need a new point and shoot digicam with powerzoom

[tinlaguisma]

hello evry1.im new here in your forum & i would like to seek your advice.Im planning to buy a new digicam & im presently deciding between lumix tz3 or canon s5 is.Which is better in terrms of usability,image quality and price..i want also the one that capture good images even in dark scenarios..Pls help me.thnx:mad2:

[freygr]

The S5 has a 2.7-3.5F lens, the Lumix tz3 has a 3.3-4.9F lens, between the two the Canon S5 will be a better performer in low light and it does have more zoom. The only way you can be sure is go to a camera store and try each camera. But a different model of the Lumix series may give you better low light performance. Good low light performance require fast lenses which most PS just don't have, and most kit lenses on DSLR also don't have, F 2.8 or faster and high noise free ISO settings.

[Rocket_Scientist]

Also, the tz3 does not seem to have manual setting capabilities. I'd prefer a camera that does.

[EOSThree]

A different point of view. I just sold my S2 for a TZ3. The S2 was just too bulky, it wasn't even remotely pocketable. I never really liked the viewfinder on the S2 for composing, it always seemed difficult to see exactly what I was taking a photo of. The photo quality of the S2 was always good and the zoom range was great, but the size and viewfinder were always trouble for me.
The TZ3 doesn't have a viewfinder, instead you have to use the screen. Using the screen is just as bad as using the viewfinder in the S2 was, so I really gained nothing there. The size combined with the zoom range is the main reason I got the TZ3. So far I am very happy with the photo quality, the zoom range is still very good, and I can put it in most pockets. I like the portability. Since I only use this strictly as a point and shoot I don't miss having the manual controls too much, WB and EC are easily accessed and that is usually enough for most situations.