4:3, 3:2 or 16:9?

Ianperegian wrote:

The multiple aspect ratio system on the LX models is a great feature, as also is the "aspect bracket" feature.

Unfortunately, the ZS/TZ and FZ models don't have that multiple aspect ratio feature of the LX series. They just use in-cam cropping from the 4:3 aspect of the sensor to achieve the other ratios.

That means for the FZ200, the maximum number of pixels is:
for 4:3: 4000x3000 (=12MP)
for 3:2: 4000x2672 (=10.7MP)
for 16:9: 4000x2248 (=8.99MP)
for 1:1: 2992x2992 (=8.95MP)

For the ZS20/TZ30:
for 4:3: 4320x3240 (=14MP)
for 3:2: 4320x2880 (=12.4MP)
for 16:9: 4320x2432 (=10.5MP)
for 1:1: 3232x3232 (=10.4MP)

The LX series also has a convenient switch to access different aspect ratios. I just wish that Panasonic had made the aspect ratio setting available in the "Quick Menu" for the ZS20. As it not in the Quick menu, it is necessary to delve into the main menu to change the aspect ratio.

Along with some others, I tend to choose the ratio in advance depending on the purpose. In general, I tend to use 4:3 at full resolution and then crop as necessary. However, if I'm planning to use a set of images in an HD slideshow movie then I set the cam to 16:9 first.

Ian

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Ianperegian
http://www.ianperegian.com/