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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> choosing a camera. help
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 01/09/2005 02:05:43 AM · #1
Ok. I am 16 and so far i have been using my dads coolpix 5700, but i think it's time for me to get my own camera. I have been saving for a little while. I am looking for something with 4 or 5 megapixels. SLR type body, and at least 6x zoom (hopefully more). I have saved about 350 dollars as of now. The 2 cameras i have been looking at are the fijifilm s5100 for about 330 or the panasonic luminix FZ15 or 20. I really can't decide if it would be worth my while to save up the extra money for the panasonic.

Any help is much apreciated.
 01/09/2005 02:17:46 AM · #2
Hi Phil, my experience with the S5100 has been great, but if you want to read an in depth review of it and compare it with the Panasonic Lumix FZ15 check out this links:

Fujifilm S5100

Panasonic Lumix FZ15

Good Luck!

Message edited by author 2005-01-09 02:18:19.
 01/09/2005 02:43:51 AM · #3
I have the Panasonic FZ20 and the Fujifilm S5100. Both of them are very nice cameras. If I had to just choose one of them I'd take the Panasonic FZ20. The pictures it takes are better than the Fuji - to my eyes. Also, it has a 12 times stabilized zoom compared to the Fuji's 10X non-stabilized. Plus, it has 5 megapixels over the Fuji's 4. Also, I think the Panasonic is less noisy.

I use my Fuji S5100 for snapshots of my grandkids and pets and things like that - the auto mode is good and the onboard flash works well for snapshots. The Panasonic has a more touchy onboard flash - you often times need to set it to a more or less powerful setting to get a flash picture correctly exposed. However, it also has a hotshoe so you can use a better electronic flash; the Fuji doesn't have a hotshoe.

The Panasonic FZ20 is a great camera. I have a lot of cameras (too many) and of all of them the FZ20 is my favorite. So far, I even like it better than the Digital Rebel my husband gave me for Christmas!

01/09/2005 10:38:22 AM · #4
Welcome to dpc Phil.

My first digicam was a Fuji 3800, a 6x predecessor of the S5100 two generations removed; and I now have a FZ20. You've done your home work, but are fine cameras. If you plan on doing a lot of long zoom shooting then image stabilization may be the deciding factor, it works and it does make a difference. I'd say the Fuji will produce more shots that don't need much, or any, editing straight out of the camera. But not by a very big margin, both are capable of outputting great "finished" pictures (see one titled unedited599 on my profile page). Both have excellent lens systems and include decent software packages. Some people think AA batteries are preferable, especially if you have other toys that use them and already have some rechargables and recharger going on. I don't do much flash shooting so will defer to Sammie on that point. Personally I feel you can't go wrong buying either of them, both are good value for the dollar at their respective prices. And they have enough features to keep your interested and learning for quite some time.

I lent my Fuji to my sister and can't get it back. I won't make that mistake again. Even though Santa brought me a 20D I'm holding on to my FZ20, I enjoy it that much.


01/09/2005 11:04:15 PM · #5
Is the Fz15 the same camera as the FZ20 minus a megpixel? I found one for only 365.00 and it seems to be very similar.

Message edited by author 2005-01-09 23:24:33.
 01/09/2005 11:21:34 PM · #6
Get the s5100. My experience with it was great. Like mentioned above, check //www.steves-digicams.com for reviews. The 4.0 MP s5100 has a different sensor than the 3.1 MP s5000 which, in my opinion and from what others who have owned both have told me, is its greatest downfall. Either one is a great camera and looks really professional (SLR-style).

Where do you live? I have a 128 MB card and a 256 MB card -- would work in either s5000 or s5100 which I'd get rid of for cheap.
 01/09/2005 11:22:00 PM · #7
Originally posted by MyDayStrong:
IS the Fz15 the same camera as the 20 minus a megpixel? I founf one for only 365.00 and it seems to be very similar.

Can't remember off the top of my head but I think there is another difference. Perhaps it is lacking the hot shoe. Try asking in the Panasonic forum at DPReview.
 01/10/2005 04:35:37 AM · #8
Man, skip all that and get the 1Ds Mark II. That's my next camera.
 01/10/2005 04:50:18 AM · #9
Originally posted by Sammie:
I have the Panasonic FZ20 and the Fujifilm S5100. Both of them are very nice cameras. If I had to just choose one of them I'd take the Panasonic FZ20. The pictures it takes are better than the Fuji - to my eyes. Also, it has a 12 times stabilized zoom compared to the Fuji's 10X non-stabilized. Plus, it has 5 megapixels over the Fuji's 4. Also, I think the Panasonic is less noisy.

I use my Fuji S5100 for snapshots of my grandkids and pets and things like that - the auto mode is good and the onboard flash works well for snapshots. The Panasonic has a more touchy onboard flash - you often times need to set it to a more or less powerful setting to get a flash picture correctly exposed. However, it also has a hotshoe so you can use a better electronic flash; the Fuji doesn't have a hotshoe.

The Panasonic FZ20 is a great camera. I have a lot of cameras (too many) and of all of them the FZ20 is my favorite. So far, I even like it better than the Digital Rebel my husband gave me for Christmas!


You got a Rebel as well as upgrading from an FZ10 to an FZ20?! Wow! I can't believe that you still prefer the FZ20... after getting my DSLR, I think my Panasonic's going to gather dust for a LONG time, until I find another backup camera, then it's GONE!

Message edited by author 2005-01-10 04:50:54.
 01/10/2005 04:52:27 AM · #10
But yeah, in answer to the original question, I think the Panasonic FZ series are the best thing since sliced bread for that money. Go for the FZ20 over the FZ15, as you'll want to use the hotshoe on the FZ20 with something like a Sunpak 383.
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