Opinions, anyone???

[familyfirsttimer]

Thanks to all of your previous help , I have been researching some cameras and i think I have narrowed it down to 2 final choices. I welcome opinions of which one you think is a better choice and why.
Canon A610 or Panasonic Lumix LZ3.
They are both around $215-$219 on buydig and Circuit City offers the same camers at a slightly higer price. Isn't it better to buy it from a place the has a B&M store, just in case???
I welcome any thoughts and thank you for sharing

 

[ndelaware]

I have never had any problem with buying from an online store. But if you feel more comfortable with a nearby store that's where you should spend your money. Besides if there were a problem with your camera you can get right back in your car and take it back. With an online store it will take a couple of days to exchange something. The only advantage online stores have is price, so if it's not a big enough difference for you, buy local.

 

[Jeanne B]

I'm not familiar with the Panasonic but I just received my A610 this weekend that I ordered from buydig and so far it seems like a great camera for the price - the swivel LCD is a real nice feature (not sure if Panasonic has that). I did a lot of research prior to buying the A610 and it gets very good reviews. Go to dpreview.com for comparisons, reviews, etc. for both of the cameras you're considering.

 

[Anewman]

I am a EXTREME Canon user since the mid 1980s, but I really do prefer the Lumix in this case. It just operates more like the cameras I grew up operating.

I would not pay $50 more to Circuit City, but if you are talking about $24 I agree order it and pick in within $24 minutes or they give you gift card if the item is not ready.
I have ordered from Buydig plenty of times and they always deliver as promised. The Only common negative feedback issue with buydig is their not so smooth return procdures and policies. And they have a RESTOCKING fee if you decide not to keep the item.

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Just got the Canon 610 - love it -

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Just got the Canon 610 - love it -

Do you have any problem with image stabilization? That is the the main reason I was considering the Panasonic. Thanks for the info. BTW, do you like the swivel screen, isn't is a paid hvaing to open that every time to take a pic? I really appreciate your opinions.

 

[Laura]

Hi, I don't know if it's too late to comment, but I have the A620 (same camera, a couple more megapixels) and I love it. We've had it for a month. The picture quality is awesome. It's a great point-and-shoot camera, with lots of fun stuff to play with.

As for image stabilization, I get camera shake in low-light situations when I'm not using flash. Otherwise, it's not a problem for me. You don't have to open the LCD screen every time you take a picture; it twists up and down as well as flips in and out. You can leave it closed or open. Here's a link to Newegg to show you pictures of the positions:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120180

 

[Kelly Grannell]

IIRC, Canon has more natural looking colours, but the Lumix has Optical Image Stabilization. The PQ difference is not too great so I would prefer Lumix IF I don't have a steady hand.

Or how about Canon S2-IS? Way overpriced? (I haven't checked pricing for a while).

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Thank you all so much for your opinions...I made the decision yesterday and bought the Lumix LZ3. I went with the Panasonic based on the Image Stabilization. The price was about the same. I played with it last night and it seems really great so far.
FYI, I bought it at Circuit City because they had a lot of online only specials. The camera on buydis was @219 and it was @206 at Circuit City with free shipping or instore pickup in 24 minutes. I figured if I changed my mind or didn't like it after a week or 2, it wouldbe easiest to return it to a B&M.

Just check prices always before you decide.
Thanks again for all the opinions!!!