FZ5 vs FZ20

[MiNDGAM3]

No doubt you're all bored with the these comparison posts but would be greatful in your help....

Looking to spend in the region of £300 on a new digital camera and these two panasonics seem to have all the features I want - particuarly the IS and 12x zoom.

I'll be mainly shooting outdoor scenic shots, moving race cars on track and stationary cars at shows.

Which of the above would be best for me keeping in mind that I am on quite a tight budget and any money saved would be a bonus (im in the UK).

Size isn't all important. Has the FZ20 got any greater advantage over the FZ5 when taking moving objects, all beit fairly large moving objects - cars - particuarly at the far end of the zoom?

Cheers for any help

Ian

[Jim Zim]

The main advantage that I see for the FZ20 in that situation is the ability to manually focus. The FZ5 is strictly an auto-focus camera. Since it takes time to auto-focus, you may find for fast moving objects that you will be better off in some situations to manually focus. For example, on a race track, you know where the car is going to be. You can focus on a certain point on the track, and then wait for the car to get there. This may work better than trying to have the camera auto-focus.

[ragnarock47]

The FZ5 does have what they term AF Trigger mode. You focus on a spot by holding the shutter button half way, and as long as you don't let go, that focus will stay.

The manual focus sure would be nice as the AF Trigger mode would be not nearly as nice as manual focus in the race track situation but doable.

If I am not needing to use manual focus often, I can deal with the AF Trigger mode. Factor in the smaller size of the 5, and I'll trade the manual focus for the smaller camera any day.

[emalvick]

I have to agree with the advantage of manual focus, especially for your situation. As I use my FZ15 (similar to a FZ20, just 4 MP) the manual focus is becoming a blessing. I can focus on a spot and then keep it there for all the shots I need of that spot. In your case, you can focus on a spot where you want to shoot a race car, and keep it there for a while. You'll get a better response. The camera also has a mode that you can use to temporarily auto-focus on something while in manual focus mode to get you in the ball-park and then you can fine tune it.

As for the camera size. It depends on how important it is to you. I grew up with an SLR, and these cameras are actually slightly smaller (FZ20 and FZ15), but they weigh a lot less. The FZ5 is even smaller. I wanted the features and didn't care about the size. Owning an FZ15 is still smaller than my SLR, and I don't have to carry any lens with me. The cameras zoom to 12X. One teleconverter could get me closer if I needed to. That is still better than an assortment of lens.

[MiNDGAM3]

Cheers for the advice.

I went to have a look at them in store today, they only had a FZ5 which is very small n neat but its still to big to fit in your pocket. I think the price difference only being around £30-£40 I think i'll be going for the FZ20; i'll have to find one in store to have a good look at it first though

[herc182]

bear in mind that if you buy in the UK, from a high street dealer the FZ20 will cost you about £380-400. online you can get it from £350 (i got mine from pixmania recently for £352 with a 12 months interest free option). bear in mind that pixmania is french and hence the plug suppied is french (get them to send you a 2pin to 3pin converter for free) and you dont get an english manual (but you can download it from the net-just put in "FZ20 manual" into google and you will find it).

Jessops will price match, but not from pixmania. so if you find it cheaper on the net, take a print out to jessops and they will do the rest!

cheers

[MiNDGAM3]

Cheers! I've seen it for £330 on dabs.com

[gary_hendricks]

Agree with emalvick. The manual focus on my FZ20 is the best. I use it all the time.

[ragnarock47]

Agree with emalvick. The manual focus on my FZ20 is the best. I use it all the time.

That's cool, as I stated above; it all depends on your use of the camera. I do a lot of motorcycle camping/travelling and compact items are key in that situation.


I grew up on a Canon T50, Pentax K1000, Nikon FG, Canon AE-1, Then my current and last SLR, the awesome Canon EOS 650. I am very familiar with size/weight of SLR's. I don't see the point in carrying more cumbersome equipment UNLESS you need the features.

If any of you are in Northeast Ohio and are looking for a 20, HH Gregg in Mentor, has one for less than $300... or they did about a week ago. It is a floor model with no manuals, software, etc., camera only.

[emalvick]

That's cool, as I stated above; it all depends on your use of the camera. I do a lot of motorcycle camping/travelling and compact items are key in that situation.


I grew up on a Canon T50, Pentax K1000, Nikon FG, Canon AE-1, Then my current and last SLR, the awesome Canon EOS 650. I am very familiar with size/weight of SLR's. I don't see the point in carrying more cumbersome equipment UNLESS you need the features.

I see your point. I actually got my FZ15 to replace my SLR and compact digital. I haven't really replaced the SLR though (my girlfriend uses it)... Again, it depends on one's needs. I find that with 4MP + cameras I like using the digital darkroom more than the real darkroom. I'm lazy I guess... it's a lot less messy ;)

Erik