New camera

[Diana]

I have a TZ3 but have always been disappointed in the clarity and sharpness of the images. It has never matched up to my old CanonPowershot in that regard. My problem now -choosing a new camera. . . go back to faithful Canon -Ixus 990 or try the TZ7?? I prefer the Lumix in camera body/controls/menu set out. I often use wide angle and use macro a lot. Not quite so bothered about huge telezooms and even less about video. Panasonic seem so busily concerned with video they spend less time on the actual camera! Does anyone know how the two cameras compare in print quality. I'm in a state of total indecision and need help!!

[Nate]

It all depends on the budget you set for yourself I myself would always pick CANON (no I don't work for them)I use a Canon EOS 350D hopefully upgrading to the Canon EOS 50D this year (BIG FAT SMILE ON MY FACE)you gotta think carefully though as i have heard there is a new canon Powershot coming out in the next couple of months

[Diana]

I am trying to decide between the Ixus 990 and the TZ7 - therefore budget is around £250+. I was hoping someone could compare the two print qualities - there is so much I like about the Lumix except the print quality! I don't like the menu set up on the Canon and they always feel they will slip out of mu hand. . . I have to compromise somewhere!

Thanks for your help though.

[john_g]

If you've got a suitable memory card, why not go into your local friendly camera shop, explain the position, and ask to take a few photos on a TZ7? That way you can take the images home and see whether they look right for you. If you've got two cards, you could shoot the same pictures with the TZ7 and your TZ3.

[Diana]

Sadly no friendly camera shop near me - in fact, no camera shop near me! I live in the middle of nowhere in the Scottish Highlands- stunning (sometimes) but not shopper friendly! I have to rely on reviews. . . people like you, and then hope for the best!

Thanks everso much for your reply though...

[AlexMonro]

Well, there's always Ffordes if you can get to Beauly... click

[Chris Cool]

I have a TZ3 but have always been disappointed in the clarity and sharpness of the images

Strange as it was highly rated.

Most images need some post processing to bring out the best in them

I've printed from my TZ7 and Ixus 85 and they both look good - but then I can make prints look good from any camera really as it's down to the operator and not the tool

The TZ7 is very sharp and I just luv the HD videos - it's also running at the top of the compact pile at the moment

TZ7 zoom range

luminous-landscape reviews the top compact zooms from Fuji, Canon and Panasonic

Panasonic TZ7 comes top again

[alanS]

"I can make prints look good from any camera really as it's down to the operator and not the tool"

I wish I could. I find that with my compacts the image quickly degrades if I start fiddling, often taking on a slightly unreal look before descending into the depths of looking over processed and artificial.

I tend to do as little as possible to compact camera produced JPEG's. I might fiddle if the WB has struggled under artificial lighting and I might crop...but mostly I find that I have to be very careful carrying out further processing on my compact camera JPEG's, considering that they've already been processed by the camera.

[Chris Cool]

"I can make prints look good from any camera really as it's down to the operator and not the tool"

I wish I could. I find that with my compacts the image quickly degrades if I start fiddling, often taking on a slightly unreal look before descending into the depths of looking over processed and artificial.

I tend to do as little as possible to compact camera produced JPEG's. I might fiddle if the WB has struggled under artificial lighting and I might crop...but mostly I find that I have to be very careful carrying out further processing on my compact camera JPEG's, considering that they've already been processed by the camera.

I charge very reasonable rates [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[alanS]

I have few photoshop skills, short arms and deep pockets.

[Nate]

Well im a kind hearted person on the weekend i will go into jesops and see if i can get some pics done off them cameras if they have them in stock and i will report back to you on sunday :-P

[IvorETower]

I have a TZ2 and it produces sharp-enough photos.... might it be cheaper to buy PS Elements7 and sharpen the images a little in that, rather than buying a new camera? Maybe you just have a substandard TZ3?

[Diana]

Will you really???? You are an angel! Awaiting with eager anticipation!!

