Can't Decide between Canon S1 IS, Panasonic FZ15 and FZ3

[thursday]

So after two weeks of consistent online research, and by viewing the products in person, I think I've finally narrowed down my search to three cameras: The Canon S1 IS, Panasonic FZ15 and the FZ3.

Here is what I want:
-Ultra Zoom (preferably at least 10x or better)
-Image Stabilizer (due to the zoom)
-Ability to grow with the camera, starting off with the basics that would eventually lead up to full manual control

I have prior knowledge of cameras and digital cameras, so I would consider myself above a novice. The camera will be used to capture various images from nature scenes to night time city shots and from close ups of nature (plants) to city skylines for the purpose of incorporating my own original photography into website design and development. I love to manipulate photos, and I'm an expert when it comes to using Adobe Photoshop. Beyond that, I plan to use the camera for "casual" settings (IE - with friends) and also plan on printing out photos to share with family and friends. I would like to be able to print out an 8 x 10 image with relatively good quality, if possible.

The only reason I keep debating between the three aforementioned cameras is due to the fact that all the cameras have the same basic essentials that I want, but they have subtle differences that could impact my photography. I need someone to inform me if my concerns are legitimate or not, and to point me in the right direction.

First off, the Canon S1 IS. It has the basics - a nice 10x optical lens, IS, and a bevvy of manual features. Not to mention I love that swivel LCD screen. But, it only has a 3.2 megapixel quality and it doesn't have an AF-assist lamp for that focus in low light situations. I've also heard that it has some purple fringing problems.

Next, we have the Panasonic FZ3. It too has the basics plus a better lens with 12x optical zoom. I'm concerned about this one for a few reasons: First, the 3.1 megapixel quality. Not to mention that it has a Lithium-Ion Battery as opposed to a couple of cheap AA's. I'm just worried that it runs the risk of dying and I won't have a backup or a cheap alternative like running to the store for batteries. Lastly, my biggest concern with this model is its lack of a manual focus feature - an element that might hinder my photography in the long run.

The last contender is the Panasonic FZ15 - A step up in megapixels (4.0), LCD screen size (2.0" compared to a 1.5"), and a few other features when compared to the FZ3 (This one has manual focus). My main concern on this one is cost -- I don't want to break the bank on a camera when I'm still an amateur enthusiast of sorts. But with that said, I am willing to consider cameras that have a higher price tag as long as I know that it will suit me well and will satisfy my photography needs for a few years. The same concern holds true for this model - the Lithium Ion Battery.

Finally, after playing around with the three enough at Frys and Best Buy, I took a liking to the swivel LCD screen of the Canon, an element that the Panasonic models lack. Although the screen is a considerably small 1.5" (same as the FZ3) when compared to the 2.0" screen of the FZ15, it's easy to see and fully functional.

I do like the added bonus of video capturing in all 3 models, but I can live with whatever it throws my way. It's not a top priority - I just want clear, concise, and vivid photos.

Any advice at all would be appreciated - please inform me if my concerns should be considered "concerns" at all. I want the best bang for my buck, so to speak. If there are other digital cameras out there that might suit me better, feel free to include information on them as well. My price range for the camera itself is between $200-$500(absolute max), if that comes up.

Thanks,
Jason

[PixChick]

I doubt you will be disappointed with either of those two cams, so decide what you care most about (which it seems you have, for the most part) and choose. It seems that you are leaning toward the Canon, and while the lack of AF assist is a legit concern, I would say that you should go for it and just don't second guess yourself once you do.


So after two weeks of consistent online research, and by viewing the products in person, I think I've finally narrowed down my search to three cameras: The Canon S1 IS, Panasonic FZ15 and the FZ3.

Here is what I want:
-Ultra Zoom (preferably at least 10x or better)
-Image Stabilizer (due to the zoom)
-Ability to grow with the camera, starting off with the basics that would eventually lead up to full manual control

I have prior knowledge of cameras and digital cameras, so I would consider myself above a novice. The camera will be used to capture various images from nature scenes to night time city shots and from close ups of nature (plants) to city skylines for the purpose of incorporating my own original photography into website design and development. I love to manipulate photos, and I'm an expert when it comes to using Adobe Photoshop. Beyond that, I plan to use the camera for "casual" settings (IE - with friends) and also plan on printing out photos to share with family and friends. I would like to be able to print out an 8 x 10 image with relatively good quality, if possible.

