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View Full Version : Should I buy Panasonic.....FZ10(used) or FZ5??


cmfireman
12-09-2005, 01:00 AM
:confused: I'm not sure which of these, if either are the best camera for my use, but I have always had good experiences with Panasonic electronics as far as reliability so I'm a little biased here. Point me in the right direction please. Much appreciated.

BUDGET: I plan on spending less than $350 as this will be my first digital camera besides an outdated Sony Mavica FD

I found the FZ10 used from B&H Photo-Video for $310 but I can get a new FZ5 for about $340 (Shipped)

I know the FZ5 is about 2 years newer than the FZ10

SIZE: I don't want a huge camera but I have large hands and think that either of these cameras will be fine for my use.

FEATURES: I really like the thought of anti-shake technology, which both have. I don't know if I would ever use the hot-shoe on the FZ10 but I understand that the FZ5 has a built in Help menu that would be useful.

USAGE: I will be using the camera mostly for still shots of automobiles and also some nature shots. I may also want to take pics of moving vehicles without too much blur and also macro shots. I will also be using it in low-light situations such as night-time drag races and other night shots.

BRANDS: As stated, I am partial to Panasonic. I was first looking at a Kodak Z740 but It felt cheap and flimsy in my hands. I have been told that with digital cameras, you get what you pay for.

Any help would be greatly appreciated at pointing me in the right direction. The used FZ10 has been reconditioned and tested to be like-new, but I would feel more comfortable with an out-of-the-box camera. I want the most versitile camera I can get for under the $350 price range and have also looked at a Nikon Coolpix 5700, but wasn't impressed.

Also, could someone tell me the $100 difference between the FZ20 and the FZ5, I looked at all the spec sheets and everything appears identical except for the size difference.

Thanks for your time and thought and I will be glad to have some help on this issue.

coldrain
12-09-2005, 03:15 AM
Get the FZ5. For one, compact digital cameras do not last for ever, and you may end up with a camera that has already had its fair amount of pictures taken. The FZ5 has a better processor, improving the picture quality. It is also faster.

The difference between the FZ20 and FZ5 is its construction (fz5 is small but very plasticy) and the FZ20 allows for manual focus. Also its lens a a little bit better.

If you find the FZ20 too expensive there is also the 4mp FZ15, a very good camera on its own.

TampaJim
12-09-2005, 06:08 AM
You can buy a brand new FZ20 with a 512MB SD card including shipping with no tax for $399.00. I would pony up a little bit extra and get way more camera.

cmfireman
12-09-2005, 09:01 AM
Thanks for your help but before I spend $400 on the FZ20, what exactly is the difference between the FZ5 other than construction?? Everything on the spec sheet looked the same to me.

TampaJim
12-09-2005, 10:15 AM
The biggest differences are:

Manual Focus
Hot Shoe
Larger Aperture when using Zoom (you mentioned night races and nature)
Much Stronger Build

Another item to consider - right now you can get a FREE 512MB SD card with the purchase of a FZ20, not with a FZ5. Whatever that value is worth to you.

cmfireman
12-09-2005, 10:55 PM
I hate to switch up on you, but between a Panasonic FZ5, Canon S1 IS,
or Konica Minolta DiMage Z3, which one would come out on top for overall range of use?
I went and looked at the FZ5 today, It wasn't love at first sight. I had a little trouble with some of the functions on it. I also checked out the Canon S2 IS and It was GREAT, but I can't afford to shell out $429. I was curious if the S1 is 1/2 as good as the S2, if so, I'll probably go buy one tomorrow.

Thank you

TampaJim
12-10-2005, 07:26 AM
NO. FZ5 would be the better choice. S1 has less MP, older processor, etc. I think the best thing would be to afford $399 for the FZ-20. Here's the thing, it comes with a 512MB SD card - that is worth a minimum of $25.00. So ... now the FZ20 is only $25 more than the older less capable FZ5. FZ5 doesn't come with enough memory to shoot squat, neither does the S1 or S2. Also the FZ series have proprietary, but rechargeable, batteries. Buy a Canon and POOF! you need to go pay $20 more for batteries and charger.

Yes, I have a S2 with options galore - Yes, I love it. But, the FZ-20 is an incredible value - it may be the best buy in its class.

FZ-20 in the door with 512MB card at Vann's only $399. Very reputable, real stores and great policies. www.vanns.com