ZS3 is sold out...now what?

[MatthewGavin]

I was looking to purchase the new Panasonic ZS3 before I go to Spain at the end of the month. Mostly everywhere I look, sites are back ordered or just not getting them in a while. The stores in my area are not getting them in either. Now, which camera should I purchase?
Which camera should I buy?



Budget
I was going to spend 400 on the ZS3, so I can spend around that price, not too much more.

Size

I was looking for a camera I could also take out with my friends if I wanted to take pictures, at like a bar or party

Features

I would like a camera with more than 4x zoom just in case I do need it for when I am trying to take pictures of something further away and I want to be able to see what the picture is of....like sitting in the stands at a game or a ceremony. I would like to see what I am taking a picture of.

* How important is “image quality” to you? 8 or 9

Do you care for manual controls? Not really

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for? When I go on trips and when I am with my friends

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not? Not regularly

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos? Some, but not always. When I am at a bar I might

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos? Possibly

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Are there particular models you already have in mind? Canon SX200 IS, Panasonic TZ5, Canon SD970(I do not know how much better 5x zoom will be)

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? Is Wide Angle needed?

[David Metsky]

Do the stores have the ZS1? The main differences are HD video and the LCD size/quality. Would that be acceptable?

[MatthewGavin]

Is the picture quality of the ZS1 the same as the ZS3. If not, how much of a difference is there?

It is for sale online.

[tim11]

Both have same MegaPixel size image but the ZS1 has slightly larger sensor size; and in theory the ZS1 should have better image quality. However, I am not sure if anyone has the real answer to your question but I doubt you will notice much difference between the 2 unless you are into pixel peeping.

[AndyfromVA]

but the ZS1 has slightly larger sensor size

The sensor size of the ZS1 is 1/2.5 inches while that of the ZS3 is 1/2.3 inches. The ZS3 has the larger sensor.

[tim11]

Thanks Andy. I got it the other way around.
Correction: ....but the ZS3 has slightly larger sensor size; and in theory the ZS3 should have better image quality.

[Phill D]

The silver ZS1 or the older TZ5 (which would save you money) in most colours are both in stock at B&H. Also red ZS3 says June delivery when I looked but may not be quick enough for you?

[MatthewGavin]

I ordered the ZS1 earlier today.

Thanks for all of your help guys. I will let all of you know how the camera is after I get it in the mail in a few days.

[Phill D]

Congrats Matthew I think you'll have fun. I look forward to you posting some images & hearing what you think about the camera. Welcome to the forum.