Panasonic FZ20 Vs Fz7

[canison]

OK so i'd pretty much decided to buy the Panasonic FZ 20 after plenty of research, and then, my supplier says "oh btw, theres a new panasonic coming out soon" so of course I go check.

The FZ5 seems just like a more compact FZ20, everything seems just as nice. Though a number of reviews have said the FZ20 is a little noisy, no-ones said anything like that about the FZ5.

Does anyone have any opinions on which is better? Size isn't really an issue, nor is cost, (like i said i was about to get an FZ20).

I know the lens on the FZ20 is a little slower, but i'm not a pro, barely an amateur so i'm not fussed about that. As long as i can take good macro shots, and good action shots, i'll be happy.

Suggestions? Comments?

[PhilR.]

If I remember correctly, the new FZ5 has a slightly slower lens than the model it replaced. If this is true, then the 20 will have a faster lens than the 5.

One camera is not "better" than the other. Each offers something different, and you just need to decide what features are important to you, and then pick the one that meets your needs. One could say that the 5 is just a smaller version than the 20, since they both have that great zoom lens with IS. However, there are several great differences that might matter to some.

Either camera can take "good macro" and "good action shots". Of course, there are several hundred other cameras out there that can do the same....

PhilR.

[EAP]

There's a review of the FZ5 on this site that does some comparisons with the FZ20 which you may want to read if you haven't already.

[jaynads]

There's a review of the FZ5 on this site that does some comparisons with the FZ20 which you may want to read if you haven't already.


Try this link: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4638
It's comparisons.

What I wrote there is basically this: you cannot upgrade the FZ5 with filters, lens adaptors, and external flash. You can with the FZ20. Which is important to you?

[PhilR.]

What I wrote there is basically this: you cannot upgrade the FZ5 with filters, lens adaptors, and external flash. You can with the FZ20.

This is incorrect. You can add filters and lens adaptors. In fact, the FZ's come with a lens adaptor w/hood in the box. Filters can be screwed directly onto the adaptor.

An external flash can be added to any camera, including the FZ5. One does not need a hotshoe in order to do this.

PhilR.

[gary_hendricks]

Hi, nice to hear from a Panasonic fan! The FZ25 lens is indeed slightly slower. For general purposes, I think a FZ20 is good enough :)

[Noel]

It seems to me that the main difference between these two, if size is not an issue, is the manual focusing on the FZ20.
I'd love to know if the auto focus on the FZ5 is good enough that you would not miss having manual focussing... Or is it worth the extra $100?

[herc182]

Noel

that has hit the nail on the head.
i too would like to know whether the maunal focus ring is that big of an issue
or if the FZ5 can also do well with its multitude of auto focus modes.

Can someone clarify whether this difference is, well, that much of a difference?

thanks

[John_Reed]

1) FZ20's aperture is f2.8 across the zoom range. FZ5's aperture slows down to f3.3 at maximum zoom. FZ5 is therefore slightly slower than FZ20 in the lens department

2) The manual focus ring is VERY handy in certain situations that would otherwise fool the AF system, even in the spot mode. I'm thinking of birds obscured by branches, animals behind bars, etc. Also, for closeups of flowers, manual focusing allows you to zero in on just that part of the flower you want to bring out.

3) Size DOES matter; for some, the FZ5 may be too small, for others the FZ20 may be too large. It takes a "hands-on" trial to determine which works best for a given individual. From my perspective, I'm getting much better low-shutterspeed performance from the larger FZ10/15 cameras than I got from the FZ1, which I attribute to having a better grip on the instrument for shooting.

[RUDY]

I too have narrowed it down to FZ5 and FZ20.

To me it all depends on the focus speed. Is there a difference between FZ5 and FZ20?

I feel that the FZ5 enhanced battery life and small size do not compensate for larger LCD, Hotshoe, full range 2.8 lenz and manual focus of the FZ20. Not sure if there is a diffenence in focus speed, however. Any help on this question?

Rudy

[domtam]

This is incorrect. You can add filters and lens adaptors. In fact, the FZ's come with a lens adaptor w/hood in the box. Filters can be screwed directly onto the adaptor.

An external flash can be added to any camera, including the FZ5. One does not need a hotshoe in order to do this.

PhilR.

Hi there. I'm also seriously interested of buying FZ5. One of my biggest concerns is the lack of hotshoe. May I know how I can add an external flash to FZ5? Say, how can I add a third-party flash, such as Sunpak, to a FZ-5? Will the result as good as the camera with hotshoe?

Thanks
Dom

[guillermovilas]

Here are a couple of pictures i took in Brussels last sunday with my panasonic :
Just click on "Taken with PAnasonic FZ-5"
Look at the beautifull leica zoom.....compare the pics i took of the same subject at 38mm and then at 420mm
PICS : 198-199 204-203 210-211
239-240
http://www.pixagogo.com/PhilippeLuyckx

[photosmarty]

Bump!

Yes can someone please tell us about the speed difference between the FZ20 znd FZ5 in the autofocus area? As well as being a camera for some creative work I would also like it to be able to capture my kids running around the garden or living room.

Also I have read of LCD and EVF problems in dimly lit rooms, how does this affect you as a user of either of these cameras?

Thanks