Casio Exilim EX-Z55 vs. Lumix DMC-LZ5

[hodza]

I got these two pieces and I have to decide which I will buy. Casio is used (but I can get full warranty) and propably I'll get memory card with it. LZ5 is new. Casio is cheaper by $35 but price here doesn't matter.
I have read reviews on both cameras. I found main differences from my beginner view: LZ5 has 6x optical zoom, stabilization mode, video in higher quality, BUT uses 2xAA batteries. That means I will have to buy extra charger and changing or charging batteries is quite annoying. Z55 doesn't have so good video, no stabilization mode, 3x optical zoom, BUT uses li-ion cell and cradle for camera is in the package. Both cameras have many other characteristics that I don't understand maybe half of them and I can't compare them.

Can you give me advice which one I should buy?

Thanks a lot.

[bascom]

Here is a summary of what you said and I added a few items:

Pan LZ5
pros
6x zoom
stabilization mode
video in higher quality
AF assist
2006 model, new

cons
uses 2xAA batteries (but charger's don't cost much)
no viewfinder
2.5" LCD only has 85k

Casio Z55
pros
uses li-ion cell and cradle for camera included
viewfinder but small
2.5" LCD has 115k

cons
doesn't have so good video
no stabilization mode
3x optical zoom
2004 model, used

Can you try the Casio in person? I would be leary of buying it on line without seeing it, espec used. What do you mean by "I got these two pieces and I have to decide which I will buy." Can you buy another camera? There may be better options than either of these.

[Steve_Max]

I'd say that the use of AAs is a pro, not a con. If your li-ion battery runs out, you can't just go to the closest store and get four cheap alkalines to last the day; and a replacement li-ion is much more expensive than 4 rechargeable AAs with charger.

[hodza]

Here is a summary of what you said and I added a few items:
....

Can you try the Casio in person? I would be leary of buying it on line without seeing it, espec used. What do you mean by "I got these two pieces and I have to decide which I will buy." Can you buy another camera? There may be better options than either of these.

Casio has my friend and I'm already testing it for two weeks, so I know this one. In this case I don't care a lot whether it is new one or used, because I know he didn't use casio so much (he has much better camera, that's why he wants to sell casio). And what's good that he can give me full warranty because he has a shop with electronics and this casio holds as a "stock piece". In price that I can buy casio I'm able to buy panasonic almost for the same price + cca $35 (and 6x optical zoom and stabilization mode has interested me, that's why I put just Panasonic against Casio to deciding). By the way I like DMC-FZ7 but it's too expensive for me now. Alternative to LZ5 can be also TZ1 (has Leica lens) but TZ1 is more expensive +cca $150. And if I could buy TZ1 I will choose FZ7 (because TZ1 is just slightly cheaper than FZ7 in my country - Slovakia).

Thank you for reply and l'm looking forward to new one.