Canon S2 1S vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5

[wlpncp]

For general use for nature shots and indoor group shots, which one is preferred? Also what are the advantages of SanDisk Ultra II Secure card and the Plus USB card over a regular SanDisk SD memory card? Is PNY as good as SanDisk?

[tim11]

No replies to your post?
For outdoors nature shots either one of the 2 will do me. S2 IS has much better video capability, swivel LCD, manual focus (menu operated) and lesser noise. All that comes at higher price than FZ5 though.
My main concern for you is indoors group shots, how many people in the group? {Edit} {how far} Will you be standing from the [group of] subjects to take the shots? Be aware that the pop-up flash of my FZ20 can only reach 3 metres on ISO100, and 7 metres on ISO400, I think. The pop-up flash on both FZ5 and S2 aren't any better so if indoors group shot is primary purpose then you should look for something with a hotshoe for an external flash.

[wlpncp]

Thanks!

I think the Z5 will give better quality photos. Now trying to decide between it and the Z20. Like the fact that the Canon takes "regular" batteries, though.

Just can't seem to make a decision.

[michaelb]

I looked at both of these cameras as well. I ended up choosing the S2 because:

1. The S2 seemed to have more "solid" construction (more durable). - I tend to beat up on my cameras.
2. I was concerned about the indoor performance of the FZ5.
3. I thought I might like the video feature of the S2 (which I've used more than I thought I would).
4. I have owned Canon digital cameras before and have been happy with them.

Thus far I have been very happy with the image quality of the S2.

Here is a link to a couple of my pics in another the Canon Forum:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14434&page=2

[Severin]

I had the same dilemma, I ended up with the S2 but I really liked them both. I finally decided on the S2 because even though it was more expensive for my lifestyle I thought it was a better fit. My reasoning was
1. I don’t own a movie camera and thought the movie mode on the S2 was a bit better.
2. I travel out of the country and liked the idea that I could buy AA batteries when I ran low on rechargeable batteries (my battery charger doesn’t work in Europe and other places).
3. I liked the swivel LCD screen.
4. I upgraded from a canon A510 and liked the fact they both take SD memory cards.
5. I figured the learning curve would be lower for me with the Canon.

Both are great cameras, so you should look at your lifestyle and what you find important in a camera and go with it. I have heard that the FZ5 takes better pictures, but both take such good pictures that I cannot tell much of a difference so I let features and how the camera fit with my life guide my decision.