Night Shots: Canon PowerShot S2 IS vs Panasonic FZ20

diehard1194 · #1 12-08-2005, 10:47 AM

Well, i'd like to get some advices about these two cameras, considering that i would use them mainly for night shots or panoramas.
I noticed than both have the same aperture range, that is F2.7 - F3.5 / F8 for S2 is and F2.8 - F8.0 (FZ20), thought Min and Max shutter are quite different: 15s-1/3200 sec for S2 IS and 8s -1/2000 sec for FZ20. Furthermore, FZ20 has a manual focus ring and live histogram in electronic viewfinder which S2 IS haven't.

Many Thanks

swgod98 · #2 12-08-2005, 01:52 PM

The S2 has a panoramic feature that helps you stitch images together in camera during capture. Other than that, I'm sure either would work well for that use.

As far as night shots...No opinion on the matter other than the FZ20 LCD screen does not "gain up", so you may only see a black screen.

The benefit of the FZ20's aperture range comes in at the high end of the zoom...It remains at F2.8, whereas the S2 drops down to F3.5. That is a nice benefit to have!

The 1/3200 exposure limit of the S2 is only useable at F8, which limits its usefulness a bit.

Militaris · #3 12-08-2005, 07:51 PM

I have both the S2 and the FZ20 and quite often take photos at night. I personally prefer to use the S2, and always found myself reaching for it when I head out... (Although I do own the S2 and steal the FZ20 from my parents when I feel like it)

If you want I would go outside tonight and take a few night photos with different settings for comparison. Currently I only have a few S2 night photos on my computer.

edit: was raining so could not take photos.

diehard1194 · #4 12-09-2005, 09:45 AM

Thanks you all mates.
I don't know why i thought FZ20 could be better,but i must admit its constant aperture range of 2.8 impressed me much, whereas S2 drops to 3.5 in full range.
But on the other hand S2 has a better exposure limit, even though i didn't know it could be used at F8 only (that's a real pity!)
If you all tell me both cameras work well with night shots than i must assume there is no choice other than maybe LCD screen or other minor features...or maybe ISO?
Still don't know which one opt for.