Lumix DMC-FX7 Leica vs Canon Powershot Lens

[StrixVaria]

Hello,

I'm torn between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7K 5MP and the Canon Powershot SD500 7MP Digital Elph - yes yes yes, I know all about the 7mp on the Canon, but I want more clear sharper pictures and I think the Leica lens in the Lunix might be a better lens for better pics than the canon. Can anyone corroborate or comment on this?

Is the Leica lens really that much better in this shell than
all the other cams in this class? How? Why? Or is it just a
marketing ploy?

I really am torn and need to know why the Lumix is better.

I tried the canon and the pics don't look that clear, even as a 7mp.

Please Help,

Thanks,
S.V.

[Shenook]

I own the fz20 and all the pertinent accessories. I also own the fx7.

I can say I like the fx7 for the pull it out of your pocket quick pics here and there. I assure you the battery life on both of the cameras in question blow badly. Definitely need to buy an extra batter for either the fx7 or the Elph.

Both cameras are impressive for their size but that's the best of it.

The fx7 definitely takes better pics and the OIS is un-challenged in it's class for this fx7.

It's a no brainer really fx7 all the way between the two. But if you want more versatility and bang for your buck go with a camera with a viewfinder to save battery life or go a little bigger and less impressive and get more for what you are going to pay.

The #1 dealbreaker for me to get a point and shoot like the fx7 was the image stabalization. The GF has no idea how to steady a camera or cares to try and she hates the viewfinders cause she's that way. She's a non-geek as opposed to me :)

The 7mp spec is blah! Not worth my time if it can't even take pictures at 7mp or 5mp or any mp and get too much purple fringing and other color abnormalities the elph does.

[kimnicho]

I was <> close to getting the FX7 yesterday but it concerned me that they were able to actually fit all that wonderful technology in such a tiny package. I decided to wait a few months to make sure there isn't a quality build issue...call me paranoid. I already own the FX20 and would love to get a matching "baby" camera in the near future. The picture quality seems to be better than any other ultracompact camera out there as well. And it's definitely the sleekest looking. Finally, the cool styling evenmakes the Elphs look, dare I say, "dated".

[gary_hendricks]

Some thoughts about the FX7.

Pros:
- huge 2.5" screen
- image stabilization works and takes sharp pictures
- small form factor
- 5.0 megapixels
- uses SD cards (a 1GB card is about $70 or less now)
- solid construction (feels solid and metal finish is high quality)

Cons:
- weak flash (which is common to many small digital cameras)
- more expensive than other cameras
- battery life is OK. (I'd get an extra battery if you're taking this camera with you on vacation)
- no optical viewfinder (but as mentioned, it's not an issue for me)

[Rooney]

Thank you JTL. Yes, those are awesome pics, and it was the SD500's picture quality that finally tipped the balance for me -- I was going to get a Panasonic DMC-FX7 because of its image stabilizer, but a side-by-side comparison of photos between that camera and the SD500 changed my mind.

This post was posted in the Canon forum. I have the same dilemma as StrixVaria, but I was leaning towards the SD500 instead of the FZ7. I am a newbie regarding digital cameras (any type of cameras really) so I've been trying to get a picture of which one is better by reading reviews and reading forums like this one etc. The only problem is, for every time I read that the SD500 is better I read another one saying the same thing about the FZ7. I know the opinions are somewhat biased but still...
For example, in the canon forum the SD500 has better image quality and a couple of post above mine in this thread Shenook says the FZ7 is better. I'm somewhat confused to say the least.

Comments?

[herc182]

I am a civil engineer by day (and well, by night :) ) and as you may know we crave accuracy and detail.

ALL engineering equipment such as total stations and levels are fitted with Leica lenses. so they are certainly amazing lenses. i also own the FZ20 and picture quality is fantastic. The quality of the photo has far less to do with the mp count than the quality of the lens....

[StrixVaria]

Thanks so much for all of your comments ...

My cam shop let me use and return the Canon SD 500 7mp (and yes, even without a restocking percent!) and while I liked many features of the Canon
the picture sharpness did not even compare to my old 2 year old 2mp Lumix
that I had stolen while on honeymoon in Kauai. The Canon firmware was great, the cam was fast w/ plenty of manual options, but the pictures just did not have that sharp, clean, and full edge as my shots from my old panasonic Lumix w/ the leica. So I'm waiting to try the FZ7 Panasonic as soon as I can find a shop that sells them (online or not) w/ a no restocking fee policy. I just hate that - especially from the big boys like Best Buy, Circuit City etc. - they can freaking afford it!

But keep the comments and opinions coming! This is good and rich dialogue!

Thanks again!
S.V.

[Rooney]

I've made up my mind and I'm going with...the SD500. It just feels better.

> StrixVaria. I also compared some pictures of the SD500 and the FX7 and I didn't come to the same conclusion that you did. I thought the SD500 pictures were sharp and clear. I've also heard that there are quality control issues with the FX7 so that is what tipped the scale towards the SD500.

[rohun]

Have i missed something here or is Panasonic releasing a new update from the fx7 called the fz7 that you guys are talking about?? please let me know as im trying to compare the sd500 and the fx7 as well.
Been looking at pbase.com and comparing the photos....night shots def look better on the panasonic...battery life doesnt bother me as spares are cheap...only concern is the low pixel count on the lcd and that it doesnt gain up in low light.....and with the canon im worried about the E18 factor!!!