View Full Version : S2 compared to the Panasonic FZ5 (or FZ20)
slitman
04-24-2005, 05:17 PM
As a current owner of the Panasonic FZ20, it sure seems like the upcoming S2 is what the S1 should have been to begin with. As a previous owner of the S1, which was nothing but a problem (lack of AF, unbelieveable) and sold it for a FZ20 which is an incredible camera. Only concern with the FZ20 is the overall size and weight.
Any thoughts on how the S2 will compare to the FZ5 or FZ20? BTW...Canon needs a homerun with this camera as they lost ALOT of business to Panasonic.
Blend
04-25-2005, 12:56 AM
As a current owner of the Panasonic FZ20, it sure seems like the upcoming S2 is what the S1 should have been to begin with. As a previous owner of the S1, which was nothing but a problem (lack of AF, unbelieveable) and sold it for a FZ20 which is an incredible camera. Only concern with the FZ20 is the overall size and weight.
Any thoughts on how the S2 will compare to the FZ5 or FZ20? BTW...Canon needs a homerun with this camera as they lost ALOT of business to Panasonic.
I Am planning on buying an FZ20 still.
The S2 is in the back of my mind, but i dont want to wait for it to be released.
I have no issues/problems with the size of the FZ20. I went and tried it out in the shop (Hated handing it back lol), if anyhting i seem to prefer a larger camera (dont ask why lol)
It looks like it WOULD match up to the FZ20. But only sample photos of the same shot/same time would reall tell you.
Phillip
04-25-2005, 06:27 PM
I've used the FZ20 before and its very good, but if the Powershot S2 IS is better I'am willing to pay a little more to get 12x Zoom, 5 MP, and a great video mode (640x480 at 30fps) and you can zoom in while recording which the FZ20 dosn't have.
Blend
04-25-2005, 09:54 PM
I've used the FZ20 before and its very good, but if the Powershot S2 IS is better I'am willing to pay a little more to get 12x Zoom, 5 MP, and a great video mode (640x480 at 30fps) which the FZ20 dosn't have.
The videomode isnt enough to secure it for me.
Balrog
04-26-2005, 11:40 AM
How about the articulating LCD? :)
slitman
04-26-2005, 06:05 PM
So it sounds like the FZ20 will still be better than the upcoming S2; especially given the incredible lens on the Pansonic line. I was a true Canon believer until the S1 came out, I bought it, and then had enough of it with all the problems involved with the focusing; and still hard to believe Canon left off the AF illuminator.
Looks like the FZ5 and S2 will be the same price, but the FZ5 will have a better lens.
Rex914
04-26-2005, 06:08 PM
The lens may be faster, but none of us can rightfully say a word until we see some reviews talking about image quality. The FZ20 is a tad bit on the noisy side, something the S2 IS could capitalize upon.
slitman
04-26-2005, 06:56 PM
Noisy side? Not on any of my pictures with the FZ20.
Let's just hope at least catches up to the competition and includes an AF illuminator...some noise is far better than no picture. :)
The lens may be faster, but none of us can rightfully say a word until we see some reviews talking about image quality. The FZ20 is a tad bit on the noisy side, something the S2 IS could capitalize upon.I am one of those who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the S2 so I can get my hands on it to test. On spec, it looks to be a great camera. Though, careful examination of the sample shots on the Canon USA web site reveals a fair amount of noise in the pictures. So much so, that it am initially disappointed. So, now I am even more eager to get the camera for testing to see if those pictures are truly representative or not.
arghman
04-27-2005, 03:39 PM
Just noticed the Powershot S2 on dpreview.com. Looks competitive w/ FZ20 (which I have & enjoy), from looking at the stats on dpreview here's what I see from doing a quick look:
major advantages of S2 over FZ20:
closer focus
wireless remote
flipout display
minor advantages of S2 over FZ20:
better cost
ISO # goes down to 50
wider exposure times
lighter weight
disadvantages of S2:
doesn't allow for external flash
has slightly smaller display.
differences:
AA batteries for S2, proprietary Li for FZ20
My advice would be to be sure & try out camera first -- the workings of software is something that is not easy to learn about via the reviews. My biggest beefs with the FZ20 are the lack of a focus distance indicator & the poor granularity of zoom shown on the display (all it shows you is 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, etc... 12x even though there's a nearly continuous range between 1x and 2x).
