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View Full Version : Canon S1 IS vs Panazonic FZ3?


Sherpa
08-29-2004, 05:46 AM
Hi there

Anyone had enough of a look at the FZ3 to make this comparison? I can't find review of the FZ3. I would wait, but I am hoping to buy online from a US site and have my mother-in-law bring it over in mid Sept, so time is becoming of the essence!

I was also seriously considering the Olympus 765, though I know you guys are big fans of image stablization. I liked the FZ10 a lot, except the size! I don't need something ultra-compact, but a big disincentive to use my SLR at the moment is portablility.

My conclusion about the Canon and the Olympus was that in terms of image quality, functionality (apart from the IS) and usability they were pretty similar. I was leaning towards the Olympus, because of its size and the extra megapixel, but when I handled them I liked the feel of the Canon more, less plasticky. I'd rather avoid a silver camera, but it seems de rigeur. I thought I had seen the Olympus in black, but now can't find it. I'm not sure about the folding-out lcd on the Canon - it might annoy me to have to do that. On the other hand I think the wake-up time is better. I don't feel that IS is a must have for me, but why look a gift horse in the mouth, if it's got everything else I want too?

The FZ3 is very similar on specs, but I don't know how that translates in performance. Anyone have any advice? The trouble is, I don't think I'll be able to handle it myself before I have to make the decision to buy.

Rhys
08-29-2004, 07:19 AM
Hi there

Anyone had enough of a look at the FZ3 to make this comparison? I can't find review of the FZ3. I would wait, but I am hoping to buy online from a US site and have my mother-in-law bring it over in mid Sept, so time is becoming of the essence!

I was also seriously considering the Olympus 765, though I know you guys are big fans of image stablization. I liked the FZ10 a lot, except the size! I don't need something ultra-compact, but a big disincentive to use my SLR at the moment is portablility.

My conclusion about the Canon and the Olympus was that in terms of image quality, functionality (apart from the IS) and usability they were pretty similar. I was leaning towards the Olympus, because of its size and the extra megapixel, but when I handled them I liked the feel of the Canon more, less plasticky. I'd rather avoid a silver camera, but it seems de rigeur. I thought I had seen the Olympus in black, but now can't find it. I'm not sure about the folding-out lcd on the Canon - it might annoy me to have to do that. On the other hand I think the wake-up time is better. I don't feel that IS is a must have for me, but why look a gift horse in the mouth, if it's got everything else I want too?

The FZ3 is very similar on specs, but I don't know how that translates in performance. Anyone have any advice? The trouble is, I don't think I'll be able to handle it myself before I have to make the decision to buy.

But with the S1 IS, you don't have to fold out the LCD. There's a viewfinder LCD which is quite pleasant. Or you can twist the LCD panel around and leave it so that it's always facing outwards - it is mobile in the X and Y axies. It will even clip into place so it's facing outwards or inwards. It's up to you which you choose. i prefer the viewfinder LCD for taking photos and the swivel LCD for reviewing.

speaklightly
08-29-2004, 05:26 PM
Keep in mind that:

1. The Canon S-1's LCD can be closed so it assumes the normal facing outwards position and you will no longer have to deal with the LCD's folding mechanism.

2. There is a full one year guarantee on part AND labor on the Canon S-1. There is only a one year guarantee on parts on the Panasonic and the guarantee on labor is good only for 90 days!

3. The Panasonic FZ3 will not be available until late September.

These factors may play into your plans.

Sarah Joyce

Dave Dilks
08-29-2004, 07:42 PM
One correction, Sarah, circuitcity.com has been shipping the fz3 for a while now (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612). They must be pretty popular because they've raised their price from $359 to $399 in the last week.

Sherpa, mine is due to arrive tomorrow. I'll post my thoughts here once I get a chance to play with it.

speaklightly
08-29-2004, 08:46 PM
Dave-

That is really great news. I really will be interested to see how the Panasonic FZ-3 compares to the Canon S-1. Please be sure to post some photos.

Sarah Joyce