Canon G6 vs. Panasonic FZ20

[mkgago]

I'm trying to decide between these two cameras. I know that I can't go wrong with either one, but it's still tough to decide between them. (I also know, btw, that they are two different types of cameras, but I plan to use it for so many things, ranging from indoor shots of kids to outdoor shots of flowers, sunsets, and buildings, that it's hard to say which kind of camera I need.). I'd love to get a DSLR, but I can't afford one.

Here are the pluses and minuses as I see them, based on reviews and forum posts. Please correct me or add to this list where you see fit:

G6
pros:
--image quality
--7 MP
--swing out LCD
--battery life

cons:
--movie mode limited to 30sec
--only 4x zoom


FZ20
pros:
--Leica lens (is this as big a deal as everyone makes it out to be?)
--feels more like a DLSR (I think I'd use the EVF more than the Canon's optical viewfinder)
--F2.8, 12x zoom + IS
--manual focus ring
--unlimited movie mode

cons:
--slightly noisy images?
--5 MP

[Rex914]

Both are great cameras. The G6 does inveitably take the better pictures. You might like the Lecia f/2.8 lens, but don't forget that the G6's lens is a lot faster (f/2-3) until it reaches full telephoto.

If you think you'll need the extra zoom, go with the Panasonic. Otherwise, you'd probably be happier with the G6.

[mkgago]

Thanks for the advice, Rex. You're right--image quality and camera speed are very important to me.

I was settled on the G6 until I saw this post in the panasonic forum (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7105&highlight=dodgers+giants).

Why does everyone rave about the Leica lens, however, and then say that the image quality on the G6 is better?

Now, just because I like to make things difficult on myself, I'm also considering waiting for the Nikon D50 to come out, since I already have a Nikon AF 28-80 lens that came with my N60 Nikon film camera. It would be a stretch, money-wise, but it might be worth it (B&H lists the initial body-only price as $750). The only thing that would bother me is that I would like to have the ability to shoot movies with the digital camera, since I probably can't afford a separate movie camera right now...

[Balrog]

People rave about the Leica lens because it's a huge zoom range with a very impressive constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ... The image quality, however, is not solely dependent on the lens - the G6 has a 1/1.8" 7MP sensor compared to the 1/2.5" 5MP one on the FZ20 ... the larger sensor results in cleaner, smoother looking images with better resolution than the FZ20 can provide.
Within the same zoom range the G6 will most likely have better images - but the full zoom of the FZ20 has a whole lot more reach than the G6...

[mkgago]

ok, considering the 20% off all digital cameras deal (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=40427#post40427) at Micro Center (http://www.microcenter.com/index.html) , I went with the G6 for $479.99. Can you believe that price from a brick and mortar store?!!!

Thanks to everyone for the help--I appreciate it.

[Balrog]

No problem.. that's an amazing price for a great camera! :)