ajay67
04-27-2005, 08:13 PM
i'd add better movie mode as major advantage of S2 over FZ20. btw, S2 can have external flash (although not via hot-shoe)
slitman
04-28-2005, 04:47 AM
For my purposes, the hotshoe or movie mode are of no interest; seems some people are getting more concerned with the movie part of some cameras out today than the actual still pictures. So neither of those aspects are of importants for how I use a camera.
i'd add better movie mode as major advantage of S2 over FZ20. btw, S2 can have external flash (although not via hot-shoe)
lowkl
04-28-2005, 10:17 AM
Hi slitman,
You sure know all the details of the S2, AND also know exactly what you want/need/value in a digital camera. AND you seem to have the "camera of your dreams" already with the FZ20, which fits *exactly* your wants/needs/values.
... then why raise the comparison question at all?
Perhaps the S2 is targetted for those who place a premium on a flipout screen, slightly lighter weight, etc. etc.
As for me, while the S2 specs make me drool :) I'm well satisfied with the S1 that I have. It does everything I want, how I want it, at a quality that exceeds my needs, and (important for a lot of people) at a price I could afford. AF assist is meaningless for me, as most of my shots are with good lighting or at a distance where hyperfocal settings work.
... and the S1 just looks and feels just gorgeous. :D
slitman
04-28-2005, 10:36 AM
Seems like a natural comparison of the S2 against the FZ5, as it appears the FZ20 is slightly upscale.
Price of the S2 and FZ5 should be almost identical. As always, alot of it comes down to personal preference.
The problem is if Canon had gotten the S1 right to begin with, I would still own mine instead of selling it for my current FZ20. In addition, I would have held onto the S1 and problem be selling it with the upcoming S2.
Unfortunately, I and may other consumers were very disappointed in what Canon came out with which caused me to look at the Panasonic line; I am still laughing that Canon thought they could cut corners and leave off the AF illuminator.
I had a G3 and it was incredible and really only sold it due to what the S1 was suppose to offer with the zoom capability; big disappointment.
Hi slitman,
You sure know all the details of the S2, AND also know exactly what you want/need/value in a digital camera. AND you seem to have the "camera of your dreams" already with the FZ20, which fits *exactly* your wants/needs/values.
... then why raise the comparison question at all?
Perhaps the S2 is targetted for those who place a premium on a flipout screen, slightly lighter weight, etc. etc.
As for me, while the S2 specs make me drool :) I'm well satisfied with the S1 that I have. It does everything I want, how I want it, at a quality that exceeds my needs, and (important for a lot of people) at a price I could afford. AF assist is meaningless for me, as most of my shots are with good lighting or at a distance where hyperfocal settings work.
... and the S1 just looks and feels just gorgeous. :D
AllanMarcus
04-28-2005, 02:10 PM
disadvantages of S2:
doesn't allow for external flash
has slightly smaller display.
I think the S2 does allow for a specific Canon external flash.
I think the S2 does allow for a specific Canon external flash.That is correct. I wish people would not pass around false information and would get their facts straight before making such claims...It doesn't do anybody any good. :mad:
Arghman:
The Canon HF-DC1 external flash absolutely works with the S2!!! You shouldn't post "facts" unless they are indeed facts.
ajay67
04-28-2005, 06:53 PM
For my purposes, the hotshoe or movie mode are of no interest; seems some people are getting more concerned with the movie part of some cameras out today than the actual still pictures. So neither of those aspects are of importants for how I use a camera.
slitman, i was only refering to the comparison by arghman where he left out the movie mode & option of flash. if someone reads that comparison, he might has missed some important facts. movie mode might not concern you but it does concern me, & i'm sure many others.
cheers
arghman
04-29-2005, 06:23 AM
That is correct. I wish people would not pass around false information and would get their facts straight before making such claims...It doesn't do anybody any good. :mad:
Arghman:
The Canon HF-DC1 external flash absolutely works with the S2!!! You shouldn't post "facts" unless they are indeed facts.My apologies. As I stated in my original post, I took all my information from dpreview.com (this page in particular: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s2is.asp) which states that there is no external flash. Perhaps you might wish to bring this discrepancy to that site owner's attention.
People make honest mistakes; getting angry about it doesn't particularly encourage people like me to take the time and post information along with the source they got it from (which most people in this world don't do).
My apologies. As I stated in my original post, I took all my information from dpreview.com (this page in particular: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s2is.asp) which states that there is no external flash. Perhaps you might wish to bring this discrepancy to that site owner's attention.
