The versatility of the Canon PowerShot SX20 IS make it an excellent choice as a vacation or travel camera.
The requirements for a good travel/vacation camera include great Image Quality, the ability to take Landscapes and Cityscapes with wide angle lens, yet also able to zoom in on a distant scene. Another essential feature is being able to capture images in low light and bright light ranges. Add to that the capability of taking HD video with stereo sound, and you have one dynamite tool for travel!
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!
Just got back from the local Barnes & Noble bookstore.
We love to go over there and have a Starbucks while browsing the magazines and books.
Well, I happened to pick up the newest copy of Consumer Reports and, guess what?
Their top pick for compact digital cameras was the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS!
Of course, that was not a shock to me. Rather, it was verification of what I have already reported in a couple of articles I have recently written, as well as on my website.
Users are pretty darn consistent in knowing what they like and what is quality. The buyers who have returned to their online store to leave feedback have let us know that they really like the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS.. to the tune of an average rating of 4.++ out of 5 at Amazon.com.
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?)
Just got back from the local Barnes & Noble bookstore.