How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20?

One thing it does not have is AF Assist for low light. I do not know
about other things.

Scott Speck wrote:

 >Hi Everyone,
 >
 >I found that a new Panasonic FZ5 camera is soon to be released (or perhaps
 >is available from some sources already). It has a 5 MP sensor, a 12X
 >optical zoom, and it looks similar to the FZ20 but is $100 cheaper and about
 >0.3 pounds lighter. Has anyone had experience with this camera, or can you
 >tell me if this is a more technically advanced/modernized FZ20?
 >
 >Thanks for any info,
 >Scott
 >
 >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

"Scott Speck" wrote:

 > I found that a new Panasonic FZ5 camera is soon to be released (or perhaps
 > is available from some sources already). It has a 5 MP sensor, a 12X
 > optical zoom, and it looks similar to the FZ20 but is $100 cheaper and about
 > 0.3 pounds lighter. Has anyone had experience with this camera, or can you
 > tell me if this is a more technically advanced/modernized FZ20?

The FZ5 competes directly with the Konica Minolta Z5. I just got the Z5
and it is exactly what I wanted.  I take a lot of nature pictures and
needed the anti-shake, zoom and macro features.  The reviews are correct
to use the sharp mode for sharp results.  The down side of the Z5 is its
inability to focus in the dark.  I don't take pictures in the dark so
that is no problem for me.

Here is my take:

Konica Minolta DiMage Z5
Pluses:
+ has CCD anti-shake which uses less power
+ best macro mode to 1 cm.
+ fastest zoom
+ fastest focus
+ fastest save
+ available for $421
+ widest wide angle
+ external flash support with hot shoe
+ supports S-video
+ uses 4 rechargeable NiMH AA cells
+ supports manual focus
+ has widest ISO range
Minuses:
- No focus assist lamp


Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5
Pluses:
+ at 290 gm is the lightest & smallest
+ focus assist lamp
Minuses:
- not available until April
- no external flash support
- uses Panasonic camcorder battery
- doesn't support S-video movies
- doesn't support manual focus

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ-20
Pluses:
+ supports manual focus
+ external flash support with hot shoe
Minuses:
- uses Panasonic camcorder battery
- doesn't support S-video movies
- is the biggest and heaviest

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 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

"measekite" wrote in message

 > One thing it does not have is AF Assist for low light. I do not know
 > about other things.

Pretty sure that is incorrect.

From <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz5-review/index.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz5-review/index.shtml</a>

"The nice features of the FZ3 remain, including full manual controls, a huge
12X stabilized lens, fast performance, and an AF-assist lamp. ".

You can see the af assist lamp in the photos.

Tony<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

Stephen,

you don't mention articulated (swivelling) viewfinder. Does none
of these cameras have it?

I would probably upgrade from my Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1-2 to
the FZ5 pretty soon, if it had a swivelling viewfinder. In
addition I don't like the reduced aperture at the long end of
the zoom.

Hans-Georg

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 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

Hans-Georg Michna wrote:

 > you don't mention articulated (swivelling) viewfinder. Does none
 > of these cameras have it?
 >
 > I would probably upgrade from my Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1-2 to
 > the FZ5 pretty soon, if it had a swivelling viewfinder. In
 > addition I don't like the reduced aperture at the long end of
 > the zoom.

These are not articulating cameras, neither are most other ultra-zoom
cameras, they are considered EVF SLR-like (electronic viewfinder single
lens reflex cameras). Obviously, since they don't have interchangeable
lenses, they are not true SLRs.

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 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

Stephen Henning wrote:
[]
 > These are not articulating cameras, neither are most other ultra-zoom
 > cameras, they are considered EVF SLR-like (electronic viewfinder
 > single lens reflex cameras). Obviously, since they don't have
 > interchangeable lenses, they are not true SLRs.

The image-stabilised Nikon Coolpix 8800 has a swivel LCD which answers
most people's needs for articulation. As non-SLRs, they offer neither the
benefits of an SLR, nor do they suffer the drawbacks. They're simply
different.

Cheers,
David<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20? 

"David J Taylor" wrote:

 > Stephen Henning wrote:
  > > These are not articulating cameras, neither are most other ultra-zoom
  > > cameras, they are considered EVF SLR-like (electronic viewfinder
  > > single lens reflex cameras). Obviously, since they don't have
  > > interchangeable lenses, they are not true SLRs.
 >
 > The image-stabilised Nikon Coolpix 8800 has a swivel LCD which answers
 > most people's needs for articulation. As non-SLRs, they offer neither the
 > benefits of an SLR, nor do they suffer the drawbacks. They're simply
 > different.

The 8800 is a completely different beast:

Weighs twice as much but can be used as a boat anchor.

Has 20% less zoom range.

Is twice as large (volume).

Has 60% more pixels.

Its Movie Clips are limited to 60 seconds. The others will run until
the memory device is filled.

Costs twice as much.

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 >> Stay informed about: How does the new FZ5 compare to the FZ20?