your thoughts on a new camara

[vett]

I am stuck between two camaras, the Sony DSC-H5 and the Canon S3 IS. I have a new Olympus sp500uz that I want to sell. I like the large 3"lcd on the Sony but don't want to get it just for that reason, Any thoughts on these ?
Thanks

[Photo-John]

vett-
We have a pro review of the Canon S3 IS that you might want to read. You should also take a look at the Panasonic super-zoom digital cameras. They are comparable in features and specs and I think the camera controls and menus are laid out better. Here's a link comparing the Sony H5, the Canon S3 IS, and a Panasonic which we also have a pro review for:

Compare Panasonic FZ7, Sony H5, and Canon S3 IS >>

To see the pro reviews you can link on the links in the table linked above, or you can look at them all, here >>

I hope that helps you narrow it down a bit. I know I didn't really answer you question and maybe even complicated things by throwing in a new camera. As for the LCD size, I think 2.5-inch LCDs are very nice. Bigger is nice, but I don't know if it really makes that much difference past 2.5 inches. Of the three cameras I made the comparison link for, I think I'd choose the Panasonic, or another Panasonic. They're making excellent cameras now. I'm actually testing another Panasonic at the moment so I'm very aware of the great usability. And the reviewer who did the pro review for the Panasonic also did our S3 IS review.He has owned both cameras and ended up sticking with the Panasonic because of usability and image quality.

Let us know if you have more questions. I hope that helps. Happy shopping!

[vett]

Thanks photo john for the reply. I have looked at the reviews here and elsware. I also had the panasonic FZ-7 and for me I didn't like it maybe I am just used to my Olympus c-2100 that I thought was great.

[Photo-John]

Thanks photo john for the reply. I have looked at the reviews here and elsware. I also had the panasonic FZ-7 and for me I didn't like it maybe I am just used to my Olympus c-2100 that I thought was great.

What didn't you like about the Panasonic? That's important to identify. No one camera is right for everyone. Larry, who wrote our pro reviews for the Panasonic FZ7 and the Canon S3 IS, liked the Panasonic because of image quality. He thought it was better than the S3 IS because the S3 IS has a tendency to blow highlights. If it's a control and usability issue, you have to expect a learning curve with a new camera. Of course, it's easier if you buy the same brand as before. And I'd encourage you to look at Olympus except that they don't have optical image stabilization. And for super zoom digital cameras, I consider that a necessity. You can also look at Kodak. They have a bunch of super zoom digitals with image stabilization. I've used a couple of them and think they're very nice. They look and feel a little cheesy compared to Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. But I think they're actually pretty comparable when it comes to taking pictures.

Please post a review for the Panasonic FZ7 and your Olympus! We always need more reviews and I think we especially need some for the FZ7:

Read and write digital camera reviews >>

I hope I'm helpig you narrow things down. Good luck and thanks in advance for the reviews. I'll check back to see if you have more questions.

[vett]

The Fz7 felt like cheap plastic, the pictures were not that great compared to my c-2100. Also I havbe noticed for some of the cameras I am looking at that some say they are imported versions in english, is there a differance between them?

[Photo-John]

The Fz7 felt like cheap plastic, the pictures were not that great compared to my c-2100. Also I havbe noticed for some of the cameras I am looking at that some say they are imported versions in english, is there a differance between them?

Two things - the images from the FZ-7 would be much better than your Olympus because image quality has been much improved over the past few years, the camera has more resolution, and the image stabilization will mean more sharp photos. As for the cheap plastic feel - Olympus builds their cameras really well. That's all I can say about that. I think you'll likely be disappointed in the feel of the Canon and the Kodak cameras, too. I haven't really handled the Sony, so maybe it will feel good to you. And feel is important.

Where are you looking at cameras that it says they're imported? Are these online dealers? Are the "gray market" cameras? If so, don't buy them. If you're in the US the warranties may not be valid. It's a calculated gamble and one most of us wouldn't take with something like a digital camera. You should also check the Dealer Feedback Forum here before you buy anything online. There are tons of sleazy online electronics dealers. Buying camera equipment on the Internet can be a sketchy proposition.