Panasonic lovers -- TZ5, TZ4 or FZ-18??

[Luvmyfam3]

I am having an extremely difficult time deciding between these cameras! I chose Panasonic for the wide angle/zoom capabilities. Right now, I own a Casio Exilim EX-750 and have enjoyed the ability to carry it around in my purse a lot! But, I can't decide if I want another P&S to take it's place (hopefully it will take better pictures inside with a flash) or if I want to bump myself up to something more challenging like a FZ-18 and continue using the Casio as a "last minute" camera. The TZ5 and FZ-18 are essentially the same price and the only differences I can see are that the FZ-18 zooms to 18 and has manual focus... I would enjoy playing around with the capabilities of the FZ-18, but is it worth the extra bulk? Do you find that you use the FX-18 less since it's bigger?

Then, I'm thinking that if I go with the TZ5, is it really that much different than the TZ4? The enhancements seem minimal. (As you can see, I'm really confusing myself with this one. You wouldn't have wanted to see me last week when I was wading through ALL the cameras! )

Is there something I'm missing? We have a Disney trip coming up in July and a cruise in September that are motivating me to upgrade. I have been on several of the camera review boards, but they're so technical I feel a little intimidated to ask such trivial questions... Thanks for your input! Kim

 

[MinnieMouse73]

I don't know anything about the other two, but I have the FZ18 and really like it. I am just learning how to use the different controls and settings so do use it on full auto a lot of the time - it seemed a good way to be able to have auto when needed but when I've got more time, use the other settings. The zoom is great too