minolta z3 vs panasonic fz3 help please

[momofboys]

I am trying to decide between these 2 cameras. I have a old hp .5 mp (just kidding) that I need to retire.

I will be taking pictures of my 3 young kids (4,5,6).

I will be taking a lot of indoor shots and our house does not have the best lighting. I also want to be able to take pictures at their little school performances too.

The video mode is not a top priority.

I think the stabilizer mode would be useful. I really can't see me carrying around a tripod.

I want excellent photos. I will be printing 4 x 6. I also want to take their portraits and do 5 x 7. Every once in awhile I might do a 8 x 10.

Any input??

I believe I can get the pana for a little under $300 at Circuit City and the Minolta on line for $345. So the price difference is really not a factor.

[Thon]

Based on the comments by users posted in forums, it seems that the KMZ-series has some soft image issues.

Of the 2, I'd say the FZ3 looks to be the better option even though it has lower resolution. And it's a bit smaller too.

Personally, I prefer the Olympus C770UZ with its compact size, options for external flash & conversion lens, of course the great pics too. It should be fairly cheap now as it was released in Feb this year.

Now, if you can wait a bit, look for the new releases due for the PMA in February. There should be some interesting new cameras then that may fit your requirements. I believe Oly fans like me are waiting for an updated C7xxUZ with IS (and that I believe will be a serious competitor against the FZs).

[D70FAN]

I am trying to decide between these 2 cameras. I have a old hp .5 mp (just kidding) that I need to retire.

I will be taking pictures of my 3 young kids (4,5,6).

I will be taking a lot of indoor shots and our house does not have the best lighting. I also want to be able to take pictures at their little school performances too.

The video mode is not a top priority.

I think the stabilizer mode would be useful. I really can't see me carrying around a tripod.

I want excellent photos. I will be printing 4 x 6. I also want to take their portraits and do 5 x 7. Every once in awhile I might do a 8 x 10.

Any input??

I believe I can get the pana for a little under $300 at Circuit City and the Minolta on line for $345. So the price difference is really not a factor.

While you are waiting for Olympus to get their act together...

...the FZ3 is the better choice. Even at 8 x 10 you will not be able to see a difference between 3.2 and 4 MegaPixels. But as always, a lot has to do with how the camera feels in your hands, so try both.