Lumix TZ3 versus Fuji F31 or F41 versus Oly 550

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/20/2007 01:21:52 PM · #1

I am still looking for something to replace my Canon S1 IS as a biking camera. I'd really like to be able to pocket the camera for other times when I am not supposed to be taking pictures (almost whenever I'm with my family).

It may be that I'll need several cameras :(

I really love wide, and stabilization, so I'm leaning towards the TZ3 (About $280). And then maybe also pick up a Fuji 6000 for biking and other "hostile" environments?

I am a bit scared about the lack of Aperture/Shutter control but the lens range sounds fantastic, and the shots at low ISO looked good to me (read the reviews on all of these). Anyone using that?

I guess for a pocketable camera, the Fuji F series would be my second choice, but no wide, no real tele, no IS. And XD cards. But great ISO performance.

I do have the Nikon WC-E68 which can turn a 35mm lens on something like my S1 into a 24mm lens. But it's only convenient on a camera which has an attachment adapter, which doesn't include the Fuji F series. :( And of course, being an add-on lens, it does introduce its own problems.

Seeking opinions and other general discussions. Note I've read most of the reviews online for these cameras, and looked at numerous samples. So I'm not looking for those links--just friendly discussion to help me decide and your own opinions!

I am not really sure any of these cameras can be used for serious photography. But I do want to be able to carry something, and I sure would like it to be a sellable print if I run across something beautiful on one of my bike rides or walks when I'm not carrying an SLR. Perhaps that's asking too much?

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/20/2007 01:27:16 PM · #2

If you like wide, you'll be hard pressed to top the Kodak V705. Yeah, 23mm baby!

Message edited by author 2007-07-20 13:27:23.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/20/2007 01:35:48 PM · #3

Originally posted by scalvert:

If you like wide, you'll be hard pressed to top the Kodak V705. Yeah, 23mm baby!

Tempting focal length, crappy picures :(

Tuckersmom

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1

07/20/2007 01:37:21 PM · #4

I don't know about the TZ3, but I've been using the TZ1 for a over year and just love it. The lack of manual controls really hasn't bothered me at all. Inside shots are a tricky (only because I'm not really a flash person) and noisy, but outside my results are IMO great and is macro. Handling is a comfortable and it's pretty rugged and the IS works great. I tried a Fuji but still preferred the TZ1.

Message edited by author 2007-07-20 13:38:00.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/20/2007 01:45:42 PM · #5

There's always the Canon SD800IS- tiny, 28mm wide, image stabilized, manual controls, excellent image quality and good noise control.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/20/2007 02:02:36 PM · #6

Thanks.

I just thought I'd throw this out too for anyone considering the Oly 550. I looked at samples posted to the web, and I was shocked to see how noisy the pictures were at ISO 50!

Check out the sky in the full size of this one, for example, at ISO 50!:

Conversely, look at this LZ3 example (here's a 100% crop, from same photographer). Slightly soft, but good detail:

Full photo is here. I did the crop to save a little bandwidth for him and the fact that his site (which is smugmug!) is VERY slow to download originals.

ETA: Shannon, I'll have a look at the SD800 samples.

Message edited by author 2007-07-20 14:05:38.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

07/20/2007 02:53:38 PM · #7

Ricoh Caplio GX100
More than you wanted to spend but currently tops on my snapshooter wish list.