Fabio

I have read a lot of posts on this issue but I still have some open points.

I bought a Panasonic DMC-FZ7 2 years ago, with a 12x optical zoom, 36-432mm equiv and Image Stabilizer. Unfortunately it has broken and due to the fact that its price has dropped by almost 45% in these 2 years now the repairing costs are more or less the same than buying it again new. At this stage and with my limited budget I am now considering new models among one of the following:

Canon Powershot S5 IS, 12x optical zoom, 36-432mm equiv.

Nikon Coolpix P80, 18x optical zoom, 27-486mm equiv.

Both have Image Stabilizer or Vibration Reduction system. I have read good reviews here on this forum about the Canon S5 but this new Nikon P80 looks more performing for the zoom. My concern is now whether using the maximum of the 18x optical zoom without a tripod I could still get acceptable pics of distant predators..

cary999

I like the P80 for its better low range 27mm vs 36mm. That is a very noticeable difference for wider angle photos. While the high end at 486mm is hardly 10% higher. Sounds good on paper but not really any difference. Your photos at full zoom with either camera will depend mostly on your holding (it steady) ability.

How about movies? Are you interested in using the camera for short videos?

The deciding factor for me would likely be how the electronic viewfinder works for me. I'd try and find the cameras and play with them.

regards - tom
ps - a new Canon S6 is rumored. If you can hold off a bit the S5 may be heavily discounted.

Fabio

Hi Tom

Thanks for your reply.

We are leaving in 3 weeks only to northern Tanzania and Masai Mara. I do not have much time for practice so I can only rely on my previous holding steady experiece with the 12x Panasonic F7.
It is a good point that the 18x 486mm is only a 10% higher than the 12x 432mm, so not muc difference !
My son is taking videos with a 40x opt zoom Sony camcorder and with a tripod, whenever possible, while I will take the pics. We did the same last year in Kruger and Sabi Sands. I definitely could not miss movies of wildlife !!

So you suggest to use the viewfinder rather than the LCD monitor ? Which are the pros and cons ?

Prices: are higher here in EU than in US !!

on the web:

S5 Euro 277.00
P80 Euro 312.00

p.s. did you feel the earthquake in your Orange County this morning ?

all the best !!

fabio

cary999

Indeed I felt the earthquake here in beautiful Orange County California!!!! When it started I sat down and just kept thinking I sure hope it doesn't keep getting worse.

I also love little short video clips of wildlife activity. And I take an old Canon S2 for those.

Using viewfinder versus using the back LCD. I can not hold a camera steady by looking at the back LCD. I have to have the camera jammed up against my nose and forehead. And, I'm too lazy to mess with a tripod or monopod. A jittery camera is the almost always the cause of unsharp photos.

FWIW, I don't know what you do or want to do with your photos and videos but I've been putting a selection of mine on DVD. Making a DVD that plays on TV just like a movie. Good way to share photos/videos with friends. I use the program "Proshow Producer" to make the DVDs. Proshow is very flexible in how you put together your show and even has basic cropping, zooming and color corrections. Plus a million other options.

Have a great safari, write us a report with photos. I'll be leaving on my safari as you are getting back

regards - tom

LynnieD

I have the Canon S5IS and also it's predecessor. While I've not been on safari, I can vouch for the quality of the pics, the image stability and the zoom.

I have found that I need a tripod for the zoom, but just take along one of those twisty ones you can get at REI and they work just fine.

Fabio

Thanks to all of you.

After having read not completely positive reviews on the Nikon P80 in some circumstances and considered the relatively limited 12x zoom of the Canos S5 I have opted again for a Panasonic Lumix DMC. The new FZ28 model, on sale here from august at around Eur 400, let the price of the previous model FZ18 decrease down to Eur 259 so I got this one !

18x optical zoom, 28-504mm equiv, Leica lenses !

As I got already used to my FZ7 I do not have to spend too much time to practice with it ! Just received the camera this morning ! We are leaving in only 10 days to Tanzania and Kenya !

I will write a trip report as usual once back with the link to our shared album with the pics taken with this camera !

cary999

Sounds great Fabio. Thanks for getting back and letting us know what you decided. Great zoom range on that camera. Looking forward to reading your trip report and seeing photos.

regards - tom

atravelynn

I'll be interested in what that 18x optical does for you. Very up close and personal. Have a wonderful trip and get some practice in with your new camera.

Patty

Have a great time, Fabio! Looking forward to your report and pics.

Fabio

The same Optical Image Stabilizer that I had on the FZ7 (12x)worked fine. Here I see that at 17x it is still fine whle at 18x a little jitter may come out ! I have to keep it very steady or trying to use the little pocket tripod that I have or the larger one that we will use also for the camcorder but you know better than me how it is hard when sitting on a vehicle and having moving wildlife !!

I will post our pics but please do not expect too much as of quality ! I wished I could have time and patience to learn how to use a Canon or Nikon SLR with 75-300mm or 100-400mm lens !
In the meantime it seems my camera is a good compromise !

thanks LynnieD, tom, Lynn and Patty

cary999

Hey Fabio- It is the Indian not the arrows.
Have a great time. Counting 22 days until my turn

regards - tom

sniktawk

Fabio

You have made the right choice!