People make honest mistakes; getting angry about it doesn't particularly encourage people like me to take the time and post information along with the source they got it from (which most people in this world don't do).Maybe they updated it, because it is now correct. I always go to the manufacturer sites to confirm specs...
slitman
06-15-2005, 10:24 AM
Seems like the comparisons can begin...so putting the movie feature aside and comparing the FZ20 to the IS 2 solely for pictures, is the FZ20 still the benchmark?
I have been reading reviews on the IS 2 and sounds like Panasonic still has a lens that Canon still cannot come close to.
Any other major differences?
Hands down, FZ20 has the better piece of glass. But I think the S2 gets the edge on performance (except for the focus system, FZ20 wins there too). Combine that with the rotating LCD and good movie mode (though the compression routine could've been a LOT better), I think the S2 is a great multi-use camera, I would be as bold to call it a perfect family camera, gives you the best of stills and videos in one.
So, for me, if it was going to be my only digi cam, shared between my wife and I, I would choose the S2 in a heart beat. If I were to choose a camera just for myself and have a separate one for my wife (which is the setup I have - though she tends to use the FZ20 more then I thought she would), however, I would most likely choose the FZ20 - just something about that piece of glass.
The two features that keep me thinking though, are the battery life and that awesome rotating LCD, I wish the FZ20 had them. Fortunately, the FZ20's manual focus ring helps to off set my extreme interest in the S2's flip out LCD...though not by very much...the cost hit in having to sell my FZ20 and accesseries plays the bigger role.
In reality, I'd probably just ask my wife which one she liked more...to which she would just pick the prettier one...which the S2 wins too :-)
I have been reading reviews on the IS 2 and sounds like Panasonic still has a lens that Canon still cannot come close to.Wow...that's still a real subjective thing. I'd say it does comes close. But glass or no glass, I prefer the S2 images. Granted, I only shot with the FZ20 for a week, but I hated the flesh tones and the color balance in general. It wasn't for me. I shot the H1 for only a day and the images where too contrasty for me and at full zoom, at least on the one I had, there was a distinct lack of edge sharpness. So, when it came time to take the wallet out, the S2 is what came home with me to stay...
Shoot them all and decide for yourself. You can't base this stuff on reviews. Reviews are good for supplemental info and to verify your impressions but the only way to really know is to use them all...:)
slitman
06-15-2005, 06:05 PM
So you think the lens is better in the Canon IS S2 compared to the FZ20?
On the FZ20, did you adjust the settings at all or were you using the defaults?
Wow...that's still a real subjective thing. I'd say it does comes close. But glass or no glass, I prefer the S2 images. Granted, I only shot with the FZ20 for a week, but I hated the flesh tones and the color balance in general. It wasn't for me. I shot the H1 for only a day and the images where too contrasty for me and at full zoom, at least on the one I had, there was a distinct lack of edge sharpness. So, when it came time to take the wallet out, the S2 is what came home with me to stay...
Shoot them all and decide for yourself. You can't base this stuff on reviews. Reviews are good for supplemental info and to verify your impressions but the only way to really know is to use them all...:)
slitman
06-15-2005, 06:07 PM
I agree with you that the S2 is a good all around performer, while the FZ20 is definitely geared more for the advanced photograper with the ability to adjust with numerous settings.
Hands down, FZ20 has the better piece of glass. But I think the S2 gets the edge on performance (except for the focus system, FZ20 wins there too). Combine that with the rotating LCD and good movie mode (though the compression routine could've been a LOT better), I think the S2 is a great multi-use camera, I would be as bold to call it a perfect family camera, gives you the best of stills and videos in one.
So, for me, if it was going to be my only digi cam, shared between my wife and I, I would choose the S2 in a heart beat. If I were to choose a camera just for myself and have a separate one for my wife (which is the setup I have - though she tends to use the FZ20 more then I thought she would), however, I would most likely choose the FZ20 - just something about that piece of glass.
The two features that keep me thinking though, are the battery life and that awesome rotating LCD, I wish the FZ20 had them. Fortunately, the FZ20's manual focus ring helps to off set my extreme interest in the S2's flip out LCD...though not by very much...the cost hit in having to sell my FZ20 and accesseries plays the bigger role.
In reality, I'd probably just ask my wife which one she liked more...to which she would just pick the prettier one...which the S2 wins too :-)
So you think the lens is better in the Canon IS S2 compared to the FZ20?Did I say that? Re-read my post and stop looking for trouble...
