Cameras-n- Stuff

Panasonic created a winner in the point and shoot “zoom” category with the Lumix DMC-TZ5. Just about one year later, they have given us the Lumix DMC-ZS1 and the DMC-ZS3. (In the European market they are known as the TZ6 and TZ7 respectively. Am I alone in thinking that continuing the “TZ” brand would make more logical sense? And why is there no ZS2?)

This article will compare the Lumix ZS1 and ZS3.

Beginning with the basic specifications that are identical in both cameras:

* 10.1 Megapixels
* 12x Zoom Range (25-300mm)
* Optical Image Stabilization
* 80-6400 ISO Range
* 27 Scene Modes with Intelligent Auto
* Image Quality rated highest among Digital Compacts with similar features (DPReview.com)

The features that are different (ZS1 vs ZS3):

* LCD – 2.7″ (230k resolution) vs 3.0″ (460k)
* Image Sensor – 1/2.5″ vs 1/2.33″
* Video – 848×480 30fps video w/mono sound vs 720p 60fps video w/stereo sound

These 3 features add just over $100 to the price tag for the ZS3. Yet, in spite of the extra $$$, the Lumix ZS3 is outselling its ZS1 cousin by a large margin. Why??

The reason is that most digital compact camera users are now quite comfortable with using their “point and shoot” camera for their basic video needs. And the difference in this feature is significant when you consider many folks are now viewing on big screen HD televisions.

The other big difference is the LCD screen. While 0.3″ does not seem that big of a deal, when added to double the pixel resolution (230,000 vs 460,000), the view quality of the live view and playback is significant.

With respect to image quality and printing images, in a comparison test against other super zoom cameras, the ZS1 and ZS3 were dual winners at DPReview.com.

The final word comes from those who have actually purchased the camera for personal use. After all, the consumer has the last word in satisfaction.

Checking the user reviews at DPReview.com and Amazon.com, both cameras rated highly – at least 4.16 out of 5. In fact, at Amazon, the Lumix ZS1 rated at an impressive 4.67 (out of 5).

As you make your digital camera buying decision, keep the Panasonic Lumix ZS1 and ZS3 in mind. And do not forget about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, which has the same features as the more expensive ZS3 with respect to video and image quality (there have been some upgrades to the way video is recorded in the ZS3 that take up less storage space and give the user an option as to the recording mode, but the TZ5 video is comparable to its newer sibling). Picking up the TZ5 would produce a savings of more than $150.

Here is a sample of the video produced by the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3… Very Impressive for a Digital Compact!

Much more about highly rated cameras and photo related information is available at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku

What is a Prosumer camera?, you might ask.
Prosumer is the highest you can go without actually getting into the DSLR cameras.
You can expect to pay more for a prosumer digital camera than you would for a mid-range compact camera. But you get so much more. Prosumer cameras are for photographers who want to take more control of their shots, rather than letting the camera select the settings.
So, with that said, the Highest Rated Prosumer Compact Camera is… drum roll please… (and, yes, I know this is a blog titled Canon…, but, hey, I calls ‘em like I sees ‘em)

Panasonic DMC-LX3

Here’s the formula for determining the highest rating:

• Check DPReview.com Camera Ratings (this could take a while – there are lots)
• Check Imaging-Resource.com Camera Reviews
• Narrow choice down to Canon G10, Nikon P90, Panasonic Lumix LX3 (trust me, I want the Canon to win)
• Check User Ratings at DPReview, Amazon, B&H Photo
• Enter all these numbers into my computer brain for analysis.

Voila, my brain spits out the winner!
(The Canon G10 came in a close second)
I spent lots of time compiling these results, not just for Prosumer Compacts, but for other categories, as well. I posted them on a Squidoo lens and on my website: www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Which is the absolute best digital camera on the market?

That’s kind of like asking which is the best vehicle on the road, isn’t it? What do you want the vehicle to do?

Same question for a compact digital camera… what do you want it to do?

“Take pictures, of course,” you respond.

I know that, but there are too many people with different requirements to nail down one camera as the best for everyone.

So, I began thinking about the reasons for folks buy a digital camera. Then I sought out the best possible digital camera a person with those requirements could purchase.

My method of research was to find the cameras that are recommended by the most respected digital camera reviewers on the Internet. I looked at sites like www.dpreview.com, www.steves-digicams.com, and www.imaging-resource.com.

Then, armed with that information, I went to the places that sell the cameras and looked at the user reviews on those sites. Users are usually very honest about whether they think they get value for their money. Sometimes is a review mixed in where the buyer either did not get a good camera (it happens), or the buyer’s expectations for the camera were not realistic, but for the most part, the users’ reviews are quite helpful. These reviews can be found at Amazon.com, dpreview, and B&H photo.

These sources were pretty consistent with each camera I reviewed.

OK, so here are the results (drum roll, please):

• Best Budget Compact Digital Camera: Panasonic DMC LZ8
• Best Mid-Range Camera: Canon SX110 IS and Panasonic DMC FZ5
• Best Pocket Compact Camera: Canon SD 790 IS and Panasonic DMC FX37
• Best Over-All Digital Camera: Panasonic DMC TX3

Take a closer look at the stats on these cameras before making your choice. This is a big purchase, so you can also see much more information about each of these cameras HERE.
Happy imaging!