can you break the tie for me?

[kristilew]

So I've been looking at compact P&S cameras, something I can carry in my purse and take my own quick but good pics while DH is setting up elaborate shots with our "real" camera. Not interested in getting into the upper-end of the price range here, and it seems like I should be able to get something that works fine in the area of $180 - $225.

I think I've narrowed it down to either the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 or the Sony CyberShot W330.

Both are 14.1 MP and 4x optical zoom. Both seem to have a bunch of good basic features, in line with what I want. Reviews seem to imply decent battery life for both cameras - as in I should be able to use it all day on vacation, then charge overnight without having to carry an extra battery.

The thing I've run into is on many reviews for each camera, on mulitple sites, the reviewer states that one of these particular models has soooooooooo much better imjage quality than the other. One guy will say he bought the Lumix b/c his Sony was junk. Another will say he bought the Sony to replace the Lumix and is so much happier. Some say they bought both, and one or the other turned out to be hands down better. I'm in a quandry.

I gather b/c I'm finding reference to the same models in many reviews that I have at least found basically comprable cameras. Do any Disers have an opinion that can help me break the tie?

[KAT4DISNEY]

Have you personally looked at each of the camera's? If reviews are so even then maybe just what feels best in your hand is the way to break the tie.

[NateNLogansDad]

Have you personally looked at each of the camera's? If reviews are so even then maybe just what feels best in your hand is the way to break the tie.

My thoughts exactly. My wife's mother has a lumix and wasn't too sure of it at first (she doesn't want to read the manual) but after I showed her a few things, she' really enjoying it. They just came back from a cruise and she had nothing but good things to say. Definitely go try both out and see how they feel. Best Buy usually has them on display and you can turn them on and take a picture or two. Good luck with either one you go with!

[Mosca]

I don't know a thing about either camera, but I won't by Sony equipment on principle (rootkits, proprietary memory, etc). The products are great, it's the company I don't like.

[ChiSoxKeith]

I have to agree with previous posters. Go to the store and hold the two cameras in your hand. If everything else is equal (in your mind) then which camera feels better in your hands. Which one's menus are easier to navigte, etc.

[NateNLogansDad]

I don't know a thing about either camera, but I won't by Sony equipment on principle (rootkits, proprietary memory, etc). The products are great, it's the company I don't like.

I feel the same way, but I thought it was just me! Plus I know it's stupid but I want to be able to use my cards on other things and vise verse.

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't know a thing about either camera, but I won't by Sony equipment on principle (rootkits, proprietary memory, etc). The products are great, it's the company I don't like.

I feel the same way, but I thought it was just me! Plus I know it's stupid but I want to be able to use my cards on other things and vise verse.

Actually most (maybe all) of the new Sony P&S's now also use SD/SDHC memory and that includes the model the OP is looking at. And the DSLR's never did use the memory stick pro other than the high end models that had it available as a second storage slot.

[NateNLogansDad]

Tells you how long it's been since I've had a Sony product. Thanks for the info:thumbsup2

[KAT4DISNEY]

Tells you how long it's been since I've had a Sony product. Thanks for the info:thumbsup2

I should add that they do still take the Memory Stick cards as well so people who have those can still use them but now there's the option for the SD cards. Both work without requiring an adaptor. The announcement was that they will have that set up going forward in their P&S's and Handy-Cam video cameras.

When I bought my first Sony DSLR the sales person tried to sell me a Memory Stick card to use in it. It took a Compact Flash for it's main slot. I guess they were 1/2 correct since it also had the second slot - not that they were aware of that. :rolleyes:

[kristilew]

Thank you for your replies. Trotting off to the store today to hold each camera. Just wanted to see if there was an overwhelming lean one way or the other on this board.

[Poohbear5]

I have a lumix for my backup camera and love it. My son has a smaller pocket size camera but keep borrowing the lumix because it's much sharper..