I'm in the market for a new p&s megazoom digital camera and I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic FZ20 and the Canon S2IS. Both cameras have received excellent reviews, so I was wondering if anyone had any comments on either camera based on personal experience. I know there are new models out for both cameras, but the improvements don't seem worth the extra money. Mainly will use the camera for outdoor photography and vacation pics. Thanks for any info.

5/11/2006 1:29:02 PM

I love my fz5 (see the Digital SLR thread in Chit Chat for some pics from it), but I'd go Canon

I love my SD200...Canon's just have outstanding pic quality without the need to Photoshop any levels

5/11/2006 2:55:52 PM

i'll tell you what...i almost got the fz20 for the same reasons...but check out this page, it details changes in the fz30 from the fz20:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz30/

i got my fz30 a couple of weeks ago and i've already become addicted to some of the features that ONLY the fz30 has...i've been shopping/bidding for 4 months, and finally got a brand new fz30 for about $420 with an extra battery and a 1gb ultra II sd card

5/11/2006 5:09:24 PM

I would take a good read over these threads over on dpreview.com

From the Canon forum:

S2 IS vs Fz20
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&message=13751306&changemode=1

S2 IS vs Fz20 vs Sony H1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&message=15221747&changemode=1

S2 IS vs Fz20
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1010&message=13988296

Panasonic Forum

Fz20 vs S2 IS
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1033&message=16350481

Honestly I'd find a store that has both and just get them in your hands. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either camera -- both are excellent. Get an idea which one has a more intuitive interface for you so you don't have a headache digging through menus.

I notice you intended to use this for vacation pics. An important difference between the S2 IS and the Fz20 is that the S2 uses four AA batteries while the Fz20 uses a lithium-ion cell. For my S2, I bought a set of rechargable 2300 mAh NiMH batteries that I've extremely pleased with (over 600 shots and 4 minutes of video with one charge). Also, if the cells ran out I could find a set of spare AAs virtually anywhere. You won't be so fortunate with an expensive lithium-ion cell.

In looking at the Fz20, one thing I like is that it has a hot-shoe for an external flash. A good option if you're looking to get more serious.

Another poster mentioned the Fz30 -- the zoom and focus rings and such make it quite attractive, but it is in a different price class. Good luck with your decision. I am very pleased with my S2, but again, you won't go wrong.

5/11/2006 7:40:42 PM