Pana FZ15 vs. FZ20

[DanO]

Would love some advice and recommendations on purchasing either the Pana FZ15 or FZ20.
Here are my thoughts:
1.)I'd love to save the $100.00 with the FZ15 if I could justify it.
2.)Don't need the hotshoe on the FZ20.
3.)The sound recording on the FZ20 might be fun but not necesary.
4.)4 vs. 5 MP: I'm unlikely to need prints larger than 8x10. The 4MP should handle that right, even allowing for cropping?

Some reviewers seem to think the noise levels are better on the FZ15 than on the FZ20. Any comments?
Picture quality differences?
Anything else to consider?

I'm about ready to take the plunge after eliminating other camera considerations. Just need this final comparison made.... Thanks for your feedback!

[genece]

If you do not need the hotshoe ,I believe the FZ15 would be a great choice.
And unless you have a special need ...the flash on the FZ15 is pretty good, better than the FZ10.
And a good clear 4 mp photo is plenty for 8 X 10's

[DJB-30]

If the features you mentioned don't mean anything to you, clearly there seems to be no compelling reason for you to go to the FZ20 over the FZ15. However, the hot shoe is one of those things you will probably only value when you wish you had one, so it would probably be best if you know for sure you're never going to want to take a flash shot from more than about the approximately 15 feet covered by the built-in flash. Amd movie mode without sound is frustrating to watch, so if you're prepared to completely live without that feature too, I'd say to go for the FZ15.

[Jim Last]

I started posting to your other thread until Jeff closed it. You really only need to post things once! It will get viewed and posting more than once will not lead to getting responces any quicker.

Looks to me that you're already made your choice

Just take a look at the sample pics in the reviews, which do YOU like most? Go with that one.

[Jim Last]

One other thing.

Could you see a need for an external flash in the future? If you find yourself thinking...maybe...then go with the FZ20 if you are happy that you will never find a use for an external flash then go with the FZ15

[lumixfan]

I had the same dilemma and I chose FZ20. I am glad I did as the built in flash is not good for portraits. I also thought I will not use external flash but I purchased FZ20 because CC had good rebates. Looking at photos with internal flash, I purchased Sunpak 383 external flash that has swivel and tilt heads. I take portrait pictures of my baby using swivel head and bounce off the ceiling or use Stofen Omni-Bounce and the results are great.

I am glad I got FZ20. It depends on your circumstances and needs.