Panasonice FZ3 or FX7?

[jamendan]

Hi Camera Friends -

Been obsessing over this for days, and am going to miss Christmas, so am turning to you for help.

I've narrowed my choice down to Panasonic Lumix models FZ3 and FX7 and absolutely can't decide. Basically they have everything I want, but can't decide between: the FZ3 with the 12x zoom, but only 3.1 MP or
the FZ7 with the 3x optical zoom and 5 MP.

I want clear (framable and hang on the wall quality) pictures that I will print at 5 x 7 and maybe occassionally 8 x 10.

Which should I choose? Thanks!

[John_Reed]

Hi Camera Friends -

Been obsessing over this for days, and am going to miss Christmas, so am turning to you for help.

I've narrowed my choice down to Panasonic Lumix models FZ3 and FX7 and absolutely can't decide. Basically they have everything I want, but can't decide between: the FZ3 with the 12x zoom, but only 3.1 MP or
the FZ7 with the 3x optical zoom and 5 MP.

I want clear (framable and hang on the wall quality) pictures that I will print at 5 x 7 and maybe occassionally 8 x 10.

Which should I choose? Thanks!Either one will satisfy your image quality needs, plenty of pixels for good 8X10s. I'd say that because of its larger size and "optical-type" viewfinder (EVF), personally, I'd get better results in low light with the FZ3; your mileage might vary! ;) If you're not concerned about the size difference, another factor is the smaller image files you'll get from the FZ3, which will use up less space on your computer, and need less SD card space to store. On the other hand, if you have to carry it in your shirt pocket, get the FX7!

[Newbie]

Yep, 3mp is not small, its just good enough for great 8x10 quality pictures. As John Reed said, the less mp you have the less memory space a picture takes. Having 12x zoom can be quite useful depending on the kind of photography you make. Then again having a more compact camera can be quite useful, but it also depends on the kind of photography you make.

[jamendan]

Thank you so much for your replies - helped give me a bit more confidence to choose. I did go with the FZ3 for a couple reasons - liked the larger size, love the great lens, and really like the things I've heard about it on this and other sites. This is a great web site!