"David J Taylor"
wrote in message .uk...
Talal Itani wrote:
Many recommended to me the Panasonic Z7. I was not aware that
Panasonic makes quality digital cameras. I checked dpreview. Canon
S3 is highly recommended. Sony H5 is also highly recommended. Panasonic
Z7 is recommended, but not highly.

Panasonic make a range of cameras, of excellent quality. They have some
of the best lenses available (their Leica lenses perform measurably better
than their Canon equivalents). I have had the Panasonic FZ5, and my wife
the Panasonic FZ20 for well over a year now and we would have no
hesitation in recommending them.

The Panasonic designs tend to have fewer gimmicks than the Canon, and use
standard memory cards (unlike the Sony). Both Panasonic and Canon have a
longer history with image stabilised lenses than Sony at this level.

For me, the extra weight of the Sony [554g] or Canon [501g] compared to
the Panasonic FZ5 [326g] would be a drawback.

But look at the images, and try handling the cameras for yourself (I
rejected the earlier Canon S2 after handling tests). You probably won't
be disappointed whichever you buy.

David


I'm torn between the S3i and the Z7 (wouldn't consider the Sony because of
the proprietary and expensive mem stick). I think the Z7 looks like a good
camera for the money (considerably less than the Cannon?) but I like the
idea of being able to use AA batteries and the flip out screen with the S3i.

Probably a whole new choice to make when I've eventually saved up enough
money in November!

BillL