like a camera to carry with me that less obtrusive.Thanks
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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?
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The Panasonic is more expensive (list price), but as mentioned, have a greater zoom, a larger LCD with double the resolution of the SD940, and will let you use optical zoom while recording clips, but is a bit bigger in size than the Canon SD940.
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Even though the Canon SD940 IS and the Panasonic ZS3 are both point & shoots, they are really very different cameras and therefore difficult to compare to one another. Both are quality cameras that will produce technically good photos. That being said, if an extremely small camera that can fit into just about any pocket is your top priority, go with the Canon. If a MUCH greater zoom range is your top priority, go with the Panasonic.
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ARe you saying the Canon is an overall better camera? I am thinking in purchasing the 940 IS
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I have owned them both. While the Lumix is a bigger camera about 1/2 thicker then the Canon it is an all around better camera in every way. And right now it is cheaper to.
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The zs30 has a great lens that will give you a the best quality image. Equal to a good dslr. The primary drawback is that it is very fragile.
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Thank You so much for taking the time to post! In fact, I ended up with the Lumix ZS3 and have found it to be pretty quick. There is also a Burst mode which is quite good and works well as long as you have plenty of light, daylight is best. Now, I'll have to explore the 4/3 cameras too - just for fun.
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Thanks for the links, R.G.! Esp. the comparison. I've been holding off for THE p+s camera (to replace my Canon S410) and I think TZ5 is it.
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Yeah the biggest complaint for the SX200IS was the automatic flash every time. I'm gonna wait to see if that has been fixed in the SX210IS before I go ahead an order. Looks like a great improvement in every other area!I'm glad I held out on getting my super-zoom point and shoot! Within the last few weeks Nikon, Fujifilm, Canon, and Panasonic all announced their Spring 2010 models. There are some real good options out there!
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I've had the LX3 for about a year and I'm anxious to get rid of it. It's not very pocket friendly for one thing. And I still dislike the complex menu system. It obviously takes fantastic photos, but I don't know how to say this... It's just not "usable". I like to carry my camera around and take quick and spontaneous photos. And with the LX3, this is just not possible.. bulky size, manual lens cap, slow start-up, slow focusing, clunky menus, etc. Don't get me wrong. The LX3 is a fantastic camera. And it has more creative controls than the S90, but it just doesn't suit my shooting style. I'm planning to get the S90 as an everyday camera, and a Canon DSLR for more composed and serious photos. The LX3 will be going on Craigslist soon.
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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.
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I had a film SLR before the Canon S50. Now I only want a smaller camera that takes great pictures. The S95 probably is a great choice.
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Thanks for your recommendation of the Panasonic Lumix LZ8. (Like others in this dialogue, I'm looking to replace a Nikon that was very disappointing.) It's been three years since your post, and I've noticed that it's hard now to find an LZ8. Is there a newer Panasonic you'd recommend with the same enthusiasm now? Thanks for your help.
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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 think I will buy the Panasonic Lumix ZS3 hybrid camera when more positive reviews are available, probably in April. It has stereo sound recording, usable zoom while taking video and 3" 460K resolution LCD. The only minor drawback with it is it does not support manual mode. There is no RAW mode too at this time, but that's software and they can easily add that later in new firmware. It also costs about $50 more than the SX200. Of course the SX1 IS is better, but that is a different class of camera and too bulky for light traveling.
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I wondered if there were better LCDs out there for outside photos than on my last two cameras (Fujis). Anyway, I am gravitating toward a slightly larger camera with a nice optical zoom. On the high end, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35, and on the low end the Fuji S1500. These cameras tend to have viewfinders, but I need to do a lot more research before I make a final decision.
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Late to respond, but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18, a point and shoot camera which I thought took outstanding pictures...until I bought the DMC-FZ150. Holy cow! What a jump in performance that even an unsavvy enthusiast like myself can actually use. I am, however, shocked by the price increase. I had to buy it online because it wasn't available locally but with the reviews and my past experience with Panasonic, I took a deep breath and did it, purchasing it through Amazon for $439 in early April 2012. I consider it top echelon of the "amateur" use cameras.
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The Canon SX10IS is much better than the Nikon P90, despite having a shorter zoom and less Megapixels. Image quality and responsiveness is what you should be looking for, and the P90 does not have either of them.I would look also at the Panasonic FZ28, specially if you prize weight - this is the choice I made, after testing Nikon, Canon, Panny and Olympus.
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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.
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I am in the same boat as you. My camera needs are the same as yours and I have been researching these two cameras as well as the Panasonic DMC-FZ8. Right now I am leaning towards the Panasonic. The Panasonic requires a battery pack instead of AA batteries but Amazon offers the battery packs for $15 - $20. In addition the Panasonic is about $50 cheaper than the Sony and the Canon. My old Olympus has problems with severe shutter lag and poor quality pics on indoor & low light situations.
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Hi Ginett. The camera is pretty light, but does have a little bit of a "solid" feel to it. If weight is a concern, you could also consider a Panasonic model, which I bought for my wife to keep in her purse. It is a little smaller and lighter but includes a wide angle lens, long lasting battery and a (slightly less powerful, but still very adequate) 10X Zoom. This one is a Panasonic Lumix Model DMC-ZS02. It has most of the features of the larger one and costs around $50 less. Either camera will easily fit in a shirt pocket. Hope this helps.