tigereye
05-10-2008, 12:55 PM
Now that the TZ4 and TZ5 are out with somewhat mixed user reviews, just curious what everyone's recommendations are for a Travel Zoom model. I'm willing to buy used/Ebay, so the entire Panny TZ range is open, as well as others. I'm looking for something to replace my Oly C-755 that recently had the LCD die a month before our big trip to Disney World.
Budget
Looking to spend $300 or less
Size
Size isn't a big deal, so have considered some "regular" ultra zooms (S3 IS, FZ, etc), but thought I'd see how the travel zoom market is shaping up.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you? I'm good with 5-6+. Anticipate mostly 5x7 and 8x10-ish pictures. Maybe a couple of bigger enlargements.
* What optical zoom will you need?
Want at least 6, but really looking for an ultra (10+) unless image quality is so overwhelming on the 6-7 model.
* How important is “image quality” to you? 7-8
Do you care for manual controls?
Interested in learning "someday", but fine with P&S for now.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
Family photos of vacations, etc.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
mostly smaller sizes (8x10) max. Maybe a couple of larger pictures for really great shots.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Probably not right now. Mostly outdoor.
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Potentially.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
Nope
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Looking at the Panny TZ and FZ models, S3 and S5, and SX100
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Prefer Wide Angle and IS.
Budget
Looking to spend $300 or less
Size
Size isn't a big deal, so have considered some "regular" ultra zooms (S3 IS, FZ, etc), but thought I'd see how the travel zoom market is shaping up.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you? I'm good with 5-6+. Anticipate mostly 5x7 and 8x10-ish pictures. Maybe a couple of bigger enlargements.
* What optical zoom will you need?
Want at least 6, but really looking for an ultra (10+) unless image quality is so overwhelming on the 6-7 model.
* How important is “image quality” to you? 7-8
Do you care for manual controls?
Interested in learning "someday", but fine with P&S for now.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
Family photos of vacations, etc.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
mostly smaller sizes (8x10) max. Maybe a couple of larger pictures for really great shots.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Probably not right now. Mostly outdoor.
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Potentially.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
Nope
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Looking at the Panny TZ and FZ models, S3 and S5, and SX100
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Prefer Wide Angle and IS.