S2 is....Fz20 for an amateur???

[paradigmcubed]

Over the past few days I have constantly read reviews and thoughts on both the s2 is and fz20 and now i've decided to post my questions to all of you photographers....I have narrowed my choice down to the two previously listed camera and I'd like to know which camera would be best for an amateur photographer who knows little about aperture etc. Basically, which camera has better auto settings? I also like taking macro pics of flowers, so i'd like to know which camera you all think has a better macro setting or takes better pics of flowers. At first i figured i'd go with the s2 is since it seems like an easier point and shoot and the fz20 seems somewhat daunting. However, the leica lense has its appeal so i figured i'd leave it up to the experts, you guys...

I am more concerned w/overall photquality than the ability to shoot videos.

thanks a lot, jacob

[speaklightly]

Jacob-

I really apologize if I am raining on your parade, but why long zoom digital cameras for macro or close-up photos? I know a lot about flower photos. I started the permanent flower photo gallery on this web site.

Personally, I would think that the Canon Sd-500 or the Nikon 5900/7900 twins would be much beter suited for flower photos. However, I do admit that lately we have seen a lot of quality flower shots on that thread that have been taken with the Canon S-2.

Thus, if the choice is between the FZ-20 and the Canon S-2 only, I would opt for the S-2.

Sarah Joyce

[paradigmcubed]

Ooops--sorry...I should have made it clearer. I want the mega-zoom for nature shots of animals such as birds, rabbits etc. I should have acknowledged that I know both of these cameras take excellent mega-zoom photos. Therefore, since its already a given these cameras will take great mega-zoom shots, a factor which tips personally tips the camera for me would be which takes better macro shots. I am thinking of good macro shots as an added bonus to the mega-zoom.

Anyone else have any ideas about which camera would be best suited to my skills??

Thanks for your thoughts

[speaklightly]

Jacob-

One other thought, if I might. Please keep in mind that the Panasonic FZ-20 is a physically large digitsl camera. I actually sold my FZ-20 and went to the FZ-5 to get a more workable size.

Sarah Joyce

[paradigmcubed]

In terms of picture quality do you find the fz5 to perform similarily to the fz20 you previously owned? For a newbie--considering I'll be working off auto presets at the beginning, how is the photo quality with the mega-zoom and macros?

Thanks a lot

[speaklightly]

Jacob-

The photo quality of the FZ-5 is quite similiar to the FZ-20. The FZ-5 lacks the FZ-20's hot shoe and manual focusing. The Fz cameras are stronger on their long zoom capabilities rather that macro. It of course does have a macro mode.

Sarah Joyce