Panasonic FZ20 vs Canon S2 IS

[hotelseven]

Hi there. I am looking to updage my current camera (Nikon 5400) and am debating on either of the above two camera's. I am hoping someone can help point me in the right direction for my needs. Any feedback about either camera would be greatly appreciated...

Here's what I am looking for:
1. Budget: doesnt really matter. Anything under 1500.00
2. Size: again doesnt really matter.
3. Features: 5+ mp, at least 10X optical zoom (preferably 12X), very good image quality and full manual controls
4. Genreal Use: outdoor landscape, wildlife, general photos of the family, etc. I would like the ability to get a bit "creative" and "artistic" with my shots.
5. Misc: I am looking at taking some digital photography classes, and want a camera that will allow me to take some professional looking photo's, and one that I won't grow out of too quickly.

My Camping Photo's:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~park.pictures.4/

[PhilR.]

Since you want "full manual controls" -- both feature manual exposure controls, but only the FZ20 features manual focus control via turning the lens barrel. To manually focus the S2, you have to use the controller on the back of the camera.

Read the conclusion in the S2 review. It will most likely point the way for you...

PhilR.

[jessie25]

Since you mentioned taking camping photos, you might prefer the Canon S2 IS, which uses AA-sized batteries, meaning that on a week-long camping trip away from electricity, you can throw in some AAs in a pinch if your batteries die. The FZ20 uses a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Normally this isn't much of an issue but if you do a lot of camping trips, it might be for you.

Just sayin'...

Aside from that, there have been quite a few threads here lately about the S2 versus the FZ20 (and also comparing them to the new Sony H1). From what I gather, they're all great cameras and the differences are matters of opinion.