Choosing a Superzoom camera

[Rio Rebel]

I've got an idea of what I'm looking for, and trying to finalize.

Preferences:
Good photos on auto mode, particularly inside shots
Higher zoom, the better
Fast time between shots, with or without flash
SD memory
AA batteries

From what I have read, everyone puts the Canon S5 at the top, with the Panasonics close behind. I am willing to pay $350 for the right camera, but I am a little hesitant to jump on the Canon for these minor concerns (from reviews I've read):

No RAW mode
Slower time b/w shots with flash on
Price/value

That being said, I like the fact that you can zoom during a video, the repositional viewfinder, and the hot shoe (though I don't know if I'd ever use it). There's also the fact that Canon makes photo printers, so the compatibility would be strong if I chose to buy one.

The Panasonics are high on my list, too. For the same price as the Canon S5, I could go up to 18x zoom...or I could get the FZ8 and save almost $100 for the same basic features. Both of the Pannys have the proprietary rechargeable battery, which is my biggest hesitation. From reports I've read, both Pannys seem to be quicker between shots with the flash on. Both of these have RAW mode. (Even though I'm writing less about them, these are high on my list if I don't get the Canon.)

The last choice is the Fuji S700. It's by far the cheapest, and has a 10x zoom. But it's a very good deal, if it gave me everything I wanted. I've seen concerns that inside shots are not as good with this camera, and that it may take more tweaking to get good shots (an amateur like me might not get great shots in auto mode).

Any experiences out there to help me decide? Thanks

 

[Rio Rebel]

The Canon S5 is about $335, the Panny FZ18 is about the same, and the Panny FZ8 is $229. I think the Fuji is around $180.

 

[The Stigenator]

I have the canon S3IS and frankly I will take it over the others. I have used mine for lots of concert photography and frankly people ask if i took it with a DSLR.. Needless to say the S3/S5 should be your choice. The flash is more powerful than my 40D's flash (in terms of brightness) and the flash recharge times with a fresh battery isnt bad..<2 seconds. However as it discharges it will increase to painful times. Thats because the flash is so powerful (atleast on my S3IS)

 

[Rio Rebel]

I bought the Canon S5 tonight. After seeing them side by side, it was a clear decision. By the way, I couldn't see any difference with the 18x zoom on the Panasonic over the 12x on the Canon. I don't know what was going on, but when I looked at several objects in the distance with both cameras, I couldn't see the 18x zoom getting me any closer.

 

[Rio Rebel]

The S5 came today. So far, I am really, really impressed. I haven't gotten off of the "auto" setting yet, and I'm taking the best shots I've ever taken. This thing is awesome.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The S5 came today. So far, I am really, really impressed. I haven't gotten off of the "auto" setting yet, and I'm taking the best shots I've ever taken. This thing is awesome.

We look forward to you 'pwning' us in the next monthly contest :beer:

 

[Rio Rebel]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The S5 came today. So far, I am really, really impressed. I haven't gotten off of the "auto" setting yet, and I'm taking the best shots I've ever taken. This thing is awesome.

We look forward to you 'pwning' us in the next monthly contest :beer:

I doubt that. I am as green as I can be with photography. This is my 4th or 5th digital camera, but I never really tried to learn to take good shots before.

By the way, there is the coolest feature on the S5 that I hadn't seen mentioned before. The aspect of the pictures is like the iPhone - when you turn the camera vertical, the picture turns with it. Really cool.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
I bought the Canon S5 tonight. After seeing them side by side, it was a clear decision. By the way, I couldn't see any difference with the 18x zoom on the Panasonic over the 12x on the Canon. I don't know what was going on, but when I looked at several objects in the distance with both cameras, I couldn't see the 18x zoom getting me any closer.

that's because zoom is not a ratio of how much closer things appear than with your naked eye. zoom is a ratio of how long the telephoto end of the lens is compared to the widest end of the lens is. what you've discovered is that the difference between 432 (canon) and 504 (panasonic) isn't that great. 504 mm equivalent translates to a 4 degrees, 55 minutes viewing angle. 432 translates into 5 degrees, 44 minutes angle. not much.

no, the difference is in the wide angle. the panasonic is a proper 28 mm wide angle, and the canon is 36 mm (or only marginally wider than a 'normal' lens). the canon shows 62 degrees and one minute, whereas the panasonic shows 75 degrees and 32 minutes. big difference.

see the difference yourself

 

[texasaggie2010]

I too have been looking for a ultrazoom camera and i keep hearing reccomendations for s5. recently i came upon this fuji finepix s8000fd for the finepix for 289.99 after mir from dell

will there a be a difference b/w the 18x fuji and 12x canon?
Also if there are any other new gen ultrazoom cameras coming out i can wait several months. I will prolly be using the auto functions and maybe fiddle with the manual if i get into photography more.

 

[ElFenix]

the s8000 has a proper wide angle (noticeable) and a slightly longer telephoto (not really noticeable). as for the rest i don't really know.


there is a big photo trade show at the end of january/beginning of february, so there is probably some stuff that will be announced then. but it'll probably be more of the same barely notable upgrade crap that the camera industry had decided we need every 6 months.

 

[LASTGUY2GETPS2]

Rio Rebel I'm in the same boat as you. I didn't see your thread before I posted mine. Personally I'm leaning towards the Canon myself. Have you checked out Steve's Digicams and dpreview.com ? Both sites have great reviews.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Yes, I read the reviews there and the individual comments on Amazon and Newegg. What convinced me was seeing the cameras side by side. Also, being able to use the zoom in movie clips makes a big difference for me. This movie capability on the Canon is so good, I may never use my camcorder again.

I got my S5 in about a week ago, and I am pretty sure I made the right choice.