[Diana]

operator not the tool.....? ouch - that's a bit harsh! In my defence I think - not true. I have rescued my old Powershot A510 from the depths of a cupboard and over a couple of weeks, taken identical shots with each camera - varying conditions and settings. There is a distinct difference in colour and quality - everytime. I then tried to manipulate the TZ3 images (in Ps Elements 6) to equal the Powershots (which I needed to barely touch)without much success. The TZ3 shots in most cases look OK until compared with the Powershot. It particularly fails on macro. I agree with another comment that the less done to JPEG images from a compact, the better. The TZ3 did indeed have good reviews as does the TZ7 . .. but??!! What I really really want is the workings of a Canon in the body of a Lumix!

[Diana]

It would take me around 2 hours to get to Beauly, didn't know there was a camera shop there - do you know the shop? My experience of Highland places is that they make much of things, and don't live up their hype. Could of course then go on to Inverness. It is possible - a long day.

[Diana]

Thank you - I agree absolutely!! You said it all for me!

[AlexMonro]

It would take me around 2 hours to get to Beauly, didn't know there was a camera shop there - do you know the shop? My experience of Highland places is that they make much of things, and don't live up their hype. Could of course then go on to Inverness. It is possible - a long day.

Hi Diana,

Ffordes, near Beauly ( web page - click ) is one of the UK's best regarded 2nd hand photographic equipment dealers, and they do stock quite a wide range of new equipment too. I haven't actually visited them myself, but I do hope to do so the next time I'm visiting the Highlands (a friend lives in Lochcarron on the West coast). It might be worth giving them a call and asking if you could visit and try out a few cameras.

However, with regards to your TZ3, and without wishing to be too harsh, I am wondering if you've been able to fully explore all that it has to offer. From looking at a few reviews, it appears it is a bit limited in the level of manual control available, but have you explored the possibilities of the Color Mode (sic) menu, under the Record Menu? Perhaps the Vivid mode might produce results closer to what you wish. I remember when I first got my Fuji S9500, I was a bit disappointed until I discovered the "Chrome" mode.

I do note that the TZ3 macro mode is not as good as many other compacts, giving at best a 6x4 cm field of view at closest focus at wide zoom. Also, it seems that the autoexposure doesn't always give the best results - it might be worth experimenting with the Metering Mode settings.

I hope that this might help make you happier with your pictures without having to spend too much money!

[Diana]

Hi Alex - I have indeed tried all the colour options. . . and whilst this sometimes improves - depending on the subject of course. . . doesn't wholly solve the problem. I do use the exposure function and histogram most of the time. I was weaned on old SLR's with no auto at all, and have spent sooooo many nights in the darkroom. I'm sure it's not for my lack of knowledge or lack of trying. Perhaps I just expect too much.I have been sucked into the auto mode a wee bit, and the small easy-to-carry-compact. After many hours on the internet and a day in the hills contemplating, I am considering upping the budget, and camera size a wee bit, and getting the Canon G10.Can't go wrong with that surely!

I do appreciate all the feedback you and everyone gives me . . enjoy Lochcarron when you go - not that far away from me - just a wee way as they say!

Diana

[Nate]

Ok so as promised all be it a day late for ease of use the Lumix is a much better size for handling and user friendly the HD feature rocks on it although it is only 10 megapixs compared to the 12 meg canon the lumix also has the fantastic AF TRACKING so if you take pics in night clubs and what not when out on the P??S this feature works well along side the light detection feature which as far as i could tell the canon does not have so although i do LOVE Canon's i would recommend the Lumix you could always check out

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Pr...9650/index.html

there is plenty more info on the lumix if you want it

[Diana]

Thank you so much for all your trouble. . . I have decided not to rush into anything. I am going to Turkey this w/e to visit my daughter and was in a panic to get a camera for then. I have time at Heathrow and am hoping that they will have the cameras there for me to have a look at and handle. If not, I'm sure they will have them in Istanbul somewhere. As for going out on the P**S - if only there were somewhere to do so. . . but the AF tracking would be good for fast moving sheep on the hill . . Heelan' Coos are a better bet - they stand obligingly still and pose . . .sad life I lead! Will let you know what I decide when I get back. I'll be leaving the TZ3 with my daughter, who is dying to get her hands on it - so I will have to make my mind up!!