tz5 or fz18

i posted on the canon forum, too, but am interested in the panasonic tz5 or fz18. i want a smaller camera, but not too small (i already have the casio card camera). i want to be able to take movies and pictures of my husband on the motorcycle track as well as "hey! the cat's doing something cute!" pictures.

i feel the canon takes better images, but not indoors. i like that the panasonics can do video in hd.

i'm stuck. can anyone send some guidance? thanks!

if making movies is important to you then tz5 is probably the best bet. Its the only panni that has HD video feature and zoom during filming right now.

Can't comment on the TZ5 i have the TZ3, There's no way I'd want to carry around a big FZ18 when my TZ3 can do almost all what i could do with the FZ18 any way.

The TZ5 will go in your pocket, the FZ18 will be a hindrance carrying a bag everywhere, What's the point.

Get the TZ3 or the TZ5

I have an FZ 18 & an FZ 4, a TZ1 & a TZ3.

I do like the FZ18 for the huge zoom, but I still consider the TZ's to be my "Main Cameras" - I have one in my pocket almost all the time (in a plastic bag to keep lint out).

The FZ's are just too big: they are special cameras to take when I know I'll be doing special pictures.

If I had to have just one camera, it would be one of the TZ's, so I'd really consider the TZ5, if I were in your shoes.

-Erik
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http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

thanks all! i am definitely leaning towards the tz5 - especially with the video capabilities. i've read there's a lot of noise with the panasonics, but i'll wait to see when it (finally) arrives. ;-)

It's my understanding that the TZ5 will not be available until mid April but if I were interested in movies I think it would be worth the wait. TZ3 which I have is not very good for movies. On the the other hand I love my TZ3! I don't do movies,
Old Jim

I have owned an FZ18 for a while, and recently purchased a Canon A650 for use on my telescope (smaller front lens element)

Oviously, I have been playing with the A650 in all conditions. The biggest drawback is low light shooting. Although the Canon is not bad image wise at ISO 200, I still seem to need about the same shutter speed as the panny at ISO 100. And Canon's IS system definitely needs to "mature" a bit. I can consistently get sharp images with the Panny at 1/4 sec (35mm equiv) but need to shoot at 1/15 to 1/8 with the Canon to get Consistent results.

The FZ18 just gives me more to hold onto with my hands depthwise, so that may contribute to some degree.

Outdoors, as long as you don't need anything below 35mm and above 210 mm, the Canon's IQ at ISO 200 is better. At 100 it's a tossup, more personal preference than anything else.

Oh yes, and then there's Canon's famous review "switch". I much prefer a button- less chance of breakage over time and repeated use.
If I had to choose 1 camera, it would be the FZ18.

Djedi
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Old timer

i almost pre-ordered the tz5, but decided to wait until they come out and someone has a slightly lower price. from everyone's comments, the tz5 seems to be the best bet for my needs (although my husband keeps saying "get a dslr". too big for me. as someone here said, it's too much trouble to lug out when that instant snapshot is needed.)

i am open to any other suggestions/brands! thanks all for your help!!

dottcomm1 said:

tz5 seems to be the best bet for my needs (although my husband keeps
saying "get a dslr". too big for me. as someone here said, it's too
much trouble to lug out when that instant snapshot is needed.)

Click to expand...

that's why you really need two. get a small dslr for the track...they are cheap now (and people trading up from 20d's are practically giving them away on ebay). there is no comparison between a digicam and dslr for fast moving subjects. get some great shots, then sell the camera/lens when he's done if you wish. you will be happier taking the pictures, and you will get far better shots. there is no such thing as a great snapshot of somebody on a race track done with a digicam. and if you've seen one, it was one lucky shot from a whole memory card full of missed ones.