Canon PowerShot SX20 IS

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!

Here are a few sample photos from Flickr:

from RESchroeder on Flickr

from Invisible Hour on Flickr

from RESchroeder on Flickr

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

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.

Just though you would like to know :=)

In fact, Panasonic makes some great Digital Compact cameras.

Their newest King of the Compact Hill may be the Lumix DMC-ZS3. It is the replacement (after only one year) of the TZ5. Now, the TZ5 is still a great camera, and one that I endorse as a terrific “pocket/all purpose” camera.
But the newest siblings are making a run for the top.

Upgrades from the TZ5?

Glad you asked.

First, the new ZS3 has more “zoom” at 12x. It is wider on the short side, and longer on the long side. Image quality is still first in its class (according to DPReview.com). Also, the video mode has been improved to include AVCHD along with the original Quicktime capture technology. The new technology takes less storage space and renders the movies in a cleaner, smoother playback mode.

But wait, this is supposed to be about the ZS3 vs ZS1.

There is a big difference in the price tag. ZS1 is over 100 smackers less than its snooty cousin. (Can I thow in here that the TZ5 is less than either of the new cameras?)

The ZS1 has the same image quality, zoom (12x), and image sensor.
Video mode on the ZS1 is quite different.. the capture is standard definition video up to 848×480 pixels with mono sound, and does NOT include AVCHD.
The LCD on the ZS1 is only 2.7″ vs 3.0 on the ZS3, and LCD image quality is lower at 230,000 pixels vs 460,000 pixels.

Well, which is the best buy? Many folks are going for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, but those who have purchased the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 have not been disappointed. The users ratings on Amazon and DPReview.com are as high as the TZ5 ratings.
Read more at www.digital-photographic-resources.com.
All 3 cameras are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!