Canon S2 IS vs. Panasonic DMC-FZ5

[Joe Fisher]

I apologize, I realize that this has been asked several times. I realize that it's not likely that someone would have *both* cameras, since they are close to the same.

I know the movie mode is better with the S2 IS. The Panasonic is smaller, that's a plus. I've held an S2 IS however, it's ok in terms of size. I have not been able to get hold of a Panasonic to compare it.

I see from reading reviews that the Panasonic is a bit faster, has less shutter lag. But given that, would S2 owners charecterize their camera's as having a *lot* of shutter lag? Or is it just a case of "fast, but not the fastest"?

I'd like to hear impressions.

Joe Fisher
Teacher, K-8
Kalispell, MT

[Joe Fisher]

Nobody?
Joe

[paul88]

I'm in the same boat on this one. Although I can't make the decision for you, I figured I'd throw in my 2 cents anyway. Here are the main points that are keeping me on the fence:

Purple fringing seems to be a slight issue with the S2 whereas it seems to be nonexistant with the FZ5 due to panasonic's internal processor.

The canon produces sharper images for better or for worse. This is a plus for me, but I'd like to be able to to knock the sharpness down a notch if neccessary. Not sure if that's an option or not.

Physically, I've only been able to handle the canon. I wasn't really impressed with it from a physical standpoint. It seemed chunky, and pretty "plasticy". I really wish I could handle the panasonic in person.

There seem to be more options for add on lenses (I'm most interested in macro), when it comes to the S2. I know you can add filters to the FZ5, but when searching, I found more add on options for the S2.

Movie mode doesn't concern me (or I'd be buying a video camera). Personally, I'm more concerned with focus period rather than the *speed* of focus. I think comparing shutter lag and time between shots on these 2 cameras is more or less splitting hairs so to speak. My current camera is an olympus D360L that I've had since 2000, so either of these cameras will surely surpass the performance (regarding speed) that I'm used to.

[Joe Fisher]

Originally Posted by paul88

I'm in the same boat on this one. Although I can't make the decision for you, I figured I'd throw in my 2 cents anyway. Here are the main points that are keeping me on the fence:

.

Thanks Paul! Every little bit helps. I'd get a movie camera if movie mode interested me much also, but there is something to be said about having your still camera with you, then seeing a perfect opportunity for a movie and being able to do it right then.

I also have not gotten my hands on a Panasonic, I won't buy one or the other until I do. I sort of like the feel of the Canon, yes, it's "plasticky", but not too bad IMO.

Joe Fisher
Teacher, K-8
Kalispell, MT

[paul88]

Originally Posted by Joe Fisher

Thanks Paul! Every little bit helps. I'd get a movie camera if movie mode interested me much also, but there is something to be said about having your still camera with you, then seeing a perfect opportunity for a movie and being able to do it right then.

I also have not gotten my hands on a Panasonic, I won't buy one or the other until I do. I sort of like the feel of the Canon, yes, it's "plasticky", but not too bad IMO.

No problem Joe I guess I can understand about the movie angle of it....I've never really been into video too much so I guess that's why it's kind of a non-issue to me. I just threw that out there since a lot of people seem to think the S2 is on top because of the video advantage.

I think part of my gripe or cold reception of the S2's physical form had to do with all the nice sleek compacts that were nearby Those things are *tiny*! I actually went back to the store the next day to check it out a second time. Seeing images of the cameras online does little to nothing for the actual experience of seeing them in person.

I would also like to handle the panasonic before buying. I just don't know if that's going to happen. I guess right now at the moment, my biggest concern is the softer images that the panasonic seems to produce.

On a side note, I found an awesome gallery on pbase.com where someone used a G6....VERY impressive pictures! logically, I'd think that since the G6 is an older canon model, that the S2 would be quite capable of the same excellent results.