Panasonic Z20 vs Sony 717 - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/31/2005 12:48:14 AM · #1

I had some questions and nice feedback on Panasonic Z20 here lumix
One more opinion please. I can still find the Sony717 at a very similar price with Panasonic?
What do you think? Which one would be better.
I am still reading some reviews on the net (dpreview, imageresource, cdsource etc) but your opinion is very valuable.
Thanks!

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

01/31/2005 12:53:08 AM · #2

I love my FZ20 but don't know much about the Sony 717 so I guess this would be the best link I can offer. Wish you the best with your purchase.

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

01/31/2005 01:01:00 AM · #3

Originally posted by SDW65:

I love my FZ20 but don't know much about the Sony 717 so I guess this would be the best link I can offer. Wish you the best with your purchase.

Thanks for the link and for the opinons in the other thread. I was doing my homework ans I was right there :-)

Message edited by author 2005-01-31 01:01:39.

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

01/31/2005 01:05:18 AM · #4

My mom, Tressider, has both these cameras. You might want to PM her and ask her what she thinks.

I think she likes the Panasonic FZ20 better than the Sony. You'll have to ask her for sure though.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

01/31/2005 01:09:18 AM · #5

Originally posted by Tiberius:

Originally posted by SDW65:
I love my FZ20 but don't know much about the Sony 717 so I guess this would be the best link I can offer. Wish you the best with your purchase.

Thanks for the link and for the opinons in the other thread. I was doing my homework ans I was right there :-)

You are welcome, anytime. When I looked at the comparison chart I did see something that I like over the FZ20

1. Image ratio w:h
FZ20 - 4:3, 16:9 | 717 - 4:3, 3:2 = I like the option of the 3:2 Ratio.
2. Sensor size
FZ20 - 1/2.5 | 717 - " 2/3 " = Larger Sensor.
3. ISO rating
FZ20 - Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 | 717 - Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 = Higher ISO
4. Min shutter
FZ20 - 8 sec | 717 - 30 sec = Longer SS but wish they both had open or bulb.

01/31/2005 01:09:36 AM · #6

Originally posted by Sammie:

My mom, Tressider, has both these cameras. You might want to PM her and ask her what she thinks.

I think she likes the Panasonic FZ20 better than the Sony. You'll have to ask her for sure though.

Thanks! I will PM her

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

01/31/2005 01:16:43 AM · #7

Originally posted by SDW65:

1. Image ratio w:h
FZ20 - 4:3, 16:9 | 717 - 4:3, 3:2 = I like the option of the 3:2 Ratio.
2. Sensor size
FZ20 - 1/2.5 | 717 - " 2/3 " = Larger Sensor.
3. ISO rating
FZ20 - Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 | 717 - Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 = Higher ISO
4. Min shutter
FZ20 - 8 sec | 717 - 30 sec = Longer SS but wish they both had open or bulb.

On conclusions Phill says:
Low noise levels compared to other five megapixel digital cameras
Though the review is back in Oct 2002

coolhar

01/31/2005 09:49:26 AM · #8

Both of them are good cameras. The FZ20 is much newer and therefore later technology. The only two negatives I have found after owning my FZ20 for about 5 months are TIFF instead of RAW, and noise levels that are a littler higher than desirable, so the Sony is probably better for you if noise is a top prority. For me the 12x IS lens system is a big positive that outweighs all other factors. You're doing a lot of research. If you haven't already done so I'd urge you to go to a camera store and to a hands-on comparison. Even if you are sure you are not going to buy from the store because of better prices online, go see your final candidates in person. Ask questions and listen to what the store clerk has to say but keep in mind that at this point you likely know more about those two models than the store clerk.

01/31/2005 10:09:29 AM · #9

I did not put my hands on the Sony. I might say I don't realy like the Sony's look but, I have to try. Sony does not have RAW either so its not a point comparing them.
Noise would be a problem in case that realy can damage quality for submitting photos to stock agencies.
My Canon A70 got me only 8 rejections from shutterstock out of more than 50 (half because of noise) but istock rejected the samples I load. Samples that were accepted at shutterstock.
big + for Panasonic is that I realy like the look and (even if tha handgrip felt a little strange) I do like the feel.
Thanks for your opinion.
Edit: I am looking through Pansonic Forums on dpreview and the balance lean towards Panasonic. Even Bob Atkins from photo.net gives a good note and calls it the "sleeper"
dSLR it's still far for my budget
The deal I got from my dealer beats the best online buy I can do here in China. Prices are far lower in USA

Message edited by author 2005-01-31 10:15:46.