Pan FZ3 vs. Pan FZ15

[JBellomy]

Based on all the feedback I've read from numerous sites, I've narrowed my choices down to the FZ3 or FZ15.

I'm looking for some quick feedback on the difference besides the MP factor.

What will I be doing?

Taking numerous pictures, perhaps printing 8x10s. I usually end up cropping every photo in Photoshop. However, with the 12x zoom, I should be doing less cropping.

I would like to learn to use manual controls more than the automatic functions. From what I've read, both cameras have the same manual control capability (please correct me if I'm wrong).

Thanks!

[PhilR.]

The biggest differences between the two:
15 has manual focus and a hotshoe.
3 is much smaller.

You are correct - both have manual modes.

You have excellent taste regarding digicams.

PhilR.

[propwash]

Both cameras have fully manual modes. The FZ15 has a manual focus feature--the FZ3 does not. The FZ3 has the capability to record sound with videos, or to add sound to a still image--the FZ15 does not. Neither camera has a hot shoe. To use an external flash with either camera, you will need to use a slave flash. You will have more options for adding extra lenses/converters with the FZ15 than you will with the FZ3.

There is a one megapixel difference in the cameras, but for making 8x10's it shouldn't really make much of a difference, unless you really do a lot of cropping. The 3-meg FZ3 is capable of making superb 8x10's.

The FZ3 is a little smaller--some would say considerably smaller than the FZ15. I found the difference in size to be the deciding factor in my choice to get the FZ3. Good luck. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either one.

[JBellomy]

Thanks for your help.

What's killing me is I can get the Z3 through circuitcity.com for $338.07 (after rebate) or I can order the FZ15 through BuyDig.com for $375.00. If this price were available at store I knew I would jump at it. But I'm afraid of having to deal with an out of state, online store should go wrong with the camera within a few weeks.

I feel foolish for not paying an extra $40.00 for the FZ15.

Like many people, I get to the "moment of truth" (pressing the confirm button at circuitcity.com), then decide maybe I should read so more reviews.

Maybe tomorrow, I'll go back to CC and play with FZ3 & FZ20 (again) and figure out which camera feels better.

[PhilR.]

[QUOTE=propwash]Neither camera has a hot shoe.QUOTE]

Thanks for correcting me on that point - maybe I had the 20 in mind :confused: . Funny to think that I even owned an FZ15 for a while....

PhilR.

[propwash]

[QUOTE=propwash]Neither camera has a hot shoe.QUOTE]

Thanks for correcting me on that point - maybe I had the 20 in mind :confused: . Funny to think that I even owned an FZ15 for a while....

PhilR.

Since the FZ15 hasn't been out that long, and you say you "owned" one, you must not have had it very long. Do you mind if I ask why you no longer have it? Did you sell it, or return it for an FZ20, or was there some other reason?

[PhilR.]

Do you mind if I ask why you no longer have it?

Not at all. When I decided to upgrade my old Fuji workhorse, I decided to go mega-zoom, and decided on the FZ15. I ordered it from Crutchfield.com (great guys). Once I got it, I shot a few pics and everything seemed to work fine. Later that evening I shot a few more, and while trying to download them, the camera decided it wouldn't go into play mode any more. I tried everything I could think of, but the camera just wouldn't budge. I therefore sent it back.

I did not replace it with another 15 (or 20). Using it for that short time brought back memories of how I began to dislike carrying around my old 35mm equipment. The FZ15 is a very large camera, not only by today's standards, but also to a previous 35mm slr user like me (previous OM-1 users will know what I mean). I decided that the smaller size of the FZ3 would be preferable to having the very infrequently-used manual focus. I can't think of a situation that I would be in where the 15 could handle it but the 3 couldn't. Although I do miss the larger lcd, I've been very happy with the decision ever since.....

regards,
PhilR.

[PhilR.]

Uh-oh... I just made the "senior member" classification.

At least now I have an excuse for those "senior moments"....

PhilR.

[John_Reed]

Uh-oh... I just made the "senior member" classification.

At least now I have an excuse for those "senior moments"....

PhilR.I resemble that remark! :o

[propwash]

I decided that the smaller size of the FZ3 would be preferable to having the very infrequently-used manual focus. I can't think of a situation that I would be in where the 15 could handle it but the 3 couldn't. Although I do miss the larger lcd, I've been very happy with the decision ever since.....
PhilR.

Exactly the reasons I went for the FZ3. No regrets.

--Another "senior" member!