TZ5 x FX01 - how much of an improvement in video ?

I've read some threads already of former FX01 users that have made the switch, but I'm curious about the HD video quality, compared to the FX01's SD video. I know I should eventually buy a camcorder but I don't want to carry another piece of equipment, specially when I travel (having a DSLR and a bunch of lenses already). Anyway, my questions are:

• how does the video quality compare ?
• do the HD videos look much better on a 1080p HDTV (which I don't have, but I'll eventually buy) ? Some upscaling will still be needed, but theoretically less upscaling is better, right ?

Other than that I'm curious about the camera size, but I'll bring my FX01 to the shop this weekend so I can compare both side-by-side. I'm sold on the other improvements (IQ, a lot more zoom, LCD screen, SDHC support, etc.), but if the video quality is not that better I might be tempted to delay my exchange until Photokina, which should see some product launches anyway.

I know the file sizes are huge but some sample movies would be great

Cheers,
Marcos

Hello Marcos!

The biggest German magazine for testing digital cameras, the "AudioVideoFoto-Bild"-magazine, came for the TZ5 to the following results:

• image noise
• strong artifacting
• a bit blurred
• tone noisy and tinny

end result: 3,36 (after the German grade system, where 1,0 is the best grade
and 6,0 is the worst grade)

I didn't find results for the fx01, but for the fx10, it is:

• light image noise
• artifacting
• a few contrast problems at changing light conditions
• tone a bit noisy, tinny and airless

end result: 3,67

for the fx12, it is:

• light image noise
• contrast problems at changing light conditions
• tone tinny and airless

end result: 3,65

So, i have translated that for you, i hope i found the right words ;-)

To conclude: the difference is "only" 0,3 grades, but that's pretty much

Another test for the tz5 (including a test video, where you can also see the video quality of the tz5) can you find on cameralabs.com, I don't know if you already know it...

I hope i could help you a little bit, if you have any further question regarding the results, simply ask...

Johannes

Sorry Marcos, I have to add that the mentioned test was not about the tz5, fx10 and fx12 in general, but only for their video quality, I think I didn't mention that...;-)

Thanks Johannes !

I kinda figured out you were talking about the video anyway

I've seen the review in cameralabs.com, but I was hoping that somebody has shot videos under similar conditions with both the fx01 and the tz5. Well, let's wait and see ...

Cheers,
Marcos

Hi there!

I own both the tz5 (for one week now... fantastic cam. fw 1.0.4). And honestly the difference between image quality in video mode isn't worth the extra harddisk space so I've changed the tz5 video settings back to good old 848x480 30fps 16:9. Saves diskspace and enables my laptop to replay the videos. The HD-video is too choppy on my laptop (might be because it's not completely up to par with current standards...) and it sucks not to be able to show the videos right off the hard drive.

Keep in mind the focus hunting issues with the tz5 if you plan on using zoom when filming. It's terrible (at least with my cams fw 1.0.4). Sound is also slightly worse on the tz5 than the FX01 (a bit more background noise or hum) though I found that switching of the continuous AF also reduced the noise somewhat - seems like the cam captures some of the otherwise virtually unnoticable C-AF noise.

This might just be my cam though )

I must say that on all other accounts the tz5 outshines the FX01 - even in low light situations. Fantastic cam.