Sell the FZ20 for an FZ5?

[slitman]

I have owned the FZ20 now since it came out and love the camera. Simply amazing with incredible results. My only issue with the camera is the overall size and weight.

I am interested in know what others think about if it would be worth selling a FZ20 for an FZ5? I know that the FZ5 doesn't have MF or a Hot Shoe; neither of which are of any interest for my purposes.

[genece]

The FZ20 is a better camera keep it for (just a guess) 4 more months.

[ragnarock47]

The FZ20 is a better camera keep it for (just a guess) 4 more months.

Out of curiosity, why for 4 months, to compare them?

[Rex914]

The FZ20 is still a much better camera. Plus the FZ5 has a slower lens.

[genece]

Out of curiosity, why for 4 months, to compare them?


The talk is there will be a FZ30 by then.

Just guesses mind you but it will be due.

[junji98]

me too. i love the fz20. might not be a good idea to trade it in for an fz5. the hotshoe and MF are pluses.

[sage]

The FZ20 is still a much better camera. Plus the FZ5 has a slower lens.

How is the FZ20 a much better camera, when the MF and the hotshoe are of no interest?

[genece]

How is the FZ20 a much better camera, when the MF and the hotshoe are of no interest?


While I would like the faster focus of the FZ5.
The lens is the difference.. and while if I did not have a FZ10 and 20 I would buy a FZ5 , I would not get rid of either of the FZ's I have to get a FZ5.

One other thing ...they are rating the FZ5 flash to be the same as the FZ10s flash which really needed an external flash.
The FZ20 flash is more powerful.

I will just wait and hope.



.

[MiNDGAM3]

The FZ20 lense stays at F2.8 from wide to tele unlike the FZ5 too

[slitman]

So it sounds like that even if the hotshoe and MF are of now interest, the FZ20 is still a better camera then the FZ5?

My only real reason for wanting to switch to the FZ5 is for the size.

[sage]

I don't think it's much better, the lens is a bit bigger and better, but not much, the FZ5 has a better autofocus. The final result, the images , are pretty much equal. In one of the reviews on the net, the FZ5 was actually preferred over the FZ20....so if size is of a matter and the hotshoe and MF ain't, the FZ5 is the best choise in my opinion. So that's what i ordered :D
If it's worth selling the FZ20 to get the FZ5, well....not so sure about that one :) It' ain't that heavy? :confused:

[farqwar]

It will all boil down to preference. Either camera is an excellent choice. For me, I like the styling and feel of a heavy SLR camera. When I handled the FZ5 it felt too much like a toy. I ended up getting the FZ15. :o

[emalvick]

I haven't seen an FZ-5 yet, but if it is anything like the FZ-3, I think the primary differences when it comes to the physical size of the cameras is mostly the size. The FZ-5 is probably smaller, but I don't remember the weight of the FZ-3 being that much less than the FZ-20. However, for me both cameras seemed quite light.

In terms of value, I'm not sure if it is really worth it to sell an FZ-20 to get an FZ-5. As it has been mentioned, both cameras are basically the same except the manual focus and hot shoe. Considering that your FZ-20 is now used, I'm not sure it would be worth it to basically change to a smaller camera. If a smaller camera is desired, I think waiting until the FZ-5 replacement comes around may be more economical?

Of course, it really is a matter of your preference. I don't think any of us here can know exactly what is right for you. It seems like it would be extremely valuable for you to find an FZ-5 to try out and hold.

[Hikescdnrckys]

I sold my FZ20 for an FZ5. The person who bought the FZ20 never travels, and his wife wants the manual focus and ability to use an external flash.

I on the other hand travel extensively - and found the FZ20 just too big for hiking or business trips. I wanted something I could just slip in my laptop bag or my backpack without having to carry an extra camera bag - but that still had the 12X zoom and the Leica lens.

The FZ5 fits the bill perfectly and for all but the most discriminating photo experts, I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between shots take by either camera. Got it last night (in Canada no less) - packed it in my laptop bag and will be taking pictures in Miami tonight. Sweet! I have no regrets!

As has been said here earlier - shots are better from the camera you have with you then the one you left at home!

