SI2 vs. Z20

[mikecgold]

I'm ripe to buy a new digicam to replace my Nikon 995 - i want to go the 10+X optical magnification route with stabilization. I thought I'd go with the Panasonic Z20 until I heard about the Canaon SI2. So I ask all you experts out there for advice. The Canon is lighter (fairly important) and has a better movie mode (less important) and the tilting viewer (very useful), but the Panasonic has a better manual focus system and has received consistantly good reviews overall. Money is not a factor in this choice. I'd like to get your comments. Thanks, Mike from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

[JTL]

Since you don't care about the video...both are great cameras are great for taking photos. It's going to come down to things like feel and personal taste. You have to try them both out to see which you like better. I strongly recommend that you test shoot both of them.

[jamdr]

The photo quality of the Z20 is far better. I personally don't think the S2 takes very good pictures at all. The only things the Canon has going for it in this contest is the movie mode (which doesn't matter to you) and looks (both are bad in this category, imo, but at least the Canon isn't as big I guess).

[JTL]

The photo quality of the Z20 is far better. I personally don't think the S2 takes very good pictures at all. The only things the Canon has going for it in this contest is the movie mode (which doesn't matter to you) and looks (both are bad in this category, imo, but at least the Canon isn't as big I guess).It helps if you could please show us some examples. I've posted over 20 S2 examples so far...maybe you could critique them for me? :)

[Akysten]

Far better is a stretch.. the FZ20 is known for having noise/grain... but taking good shots. The S2 hasn't been reviews yet other than people like you and me.

I'll try to get some great s2 photos online this weekend.

The only place you're really going to tell a difference, rather than contrasting and some colors... is with comparative shooting.. I really like the tests on the DPREVIEW site.. they really show the difference at various ISO's, macro shots, ..etc. DCResource does a great ISO night shot test.... This sort of testing can really show where one camera stands out over another. Browsing unrelated sample photos taken in totally difference circumstances and conditions is NOT a good comparison...

[Anex]

the FZ20 is known for having noise/grain... but taking good shots.

I would have to disagree a little with that statement; 3000+ pictures and I have seen absolutely no grain through viewing on the PC or in printed copies (have gone as high as 11 x 15 with perfect results). As for noise, I would agree that in low light the camera doesn't gain up as much as I would like but if there's anything I've learned since getting serious about photo quality, it's that how a picture turns out really comes down to knowing how to use the camera (digi or otherwise).

Browsing unrelated sample photos taken in totally difference circumstances and conditions is NOT a good comparison...

I agree 100% with that statement. Comparing completely different pictures is useless. Sure, it's nice to see how the camera did in that situation but you can't compare it to another camera without having the exact same shot with it.

I look forward to Jeff's review as well, was thinking of getting either the FZ5 or S2 for my parents. If the S2 came out last year, I would've been comparing it to the FZ20...but alas, it wasn't so I went with the best on the market - my next cam will be a SLR (probably a 20D or a Rebel).

[Akysten]

One note:

I would opt for the FZ5 over the 20... just for the size reasons. It also has better red eye reduction, and quicker Auto_Focus.. the images aren't QUITE as good, and the lens isn't quite as fast, but if you're just taking pictures, the FZ5 looks to be a great option. I find the FZ20 too bulky.... I'd get a DSLR before I got a FZ20. Great camera though!

The FZ5 was a movie mode away from being a top choice..

[vancouverislander]

Hi Mike
I'm not an expert - just replying as I was in the same situation. Have had the 995 for the past 3 years and love it, bought the 2x telephoto attempting to increase the zoom, bought the digisnap, filters. But it is so slow and with the 2x on it you have to put it on a tripod. So for the past 8 months or so have been reading info on the superzooms. I purchased the S2 because I couldn't give up the rotating lcd - if I didn't own the Nikon 995 my decision might have been different. I can say that I am blown away by this camera just as I was with the Nikon. Took the same pics with each camera, compared them on the computer and then took them in to have them printed. I knew then I was keeping the Canon - no doubts. Bought 1gb card and 15 min batt and charger and haven't looked back!

Hope this helps. I'm up island in Union Bay.