G9 or TZ3

[Deja Q]

Canon G9 or Panasonic Lumix TZ3?

The G9 costs $200 more, has RAW format (Photoshop CS3's converter doing a much better job than Canon's!), and whose dynamic range is limited (but has a built-in neutral density filter) and there are other tricks that can bring out better image clarity via a digital darkroom... still, it's easier just to take one snap and be done with it...

The TZ3, despite having 10x optical zoom and a phenomenal dynamic range, has a so-so lens and its color rendering system smears color.

Noise is roughly equal, despite the G9 having a 12MP sensor.

The G9 is also made from stronger material...

Both have had users complain about defects (shutter door on the TZ3; the G9 has a poorly made backlight and might come with a bunch of stuck or dead pixels in the sensor itself)

Right now, I'm sold on the Canon, despite its price and potential for defects requiring an exchange. :(

What say you?

Thx!

[soup]

1. One thing to consider

is the lcd screen / viewfinder option.

Given the choice between the 2 cameras, and based entirely upon that particular feature only, I'd go with the Canon with the viewfinder. A lot depends on what and where you plan on shooting. I do 99% of my shooting outdoors, and the sun can make it difficult sometimes to use the lcd screen. If you're doing set-studio-tabletop-interior shots, it probably wouldn't make that much difference.

Another thought on the lcd screens - Both screens appear to be fixed, with no tilt / swivel - something I've found invaluable on the two p&s cameras I've used. I can set the camera on the ground, flip up the screen and use it to adjust the camera's position to get what I want - without having to get down on the ground myself (and then have to figure out how to get my creaky old self back up again). But, again, if you're doing set-studio-tabletop-interior shots, it probably wouldn't make that much difference.

Over time, I found that I'm using the viewfinder more often than not and the screen is just a bonus for occasional use (the 'get down - then get back up again' stuff).

The other pros and cons questions you have? :shrug: I'm Sergeant Schultz.

[F.Gordon]

2. I thought you already bought a camera?

Did you go and break it?
:shrug:

I have no idea how you narrowed you choices down to these 2 cameras. Did you look at Sony, Olympus, Fuji......... Oh, and I've never heard of a "color rendering system (that) smears color." Course... I'm not up on all the lingo.
:dunce:

I've played with different 'versions' of both these cameras. Can't really offer any suggestions. Soup makes a good point about the viewfinder but you can buy a Sreen Cover. I have one on my 20D so I can see the friggin' menu on a bright sunny day.

Flip a coin. Get a camera. Take pictures.
:hi:

[Deja Q]

3. A second one; carrying around a DSLR all the time is annoying, and

a good wide angle lens would cost as much as a P&S unit anyway.

Re: Color smearing:
http://www.google.com/search?q=tz3+color+smear&btnG=Google+Search

[F.Gordon]

4. Color smearing caused by Noise Reduction?

That's what I read. I use the more accepted technical phrase.... "gee, that looks really funky" :P

Me thinks you think too much.

I have a discontinued Leica pocket camera. It's 'basically' the same as the Panasonic. It does RAW and few other things but it's essentially the same camera.

Miss May in the DU calendar was taken with that camera. I like it cause' it fits in my shirt pocket and it does a decent job. Like any "point & shoot" ya' have to adjust to different things.. "issues" that the camera may have.

This is a non-processed JPG that tagged along with the RAW file. For the web and smaller prints it works pretty well.



If you just want a small camera to use when you aren't lugging around the DSLR.... save the money and get the Panasonic. Or.. flip a coin.
:hi:

[Deja Q]

5. Well

I've been playing with the G9 and printouts look disturbingly sharp, what with not applying anyenhancement tools or anything...

Nice pic you'd posted. I might consider the exchange, but the G9 prints are far better than what I'd thought, given the size of the sensor (to hold 12MP...)