[genece]

As has been said here earlier - shots are better from the camera you have with you then the one you left at home!

I do not think anyone can argue with that.

[slitman]

I agree with you and will probably follow the same route.


I sold my FZ20 for an FZ5. The person who bought the FZ20 never travels, and his wife wants the manual focus and ability to use an external flash.

I on the other hand travel extensively - and found the FZ20 just too big for hiking or business trips. I wanted something I could just slip in my laptop bag or my backpack without having to carry an extra camera bag - but that still had the 12X zoom and the Leica lens.

The FZ5 fits the bill perfectly and for all but the most discriminating photo experts, I would be hard pressed to tell the difference between shots take by either camera. Got it last night (in Canada no less) - packed it in my laptop bag and will be taking pictures in Miami tonight. Sweet! I have no regrets!

As has been said here earlier - shots are better from the camera you have with you then the one you left at home!

[k_A_e_D_e]

i am also between these two cameras. is it really that important to have a manual focus? is it worth the $100? how's the AF for the FZ5? do you have any problems with focusing? i would also like to know the noise level for the FZ5.

[slitman]

Personally, I don't think so...all depends on your uses for the camera. I myself would prefer something somewhat more compact than the FZ20; never have used the hotshoe and never will.

The FZ5 is looking very appealing. Don't see how the noise could be any different than on the FZ20. The FZ20 has more bells and whistles than what I really need and if the FZ5 is cheaper than the FZ20, and has as good as quality in the pictures...it works for me.

So does the FZ5 have faster focusing than the FZ20?

As for the upcoming Canon S2, don't really see how it can compete. Lead, follow, or get out of the way...and looks like Canon is now having to following Panasonic...kind of funny.



i am also between these two cameras. is it really that important to have a manual focus? is it worth the $100? how's the AF for the FZ5? do you have any problems with focusing? i would also like to know the noise level for the FZ5.

[louis.b]

i am also between these two cameras. is it really that important to have a manual focus?

It is, maybe when you least expect it, meaning it's nice to have when your camera fails to focus on the correct object due to specific circumstances.

Two examples...

1) Through water's surface. I love koi fish and have my own pond. When trying to take pictures of the fish, either at home or a remote location, sometimes the autofocus has a hard time locking on the fish below the water's surface. Manual focus to the rescue! :D

2) Through the cage at the zoo. I was recently at the zoo, before I had my FZ-15. My previous camera had difficulties autofocusing on the subjects behind the cage wiring. It kept locking on to the cage. It didn't happen on all the cages, just the ones with denser mesh/bars. So, I got a lot of great photos of various cage material, but the animals, which were my intended subject, came out blurry. :( A manual focus would have saved the day.

So, you may not think you'll need a manual focus, until you run into a situation where you find your autofocus is just not doing the job.

[slitman]

Went to my local camera store today to take a look at the new FZ5 and as soon as I saw it, I had mine mind made up...definitely not worth selling my FZ20 for it. Great camera, but the FZ20 is still the benchmark!



I have owned the FZ20 now since it came out and love the camera. Simply amazing with incredible results. My only issue with the camera is the overall size and weight.

I am interested in know what others think about if it would be worth selling a FZ20 for an FZ5? I know that the FZ5 doesn't have MF or a Hot Shoe; neither of which are of any interest for my purposes.

[Jalva22]

Just out of curiosity, what is the best way to sell a camera that is very new and slightly used, and you're not an ebay seller? I bought the FZ15 and also would prefer a smaller camera. A little frustrated at myself. I researched a long time and went to the store and held an FZ20 several times. Didn't think the size was too big then, but I really wish I had bought a smaller camera now.

Thanks,
Jim

[cincyimages]

Keep the FZ20 and get a FX7 for traveling, that is what i did. Great tag team...

[slitman]

After seeing the FZ5, definitely keeping the FZ20. The FZ5 seems more inline with the upcoming S2 from Canon, but Pansonic is still the benchmark with with FZ20; only thing that could be better is maybe a FZ25 or FZ20. :)



Keep the FZ20 and get a FX7 for traveling, that is what i did. Great tag team...