I’m still trying to decide between two camera models for purchase, the Lumix DMC-ZS3 and the Fuji F70EXR. There are advantages and disadvantages to both cameras so I thought I would do a side by side comparison to sort out which I should purchase. Side by side specs
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
Pros
- Takes overall better photos (but only minimal because it is still a compact)
- can take 720p HD video at 30fps
- uses AVCHD Lite compression which eats up less memory during recordings
- has 460k pixels LCD making picture and video play back easier to see on the camera
- 12x zoom with wide angle lens 25mm – 300mm
- larger better Leica lens
Cons
- uses AVCHD Lite compression possibly creating playback problems for media players.
- goes through batteries like there is no tomorrow will need a backup battery for day trip photo shoots
- must use Panasonic battery which is chipped or down grade the bios
- Also heard that you need a Panasonic SD card? (I don’t believe this is true but haven’t proven otherwise)
- Slightly larger in size 103 x 60 x 33 mm 229 g
- Price! $460 in-store here in Winnipeg or i can get it for $250 on amazon.com, if I ship it to the states and drive to pick it up and it would still be $150 cheaper. I would feel like I am being ripped off a little if i purchased it in-store.
Fujifilm F70EXR
Fujifilm F70EXR
Pros
- great low light photos, lower noise than other compacts, ISO 400 & 800 could actually be usable
- Has interesting EXR features such as Dynamic Range, which I find would be the most useful function though I haven’t seen any hugely noticeable results
- Smaller in size 99 x 59 x 23 mm 205 g
- 10x zoom with wide angle lens 27mm – 270mm
- Cost less and seems to be more consistent in price throughout Canada and the States (I don’t feel ripped off paying a consistent price)
Cons
- no HD video. Though I have read reviews that the difference is minimal between 480 and 720 the one thing I’d miss out on is wide screen video format.
- menu system is complicated and any manual features are buried deep within them (I haven’t heard too much about the Panasonic menu system either but believe it to be less complex)
I will list more as i think of them but that is all for now. Don’t forget to post you comments/suggestions.
Tags: camera, Fuji F70EXR, Lumix DCM-ZS3