On the FZ20, did you adjust the settings at all or were you using the defaults?Seriously...:rolleyes:
slitman
06-15-2005, 07:00 PM
Did I say that? Re-read my post and stop looking for trouble...
No, I am asking your opinion and what your thoughts are on it based on what you stated. Not sure what you mean about looking for trouble...just trying to get some straight foward opinions. Thanks!
No, I am asking your opinion and what your thoughts are on it based on what you stated. Not sure what you mean about looking for trouble...just trying to get some straight foward opinions. Thanks!You essentially misquoted me, which is not right to do...
Also, I thought I stated my opinions and observations...but this time I'll be more brief. I shot all three. I bought the Canon. I like it better. Sorry for any confusion...
Balrog
06-16-2005, 03:09 AM
I agree with you that the S2 is a good all around performer, while the FZ20 is definitely geared more for the advanced photograper with the ability to adjust with numerous settings.
What kind of settings can you adjust on the FZ20 that you can't on the S2? As far as I saw, you can have everything fully manual on the S2 if you want (of course, the manual focus isn't as nice as the ring on the FZ20, but it is there...)
slitman
06-16-2005, 04:34 AM
No one is misquoted you or anything of the such :confused:
just curious in feedback on both of the cameras and was interested in you elaborating on what you thought of each.
Thanks!
You essentially misquoted me, which is not right to do...
Also, I thought I stated my opinions and observations...but this time I'll be more brief. I shot all three. I bought the Canon. I like it better. Sorry for any confusion...
The picture quality in both cameras are definitely the top of their class. My observations with the FZ20 are completely different then JTL's, but I've also had it since November and learned how to use it in various situations. If I didn't already have the FZ20, then I'd probably end up going with the S2. The manual focus ring and hot shoe on the FZ20 is obviously a nice feature but I don't think it would be enough to make me to ignore the flip out LCD, good movie mode, and awesome battery life...I think they're just too much to resist.
I mean, even now I find them very difficult to resist. Believe me, I've been seriously looking into the $ hit I would take in selling my FZ20 and buying the S2. If I knew I wouldn't loose more then $100, I'd be very tempted to switch.
The lack of a manual focus ring is one of the things I really dislike about the S2. It is a major hassle to hold the manual focus button and to use the up/down arrows to focus. Bad, bad, bad. It's impossible to quickly manually focus and get off a shot without messing things up. The only other thing that I think they blew was the stupid plastic tripod mount...other then that, I like it a lot...my pictures are great (you'll find no humility here! :D )
slitman
06-16-2005, 02:33 PM
I know what you mean; I had the S1 and was very disappointed and sold it for the FZ20; while the FZ20 is great and all; I still prefer the size of the Canon. My only concern is whether Canon addressed all of the issues. I don't think I nearly got half of the pictures I wanted with it as it constantly searched when trying to focus.
The picture quality in both cameras are definitely the top of their class. My observations with the FZ20 are completely different then JTL's, but I've also had it since November and learned how to use it in various situations. If I didn't already have the FZ20, then I'd probably end up going with the S2. The manual focus ring and hot shoe on the FZ20 is obviously a nice feature but I don't think it would be enough to make me to ignore the flip out LCD, good movie mode, and awesome battery life...I think they're just too much to resist.
I mean, even now I find them very difficult to resist. Believe me, I've been seriously looking into the $ hit I would take in selling my FZ20 and buying the S2. If I knew I wouldn't loose more then $100, I'd be very tempted to switch.
chino
06-17-2005, 11:17 AM
Hey Gurus,
Has anyone had any experience utilizing the S2 flash? I hear that it is a manual pop-up meaning you have to physically pop up the flash instead of the camera realizing it needs it and popping up on it's own. For an idiot like me, that seems like a lot of annoying missed pictures.
Also, I read that the cycle time is 10 seconds between flash pictures! Is this true? Anyone? Anyone? That seems like quite the long time.
I am a "beginner enthusiast" so for me the S2/H1 seems to meet my needs. Though I am probably gonna get the S2 only b/c of the SD memory, good quality video, ability to zoom while taking video.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
-chino
I hear that it is a manual pop-up meaning you have to physically pop up the flash instead of the camera realizing it needs it and popping up on it's own. For an idiot like me, that seems like a lot of annoying missed pictures.
I thank the makers everyday that it doesn't have a "pop-up" flash. IMO that's one of the most annoying "features" ever invented. Also, it's just one more thing to break...
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