Panasonic Lumix or Sony Cyber-shot

Jeff121

I'm needing a new Camera and have my choice down to 3 models either a Sony Cyber shot DSC-W210 or DSC-W210 but cannot spot any difference in the spec of these 2 cameras? Have I overlooked something? The other camera I like is the Panasonic Lumix FS 15.
The spec looks like much of a muchness between the 3 cameras although I cant see any difference in Sony's W210 & W220.
On first impressions I was going for the Panasonic Lumix but I read on Sony's site that the Sony Cyber shot plays back photo's in HD on HD televisions and that's swaying me towards Sony. The Lens in the Panasonic is Leica, 5 x zoom lens. Wide angle 29mm.5 x optical zoom
Sony is Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens. 4 x optical zoom .8 x digital zoom. Wide angle 35mm lens

There isn't much difference in price between the cameras.

I don't really know very much about Camera's or understand the spec details so would be grateful if someone could advise if one of these cameras is better than another?

Many thanks

BillScarab

I'm biased as I like the Lumix range of cameras.

Personally I'd go for the Lumix as the wide angle on it is much wider which is very useful. Also it's got a slightly better optical zoom. Ignore digital zooms as they're useless.

dunfallinover

I'm also biased toward panasonics , recommend the comparometer link via

imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM(sorry,new user can't post links)

when deciding on image quality . I always look at lens quality , then build quality rather than relying on pixel count . Used dpreview.com for other helpful advice from users . IMHO panasonic front-line new models at a premium , quietly selling off older models at an attractive discount . Thought about looking at rave reviews from 6 to 12 months ago technology hasn't changed that much . Agree disregard digital zoom range pc software does a better job .

£$&*"($£&(

I would tend to favour Panasonic, however when your talking about 12 megapixels crammed into tiny 1/2.3 sensors your relying on who has the best technology to get over the inherent problems of such an equation.

andygb

Try this report on the Sony

http://www.photographyblog.com/news/sony_cyber_shot_w220_w210_and_s950/

I do not think that there is much difference between the two, and I cannot understand why the Panasonic lens has Leica on the front, because all Leica cameras have lenses that are made by Carl Zeiss and not Leica.

Jeff121

Thanks everyone for your advice.
You have made my mind up for me. Your advice on the lens has helped me choose the Panasonic. As I said in my post the spec details don't mean much to me so thanks for pointing out the best camera.

A._Badger

andygb wrote: »

Try this report on the Sony

http://www.photographyblog.com/news/sony_cyber_shot_w220_w210_and_s950/

I do not think that there is much difference between the two, and I cannot understand why the Panasonic lens has Leica on the front, because all Leica cameras have lenses that are made by Carl Zeiss and not Leica.

That's a classic of Internet forum misinformation. Leica cameras use, and always have used, Leica lenses. Indeed, Leica (or Ernst Leitz as the company used to be called) was the pioneer of 35mm still photography early in the 20th C and Leica became the gold standard for lenses in that format. Many believe it still is.

Zeiss was Leica's main rival.

It is, in any case, academic as the names are licensed out to Japanese manufacturers. neither Leica nor Zeiss build the actual lenses on these compact cameras - whatever the branding might try to suggest.

andygb

A._Badger wrote: »

That's a classic of Internet forum misinformation. Leica cameras use, and always have used, Leica lenses. Indeed, Leica (or Ernst Leitz as the company used to be called) was the pioneer of 35mm still photography early in the 20th C and Leica became the gold standard for lenses in that format. Many believe it still is.

Zeiss was Leica's main rival.

It is, in any case, academic as the names are licensed out to Japanese manufacturers. neither Leica nor Zeiss build the actual lenses on these compact cameras - whatever the branding might try to suggest.

I stand corrected, many apologies, and your last point is very relevant for anyone wanting to buy lenses with either of these brand names.
As a matter of interest, are the Zeiss binoculars manufactured in Japan as well (I have a Praktica pair because I am skint)?

camron1102

The Sony T100 has the slim, stylish design and 3 inch screen.

The TZ3 has the wide angle (28mm equivalent) that is good for group shots as well as the 10x optical zoom. It also has a 3 inch screen.

Jake'sGran

I have the Sony and whilst the pictures I take are very good I find that their instructions are awful. It's a book that is quite thick but every time I look up something it tells me to refer to a sheet of instructions that is separate which has made me wonder what the point of the book is.
Just bought a Panasonic TV for a bedroom and it's excellent..and white!
The only white one I could find.