Panasonic FZ20 or Kodak DX7590

[cheese]

I've been trying to decide whcih camera would be better for me. I really like the image stabilization in the panasonic but I've heard that the LCD is not very good in the low light situations. I like the Kodak but it does not have the image stabilation, but it seems to have a very good display. Other things were that the Kodak seems to do better with redeye and barrel distortion. Please help me choose.

[Thon]

It's all a matter of balance. What are the features that matters the most to you?

The Kodak has a very nice LCD and is easy to use, while the FZ20 is simply awesome (although too big for my taste).

I'd recommend the FZ20 more than the Kodak for the Leica lens alone.

But if the other features on the Kodak clicks with you, why not. I'm sure there are many very satisfied Kodak 7590 users out there.

If I were you, I'd also have a good look at the Olympus C770/765UZ and also the Konica Minolta Z2/3. They may also be suitable for you.

[LStoner]

Hi there. These are the 2 cameras that I narrowed my choice down to before deciding on the FZ20. The LCD is fine in low light situations. I took my camera to 2 concerts and didn't have a problem at all with the LCD. It's plenty bright enough.

As far as barrel distortion, I haven't noticed a problem with that either. If most of your photography will be of buildings, than I would think that might be the only time you would notice barrel distortion if you would notice any at all. Redeye will always be an issue with any camera if you use the flash. Flash is what causes the red eye because the light bounces off of the retinas in the eye. A simple red-eye removal in a post edit program does the trick and doesn't take a lot of time. Some good software comes with the Panasonic FZ20 camera.

The only thing that the DX7590 has over on the FZ20, in my opinion, is that it has a better camera mode. The Kodak will take 800x600 movies and the FZ20 movies are smaller (I think they are 480x320). But if it's movies you want to take, then you should get a camcorder.

I'm not a professional photographer. I can't imagine being happier with another camera though. The FZ20 is so expandable that as you learn more about photography or if you already know a lot, the camera has the capability to grow with you.

There are a lot of other pros and cons about these 2 cameras that helped me make my decision, but some of the are personal preferences so I won't list them all here. Good luck with your decision. If you haven't already done so, go to a store where they carry both cameras so you can handle them and go back and forth between them. I spent an hour looking at these 2 cameras before deciding. The only reason it took me an hour was because I was trying to talk myself into the Kodak which was cheaper. I have to admit as soon as I saw the FZ20 I knew it was a quality camera.

Let us know what you choose.
-Lee Ann

[fd203]

just a little insight, I am a newbie to photography but I do like to shoot around alot. I started off with a kodak 6490 and it was a very fun camera to learn on so wanting to upgrade I bought a 7590, well that camera was just what I wanted, until a friend purchased a fz20. well after using his camera for oh I would say about 2 seconds I discoverd how superior it was to my kodak, not that the 7590 is a slouch just not the fit and finish that the panasonic is. so needles to say my 7590 now belongs to a happy ebay bidder and now I am a much happier panasonic owner. the fz20 is truley a wonderful piece of equipment.

[mz2890]

I was in your shoes about a month ago with a decision between the FZ20 and the Nikon 8800. New to digital photography. I didn't want a camera that would require night school to figure out but one that offered me the flexability to take good quality pictures. The deciding factor for me was the ease of use and the 2.0 leica lens throughout the 12X range. That coupled with 5 megapixels did the trick for me. I've enjoyed the camera for the past month and have had no difficulty get good pictures in a variety of settings.
Good luck with your decision and if you decide on the Panasonic, I know you'll be pleased.

[TrepOne]

Yea, I was having a hard time deciding between the 8800 and FZ20, but $500 was all I had to spend. The 8800 definitely takes better pics, especially when you consider sizes greater than 8X10. So I bought the FZ20 for 510.00 at Circuit City. Where did you buy yours?

[D70FAN]

Yea, I was having a hard time deciding between the 8800 and FZ20, but $500 was all I had to spend. The 8800 definitely takes better pics, especially when you consider sizes greater than 8X10. So I bought the FZ20 for 510.00 at Circuit City. Where did you buy yours?

You made the right decision. The 8800 does not take better pics, it's just higher resolution that you will probably never use (unless you plan on printing 20 x 30 art posters).

Bon Foto. ;)

[mz2890]

TrepOne- George is right on. The FZ-20 offers great photos IMO and need not take a back seat to the Nikon 8800. While the Nikon is a great camera, the leica 12x lens @2.8 on the FZ, is heads above Nikon in this price range. Incidently, I bought the camera, printer, and all accesssories from Buydig.com without a hitch. The camera cost $504.00 with free delivery.