Powershot S2 IS vs Panasonic FZ20

[SenateDC]

Which one would be the better camera to go with?

[TenD]

I haven't had direct experience with either, but each camera has it's merits.
The FZ20 has a fast lens at f/2.8 across the entire range.
The Canon should have better higher ISO performance with it's DIGIC II chip.
The FZ20 is know for noise above ISO 100.
The Canon S1 was know for CA, I don't know if this has been fixed in the S2.
The FZ20 is larger, more SLR like.
The Canon S2 is more of a compact camera.
The FZ20 has a slightly larger LCD for viewing.
The Canon has no buffer, but allows continuous shooting until the card is full.
The FZ20 has a 7 frame buffer.
The Canon has slightly higher resolution for movies, both cameras can shoot movies until the card is full.
I am considering the S2 as a replacement for my aging G2. My G2 still takes fine photos, I just wish I had a little more zoom range, the S2 provides a lot more zoom range. The IS and unlimited frames are a bonus to me.

[PhilR.]

Which one would be the better camera to go with?

Better for what?

[JTL]

If the video mode is important, then it's no comparison...the video mode on the S2 crushes the FZ20 (plus the S2 has optical zooming while shooting videos...simply awesome). But, if you want it for primarily a still camera, then they're both great cameras...

[SenateDC]

Just a all around good camera for shooting in low light and action as well as indoor/outdoor shots with not that much noise.

[mike62]

Guys, I too am looking at these two cameras and my biggest desire is shutter speed and optical zoom. I know the Panasonic has a great 12X zoom which is a little more than the Canon so what about shutter lag? Will the buffer in the Panasonic allow rapid shooting or as close as it comes? Will I be able to press the shutter and then press it again and not miss a shot?

[JTL]

Guys, I too am looking at these two cameras and my biggest desire is shutter speed and optical zoom. I know the Panasonic has a great 12X zoom which is a little more than the Canon so what about shutter lag? Will the buffer in the Panasonic allow rapid shooting or as close as it comes? Will I be able to press the shutter and then press it again and not miss a shot?Your information about the zoom range for the Canon S2 is incorrect...both cameras have a 12x zoom (432mm, 35mm equivalent).

As far as shot-to-shot speed goes, the Canon S2 has a normal speed of 1.5 fps (set at large/fine) and "high-speed" at 2.4 fps. That's plenty fast for a point-and-shoot. The Panasonic web site states that the FZ20 shoots 2-3 fps in fine for 4 frames...but doesn't say what happens after 4 frames...either way, both cameras appear to be fairly equivalent regarding shot-to-shot speed on the surface...

I've been using the S2 for three days now and it shoots fine...no problems so far...

[PhilR.]

Just a all around good camera for shooting in low light and action as well as indoor/outdoor shots with not that much noise.

There isn't going to be a great difference between the two, at least for your requirements.

If you will be doing low light action shots, then neither will be a good choice. For that kind of thing, you will need a dslr...

PhilR.

[Nino van Hooff]

I am choosing between the S2 and panasonic dmc fz5 wich one?
Important are:
-shutter and focus lag
-image quality
-a bit of extra options. i like S2's panorama assist

Both fit in my budget
I don't care about the looks of the camera
Movie mode is cool but not neccesary

[John_Reed]

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=13883277

[Nino van Hooff]

Thank you so much for posting that link John! I am now going with the FZ5 (or FZ4 maybe, i don't need 5 MP and a bigger screen, depends on price) Because panasonic is really good at speed with their fast focus mode (lcd turned off while camera is focusing makes quicker focus) and because of the better image quality, wich are my main objectives...
I'm sorry to see all the useful and useless extras on then S2 go, though.

Thanks again