Canon S2 vs Panasonic FZ5

[michaelb]

I am trying to decide between the Canon S2 and Panasonic FZ5. I really want a portable camera with a long zoom.

I've had Canon cameras before and I've liked them, but I do have concerns with the S2.

Concerns with S2 IS:
-Size; I'm concerned I won't want to lug it around.
-images too soft - not sharp enough. I want nice sharp images.

I haven't really decided how importnat the video mode is to me.

Concerns about the FZ5:
-? poor low light (indoor) capability.
-build quality (I tend to be rough on cameras).
-without manual focus or ability to adjust the focus point out of the center of the frame will I be able to accurately focus on what I want to?
-Can I use filters with this camera?
-Also, the Canon has a custom mode where favorite settings can be "saved" - does the FZ5 have this?

I will be using my camera for snap shots (indoor and outdoor), landscape shots, macros (indoor and outdoor), wildlife shots and some creative shots.

Any input, especially by people who own or have used these cameras, would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[JTL]

Concerns with S2 IS:
-Size; I'm concerned I won't want to lug it around.
-images too soft - not sharp enough. I want nice sharp images.
Your post made me smile...because the thought that the S2 has to "lugged" around is amusing to me, an avid hiker and adventurer. It weighs about 14-ozs...never once did I regret taking it...even on 10-mile hikes in mountainous or even desert terrain. As far as images being too soft...this simply is not the case. And if the default setting is not to your liking, you can adjust the sharpening in-camera via the custom setting. I invite you to look at the many S2 images posted on this site. The ones taken by experienced photographers are tack-sharp...and some are even stunning. :)

Also...I sound like a broken record on this one...the FZ5 does not have manual focus...so you can never pre set it to the hyperfocal distance to eliminate the need for focus lock or manual re-focusing...

When you're on the move, setting your camera to the hyperfocal distance means your landscape shots are always in focus without having to stop and fuss...

[GrimJeeper]

If you are going to be "lugging" your superzoon around, I'd definitely go with the S2 simply because the LCD can be tucked into the body and protected from scuffs and scratches. I've got a 3 year old HP (yes, HP...it was cheap and I was broke) and the LCD has taken a beating in my backpack in my Jeep and on the lake. Still works, but it's scuffed and it's hard to tell the good pics from the bad at times.

[BonjiB]

Between the s2 and the fz5 the s2 takes the cake hands down in almost every aspect. Now... the fz20 vs. the s2 is a little more debatable but that's a different thread. In my own opinion at least.

[Jason25]

Between those 2, I would have to say S2 as well!

[michaelb]

If you are going to be "lugging" your superzoon around, I'd definitely go with the S2 simply because the LCD can be tucked into the body and protected from scuffs and scratches. I've got a 3 year old HP (yes, HP...it was cheap and I was broke) and the LCD has taken a beating in my backpack in my Jeep and on the lake. Still works, but it's scuffed and it's hard to tell the good pics from the bad at times.


Thanks,
I hadn't considered the LCD getting destroyed, but I'm sure I would if it was exposed.

[michaelb]

Your post made me smile...because the thought that the S2 has to "lugged" around is amusing to me, an avid hiker and adventurer. It weighs about 14-ozs...never once did I regret taking it...even on 10-mile hikes in mountainous or even desert terrain. As far as images being too soft...this simply is not the case. And if the default setting is not to your liking, you can adjust the sharpening in-camera via the custom setting. I invite you to look at the many S2 images posted on this site. The ones taken by experienced photographers are tack-sharp...and some are even stunning. :)

Also...I sound like a broken record on this one...the FZ5 does not have manual focus...so you can never pre set it to the hyperfocal distance to eliminate the need for focus lock or manual re-focusing...

When you're on the move, setting your camera to the hyperfocal distance means your landscape shots are always in focus without having to stop and fuss...


Can someone give me a link to photos on this site taken with the Canon S2?

[Jason25]

Can someone give me a link to photos on this site taken with the Canon S2?
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/gallery.shtml

[JTL]

Can someone give me a link to photos on this site taken with the Canon S2?They're spread out all over the galleries and not in one place. If you notice that someone has the S2 in their signiture line or mentioned owning one in a post, you could click on their name and then click on "Find all posts by" and hunt around for them. I own one, snowrdr owns one, Val123 owns one...so check out our shots. You could also go over to pbase and search on Canon S2 and it will return a lot of shots for you to review. Here's a link to the pbase S2 galleries: http://search.pbase.com/search?q=canon+s2&c=sp