The only reason I keep debating between the three aforementioned cameras is due to the fact that all the cameras have the same basic essentials that I want, but they have subtle differences that could impact my photography. I need someone to inform me if my concerns are legitimate or not, and to point me in the right direction.

First off, the Canon S1 IS. It has the basics - a nice 10x optical lens, IS, and a bevvy of manual features. Not to mention I love that swivel LCD screen. But, it only has a 3.2 megapixel quality and it doesn't have an AF-assist lamp for that focus in low light situations. I've also heard that it has some purple fringing problems.

Next, we have the Panasonic FZ3. It too has the basics plus a better lens with 12x optical zoom. I'm concerned about this one for a few reasons: First, the 3.1 megapixel quality. Not to mention that it has a Lithium-Ion Battery as opposed to a couple of cheap AA's. I'm just worried that it runs the risk of dying and I won't have a backup or a cheap alternative like running to the store for batteries. Lastly, my biggest concern with this model is its lack of a manual focus feature - an element that might hinder my photography in the long run.

The last contender is the Panasonic FZ15 - A step up in megapixels (4.0), LCD screen size (2.0" compared to a 1.5"), and a few other features when compared to the FZ3 (This one has manual focus). My main concern on this one is cost -- I don't want to break the bank on a camera when I'm still an amateur enthusiast of sorts. But with that said, I am willing to consider cameras that have a higher price tag as long as I know that it will suit me well and will satisfy my photography needs for a few years. The same concern holds true for this model - the Lithium Ion Battery.

Finally, after playing around with the three enough at Frys and Best Buy, I took a liking to the swivel LCD screen of the Canon, an element that the Panasonic models lack. Although the screen is a considerably small 1.5" (same as the FZ3) when compared to the 2.0" screen of the FZ15, it's easy to see and fully functional.

I do like the added bonus of video capturing in all 3 models, but I can live with whatever it throws my way. It's not a top priority - I just want clear, concise, and vivid photos.

Any advice at all would be appreciated - please inform me if my concerns should be considered "concerns" at all. I want the best bang for my buck, so to speak. If there are other digital cameras out there that might suit me better, feel free to include information on them as well. My price range for the camera itself is between $200-$500(absolute max), if that comes up.

Thanks,
Jason

[Billiam]

I don't own any of the above, this is based on my experience with the Pana FZ1:

As has often been possted here, don't sweat the megapixels. Even 2 mp cameras (like my FZ1) can produce good looking 8 x 10's, so 3 is no problem.

IMO, lots of people overemphasize the battery issue. Alkaline AA's are only viable in the direst emergency (and how dire an emergency can taking a photograph be? :) ). Four NiMH AA's for the Canon will cost, what, $10? You'll need to buy two sets, plus a charger, because Canon doesn't include them with the camera. Third party Li ion batteries for the Pana run about $20 on ebay, and one battery and the charger comes with the camera. You could buy two extra batteries for the Pana for what you'll put into batteries + charger for the Canon, and that'll hold you through quite a lot of shooting! Plus the Pana's batteries are very compact, and you only have to fumble with one battery at a time, not four.

The tilt'n'swivel LCD is a nice feature, that in the end wouldn't benefit me much at all. I use the EVF for almost all of my shooting, for several reasons:

One, my eyesight is pretty poor, so the diopter compensation in the EVF is very useful.

Two, under bright sunlight the LCD on my camera is almost unuseable, and I bought the camera mostly for outdoor, daytime use.

Three, at the long focal lengths that these cameras offer they need to be held stable to get sharp images, IS or not. It's a lot easier to hold the camera still when it's up to your eye than it is at arm's length looking at the LCD.

Millions of SLR users have managed without t'n's, so I don't think it's a fatal flaw to not have one. Other folks can't live without one. Your choice!

My conclusion - Don't settle for too little in your camera. If you're going to get more serious about photography, the FZ15 is the one that will accomodate your aspirations.