Panasonic Lumix TZ5 or Canon Powershot SX110IS?

[MrsJackSparrow]

Which would you choose?

I currently use a Kodak EasyShare Z650, so I figure either the Panosonic or Canon will be an upgrade.

I need the image stabilization, I love the 10x zoom, and I'm looking for something with a slimmer profile to fit better in a purse.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[annnewjerz]

I don't really have any great input about which one is better or which you should get (although my experiences with Canon and my digital elph have always been great).

I did want to point out, however, that there is no viewfinder on either of these cameras and wanted to make sure you were aware of that. I purchased an Olympus 1030SW point and shoot earlier this year and admittedly didn't do all that much research other than figuring out it was capable of taking underwater.

When I received it, I realized it had no viewfinder which presented problems while on vacation with not being able to review the pictures if we were outside and it was sunny because of the glare on the LCD screen. It took some getting used to and some creative positioning to view the photos and I wouldn't say this should be a deciding factor for you, but it is something to think about.

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Thanks! I do have a viewfinder on the Kodak and have never used it, so I guess that's not a key feature for me. I like using the LCD and rarely edit photos outdoors. Even on our last WDW trip in September, I did not experience tremendous difficulty with glare from the sun.

I did read that there is an anti-glare film available for the Panasonic which just sticks to the back - wonder how that would work out in the sunlight!

 

[annnewjerz]

Thanks! I do have a viewfinder on the Kodak and have never used it, so I guess that's not a key feature for me. I like using the LCD and rarely edit photos outdoors. Even on our last WDW trip in September, I did not experience tremendous difficulty with glare from the sun.

I did read that there is an anti-glare film available for the Panasonic which just sticks to the back - wonder how that would work out in the sunlight!

If you find you don't use the viewfinder, then great! One less issue to sort out. Like I said, I have always loved my Canon Digital Elph and know that they are typically a very reliable brand. However I have seen some pictures taken with the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 on some of the other boards and they were great shots, nice and clear, nice color and seemed very capable of working in a lot of different shooting situations well. Before I decided to bite the bullet and purchase a dSLR, this was the camera I was looking to get if I couldn't find a good deal on a Canon.

Good luck!

 

[LoraJ]

I just got the TZ5 and have been pretty happy with it. My previous camera was an Olympus 800.

My only issue is with the zoom. it's fine on things far away, but when I try and zoom in on something closer, it won't focus. Not sure if it would be the same with the Canon.

 

[Pamlur]

Sorry, I typed before I looked up the camera model.

 

[KLEONARD]

I have been using the TZ5 for a few months. I take more snapshots now than I ever did before. I am not a photographer, I use the iA mode all the time.
Here is an example of the sort of quality I usually get when I am patient and let the camera do the work.
I was walking in the Indiana Dunes and found a tree that looked like it was having a bad day.

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

That's such a cool photo.

I am leaning heavily towards the TZ5 as the Canon, from what I've read, does not feature a "Sport" mode - not really going to work out for kids' games!

Thanks to all who've replied!

 

[DesertBell]

Not really going to add much, but the talk about viewfinders reminded me of the time I was using dh's p&s about a month after getting my Rebel. I put that sucker right up against my eye because I forgot that it didn't have a viewfinder. Nearly blinded myself AND looked like a complete loon.

 

[LoraJ]

Here are a couple I took with the TZ5. Please note that the camera is new and I am still trying to figure out the settings. I think they would have come out better if I had used a tripod:

 

[imsoscared]

here goes another tz5 user.
a mid day shot but still not bad

i had only just got the camera a few days prior to my trip and for day shots it was great. as for night shots, i do not have a real steady hand which makes night shots harder without atripod. only came out with a few useable night shots as i was just getting use to the various modes.

im not much a photographer but for some other samples, these were all done on the tz5 at the begining of october
http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo281/sportydude600/

got a few blurry ones on that set but i ran thru my 2nd battery fast on 2 of the nights n i was taking a bit of shots a little too fast before it died. had a 2nd generic battery but didnt hold up compared to the oem.
as for battery life. if you dont constantly go thru and delete pictures duriing the day it holds up really well. most other reviews of the camera list around 300 shots on a charge. but i got alot less since i was constantly going back n forth deleting things.

 

[MaxsDad]

This is crazy, I am looking at getting a new camera before my Jan. trip to the world and I was deciding between these two cameras as well. I googled them to see if there were any comparisions then I thought I would come to the DIS photo board. I thought I would have to do a search but sure enough here was this post on the first page.

I wanted one with an increased zoom and at first I was leaning towards a cannon simply because of their reputation but after looking a little more I think the size of the Panasonic and sport mode are pushing me in that direction. I really need a camera that I don't' have to worry about the settings, both for myself and for when DW takes pictures.

I checked out your photobucket imsoscared and they looked pretty good, with my current old camera all my nightime shots come out blurry and terrible.

 

[sluggozmom]

I went with the TZ5 for the wide angle and zoom.. and the fairly decent reviews. I am waiting for it to be delivered.

Bought it on ebay...$199, linked through a search on live.com.
After 60 days I get 25% cash back in my paypal account.

I just don't want to lug my d50 and the 3 lens to WDW in MAY.

I need a little camera for when the dslr is too much to take along.
I am hoping this will fit the bill... and for $150 I figured I couldn't go wrong!

Happy hunting!

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Okay, I've completely jumped ship from the TZ5. Last night I ordered the Olympus Stylus 1010!

After trying out all three, seems I was able to capture the best shots with the Stylus. I should have it by Monday and will let you all know how it is! Thanks for all the great suggestions!

 

[mtblujeans]

....got a few blurry ones on that set but i ran thru my 2nd battery fast on 2 of the nights n i was taking a bit of shots a little too fast before it died. had a 2nd generic battery but didnt hold up compared to the oem. as for battery life. if you dont constantly go thru and delete pictures during the day it holds up really well. most other reviews of the camera list around 300 shots on a charge. but i got alot less since i was constantly going back n forth deleting things.

Additional batteries for my TZ5 are on my agenda and I am searching the boards for information. I have never had a camera this sophisticated and I am confused by the generic replacements.

I found this set of two but my OEM battery is 1000mAh and these are 1400mAh...does that make a difference?

I found this set of two but, again, they are 1100mAh....will it matter?

TIA!