Can't decide between Canon A570 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7

[slyfox116]

I have narrowed my choices to these two new cameras. I know the Canon A570 has a 4X zoom with a viewfinder vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 with a 6X zoom and no viewfinder.

Canon has Aperture of F2.6 - F5.5 Panasonic has Aperture of F2.8 - F4.5. I don't know what is considered better.

Panasonic has a release time lag of 0.005 seconds, I can't find what the Canon's release time lag is. I have lost some good shots with my current digital because of the long release.

I am mostly concerned with the quality of the pictures. Since they are both new cameras on the market, is there anyone who may have info as to which camera may have the best photo quality?

[bascom]

"I know the Canon A570 has a 4X zoom with a viewfinder vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 with a 6X zoom and no viewfinder."

Also, A570 has high speed download, full manual controls, wider angle, and cost $80 more.

"Canon has Aperture of F2.6 - F5.5 Panasonic has Aperture of F2.8 - F4.5. I don't know what is considered better."

Smaller aperture is better. So Canon is better at wide angle (F2.6 instead of F2.8) and Pan better at tele (F4.5 instead of F5.5).

"Since they are both new cameras on the market, is there anyone who may have info as to which camera may have the best photo quality?

There aren't any reviews yet but they will likely be similiar to their predecessor models, A540 and LZ5. Except the A540 didn't have IS so the A570 may be better.

I expect the A570 will be better than the LZ7. If you need 6x zoom then Canon A710. The only advantage of the Pan I see is the lower price.

[slyfox116]

Thanks for the input. I think I'll be getting the A570 IS. I have the Canon SD630 with only 3X zoom so going to a 4X will be more than I'm used to. I mainly am in need of a small camera that uses AA batteries. I did look at the A710 IS. If it had DIGIC III technology I may have gone with it.