Panasonic Lumix or Konica-Minolta Z3 ?

[Bigbird]

I posted this in the Panasonic section, but maybe this is a better place for it. Anyway, I've had a Konica-Minolta Dimage Z1 for a bit over a year now, but am ready to upgrade. I wanted something with more megapixels - at least 4 - with at least a 10x zoom, as I like to do wildlife photograpghy, and super-macro capability - which I've used quite successfully to digitize old slide images. After doing a lot of research on the web, going over reviews, etc, the Lumix FZ15 and FZ20 and the K-M Z3 all seem to fit the bill. I've been able to compare test photos from the web for all 3 cameras, and the FZ's seem to have the edge in sharpness and color over the Z3.
However, my Z1 has been very user-friendly and I'm a bit hesitant to give up familiarity with the K-M. How do the FZ's stack up in ease of use? Finally, is the FZ20 that much of an improvement on the FZ15? Most of my images will be 4x6 prints, when printed, but I want the ability to be able to print at least 8x12 for some. Do I need to go up to 5MG? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[PhilR.]

However, my Z1 has been very user-friendly and I'm a bit hesitant to give up familiarity with the K-M. How do the FZ's stack up in ease of use?

Would you buy the same automobile over and over? Or the same cell phone over and over? Sure, by going to a different brand you will need to re-learn how to work the camera, but once you learn how digicams work (which you already have), you will find that they all work in the same basic manner. Spend a few minutes with the instruction book and you will be fine.

Finally, is the FZ20 that much of an improvement on the FZ15?

They use the same basic frame, lens, and software, so I would not consider the 20 to be "better" than the 15. It just offers different features, which you may or may not need.

Most of my images will be 4x6 prints, when printed, but I want the ability to be able to print at least 8x12 for some. Do I need to go up to 5MG? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

You can do what you want with 4mp's, but going to five will allow a bit of room for cropping. Then again, the 12x zoom lens can do a lot of cropping for you. I personally feel that if you can't do it with 4mp's, then I doubt that one extra mp will help.


happy new year!
PhilR.

[propwash]

I agree with PhilR's suggestion. You can download the FZ20's instruction manual from Panasonic's web site. You will then be able to read it at your leisure and see if it looks like it will be easy for you to operate. I find that Panasonics seem to be pretty intuitive and easy to learn.

Another suggestion might be to go to a store that has both cameras you are considering, and do a side by side comparison of them. You might find that one of them just feels better in your hands than the other one does, and this could be a consideration in your purchase decision. Good luck.

[PhilR.]

[QUOTE=propwash]I find that Panasonics seem to be pretty intuitive and easy to learn. QUOTE]

I would certainly agree. (maybe we should start a pat-each-other-on-the-back club... :o ) I was able to figure out just about everything on the camera without looking at the manual. And this is after coming from a four year-old camera.....

PhilR.