Miscellaneous Forum

Canon Powershot SX200

or

Panasonic DMC TZ5 ?

Any advice, views or experience with either would be very welcome.

Thanks.

Did you look at the review places?

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/

http://www.dpreview.com/

You have to wade thru the reviews like in Trip Advisor and determine the honest reviews from the slanted, but at least it's a starting point.

I've had a Nikon Coolpix for a long time and bought a comparable Canon Powershot (I think it was A280?) but returned the Canon, did not like the phtos -but this was a different model. My son loves his Canons (he does quite a bit of sports photography with the boys) but I don't know recall which Powershot model he had.

M.

Fuji!
;-)

What are the available colours :D

And which one is lighter?

Hope you are happy with your choice!

The Panasonic Lumix cameras are wonderful - you really cannot beat the Leica lens. There have been many discussions here about cameras and the Panasonics always get wonderful comments. I am on my second and I already have my third Panasonic lined up.

Check this thread (http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-474997-1-1-Miscellaneous-0-0-World-discussion.html) and then make sure you look at Melosh's (VT Member)photos. He has a couple posts so be sure to look at all of them. His pictures were taken with a Panasonic FZ28 which is going to be my next camera unless they come up with a newer model.

I'm another happy Panasonic Lumix owner and, when my daughter asked, suggested she buy the TZ3 which she loves. The TZ5 has now been replaced by the TZ7 and you'll find a review on it here: http://www.photoreview.com.au/Panasonic/reviews/slimline/panasonic-lumix-dmctz7.aspx . I learned from this review that the TZ stands for "Travel Zoom".

I was doubting what of these to buy as well.... and the Canon Powershot SX200 won. And I'm very happy with! My main reason: it is the only compact that allows you total manual control, if you want to. And I want to many times. I like more the Canon menus than the Panasonic, but this may be a question of tastes/getting used to

It's the camera I used in Portugal. I've to say some people I trust regarding photography are impressed with the results

ops yes it was the TZ7 the one I considered. I was really tempted by the Leica lenses. But still, no manual control

I was comparing photos taken with both cameras in a online comparative site (sorry can't remember which one) and I could not really notice the difference. One is better in certain conditions, the other in others, but overall I'd say they are equivalent

I think one thing to consider is if you already have a Canon. The learning curve is so much better if you get another Canon, as the software and menus are the same.

I would go for the Canon myself, and I'm looking at the G10 for a new compact point and shoot; but the SX200 looks good too.

Have now read endless reviews of both cameras and they seem pretty much the same.

From what I'm reading though , the Panasonic batteries seem to need changing much more often and most owners find it necessary to have a spare , which can cost an additional 50 Euro.


Helen, the G9 is a very heavy camera so there would be little difference between it and your DSLR. But I think you're right about sticking with what you're familiar with.

Isa, I thought it was you I saw on Santi's page with an SX200 raised in the air and yes I agree your photos are of very good quality.

Did you do the dancing video as well ?

One criticism I've been reading of it is that you can't use the zoom button.
while videoing.

And George, you told me long ago that this is the type of camera that would best meet my needs and you were right. Still glad to have the DSLR but it's just too heavy to bring everywhere with me.

As always, I'm leaning towards the Canon yet again.

I looked at the G10 too. It's great but it's too big (for me) for a compact.

I like a camera that fits in my pocket, for when I'm not taking the SRL. The SX200 is already a bit too big (but the smaller ones do not have all features I want)

the video capabilities are so-so, but I did not expect much of the video on these cameras. You can use the zoom wile videoing (I did). The 'dancing video' was made with the SX200 :)

Chaterine chek this independant website about evrything sold in UK or nothen Ireland. I use this site when I shop for most things.
www.which.co.uk
You can type your preferance & they will hive you raiting based on consumers also they have the best buy for the category you are looking into & 10 best raitings.
Worth look, just for comperason.
Which website, has very good reputation in Uk also is rating very highly on Ofsted consumer reports. Give them a whirl.

Thanks for that Valentina.

I've just been given some really good advice on Facebook, which is to go into the shop, handle both cameras, bring a memory card and take a few photos with each.

Or perhaps trying a quick video would be a good idea as well.

You've likely see this web site...but just in case...

http://www.dpreview.com/

I agree with Madamx...Ive been using the Cannon G9 for about a year and a half and I quite like it...in my case...I don't mind the size of it...the 3 inch LED screen is also a huge factor in actually seeing what I am shooting...for a "point and shoot" I think its a great camera!

I love the fact that it can shoot in RAW format as well as Jpeg and it does have manual capabilities...

Whatever you choose....have fun with it and HAPPY TRAILS!!

The suggestion through Facebook that you decide after giving them a 'test drive' sounds like excellent advice to me, Katherine. When you do it, try taking a photo of some dark corner without flash, then enlarge and check for 'noise' - it can be an issue with some cameras. Happy shopping, keep us posted on the outcome.

Made my decision and having considered all the pros and cons I bought the Canon Powershot SX 200 on Saturday.

Still just in the experimental stages with it but so far it seems superb.

The colour and resolution are both so much sharper than I've been used to, there are loads of auto settings but it can be used manually as well with full control over aperture and light speed.

This is exactly what I wanted in a camera that I can slip in my pocket or bag.

Two small complaints : the flash popping up and down at the top makes positioning your fingers a little awkward and in my one video attempt, I couldn't zoom in or out. Hoping there's some way around the latter as that's pretty disappointing.

Helen, the advice on sticking with the brand you are familiar with was spot on. Even though there's lots new that I must figure out, most of the menu is familiar to me from my other cameras.

Thanks everyone for the advice and feedback. It was very helpful in making me realise exactly what I wanted.

Sounds great, Katherine. They just go on becoming more remarkable with each new model, so I'm sure you'll have a ball with it. Now, of course, you'll have everyone hanging out waiting for your photos to start appearing ... that seems the perfect excuse for more trips. :)

congrats Katherine, sure you'll enjoy the camera as I do!!

my only complaint so far is this annoying flash popping up even when you don't want to use it, but nothing is 100% perfect

Congratulations on your purchase!

This post motivated me to get another camera too! I have been wanting to have a backup to my camera as it is an older smaller Cannon Coolpix. I used to use manual controls, but after many years for the time being I prefer auto settings (except the ability to stop the flash) - so I used some of these and past camera reviews and purchased a Panasonic LS85. I stick with the least expensive as I always think if it gets stolen I won't be extremely upset other than the photos, which I split into several flash cards.

It should arrive by the end of the week. If I don't like it I can always return it.

I know exactly what you mean Martha, the more you pay the more you need to care for them

Last night we went out for the evening and I brought the camera with me.

When anybody touched it I just wanted them to put it down again and on the restaurant table, I was so nervous of someone spilling a drink near it that I put it back in my bag - after I'd photographed the food of course :))

But yes, for VTrs, it seems there's no greater pleasure than the next trip or the newest camera.

I am having great fun with it and when you think of al the hours of pleasure a camera gives, they are a very sound investment.

Yes, you are correct Katherine. I look forward to getting home and downloading all the photos, regardless of how many I did take.

One of these days I will buy a very nice camera - when I am able to take more time to travel and relearn the manual controls. I had to work *very* hard and take numerous shots with the little Canon to capture the sunrise in Ushuaia, which would have been much easier with manual controls.