Please help me decide which camera to use/take w. me for WDW Xmas?

[TigerLaw]

Hopeing that you experts out there will help me out - I have the following cameras:

1. panasonic FZ35
2. panasonic DMC-ZS15

I am coming down to WDW for xmas and this will be my family's last trip for awhile.

I can't decide which camera to use at night for xmas parade, candlelight, osborne, etc. I know neither are DSLR quality, but can some of you tell just by the specs which one would be better at night?

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR THE HELP!


here's the zs15 specs:

Manufacturer Panasonic
Model name Lumix DMC-ZS15
Date announced 2012-01-31
MSRP $279
Street price $249 See all prices
Official site Lumix DMC-ZS15 Homepage

Camera type Compact
Sensor size (type) 1/2.3" (MOS)
Max still resolution 4000 x 3000 (12 Megapixel)

Zoom capability 16X optical + 4X digital
Focal length
(35mm equivalent) 24mm - 384mm
Max aperture F3.3 - F5.9
Lens mount
(D-SLR/ILC only) N/A
Crop factor
(D-SLR/ILC only) N/A
Autofocus Yes
AF-assist lamp Yes
Image stabilization
(Optical only) Yes
Macro (min distance) Yes (3 cm)

Built-in flash Yes
--------------------------------------
and for the FZ35

Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, Other),
Continuous-mode frames/second: 2.3
Movie Resolution: 1280x720, 848x480, 640x480, 320x240
Movie Frame Rate: 60/30, 30, 30, 30
Movie Audio: Yes
CCD Sensor (Megapixels): 12.70
CCD Size (inches): 1/2.33"
Focal Length Multiplier: n/a
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
Sensor Type: CCD
Effective Megapixels: 12.10
Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 486 mm
Zoom Ratio: 18.00x
Digital Zoom: Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x
Auto Focus: Yes
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes
Manual Focus: Yes
Normal Focus Range: 30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range: 1 cm to Infinity
0.4 in to Infinity
Aperture Range: f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.4 (tele) - f/8

 

[havoc315]

Quick research indicates the ZS15 has better low light sensitivity, with ISO of 3200, compared to ISO of 1600 on the FZ35. The FX35 is giving you better aperture, but only a half stop. So it appears the ZS15 may perform better in low light.
You may want to simply try testing both of them at home in low light, and see whose performance you like more.

 

[hakepb]

I would also guess the Fz15 for possible better high ISO quality, plus it has a wider angle lens (24mm vs 27) that can't hurt in the close quarters of the "World"

I would compare pictures wih high ISO settings to see what looks best to you.

 

[TigerLaw]

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[photo_chick]

The Z35 based on the specs. You not only gain a little in the aperture department on the wide end, but you gain a more on the long end. F/5.6 compared to f/4.4... That will have a pretty decent impact on the amount of light let in throughout the focal range. But specs aren't everything. Getting the shots in low light with either of these cameras is probably going to mean getting off auto mode.

I'd go with whichever one you're most comfortable using. Night shots are only one part of the entire trip.

 

[MOmousefan]

I have had good luck with the FZ35, I took this on my last trip using a small tripod.....