Camera Labs

Hi everyone, I've been testing both models for a short while now.

Ahead of our forthcoming reviews, here's a page of results comparing it to the Canon SX20 IS:

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic FZ38 / FZ35 High ISO Noise preview.

If you're interested in their relative video performance, you may also find this page useful:

Canon SX20 IS vs Panasonic FZ38 / FZ35 720p HD video comparison.

Hi Gordon,


Thx for this comparison. I just switched from the FZ28 to the FZ38 a couple of days ago.
I sold my FZ28 to get a Nikon D90 (yes, now people will call me crazy) I woke up the day after realizing that I would miss the fun of the allrounder the Panasonic is. So I went out and bought the new FZ38.

For me the stabilisation is improved alot altogther with other things.
While I was reading some early reviews that commented on the FZ38 being the same cake as the FZ28 but some more video modes, well I absolutely disagree on that one.
While I almost mastered my beloved FZ28 that went around the world with me for a year and more than 10000 clicks I switched to the FZ38.
It is much more than a beefed up FZ28.
There are alot more toys to play with and improvements, or enhancements are found everywhere.

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Hi Luke San, tell us more! What are the new features of the FZ38 / FZ35 that you like / dislike over the older FZ28...

Hi Gordon and other forum users

I have tried it for a couple of days now, meaning 3 hours max sofar so I still don't have a full overview what has changed.
The manual is still where it is, which again is on cd as a pdf file (I really dislike that)

A couple of points

- LCD alot better, viewing angle is simply amazing
- Focus speed is improved alot. No more hunting at all. In 1 snap to the ideal focus and that is it, no back and fwd untill focussed
- stabilizer improved, alot les wobble
- more settings available in almost every mode
- movie mode, perfect sound quality and all the tweaks like saturation, contrast, denoise can also be altered
- different movie modes (manual, priority etc) You can even set the iso value in manual-mode if wanted
- face recognition which is amazing

Absolute dislike

- full burst mode has gone (choice single shot or 3) so you can go into the scene mode and choose high speed and that is max 3MP and probably high iso

If anyone wants to ask me something specific please do so and I will try to answer.

rgrds,


Luke

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Hi

Thanks for posting your views, One Question, can you take a Photo (single shot) whilst Recording a video

Re Dave

Hi Dave,

Just tried, no go.
I betcha you can use the still from the video. Quality is surprisingly good.
rgrds,

Luke

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Hi everyone, I just published my review of the FZ38 / FZ35 here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panas ... FZ35_FZ38/

It includes detailed comparisons against the SX20 IS.

An HD videeo tour will follow soon!

Hello everyone, Im new to the forum. I think this forum and their reviews are just awesome.

Im planning to buy a new camera, Im still undecided between the SX 20 IS and the Lumix FZ35 (in my country)

According to you guys, which might be the best option to buy?

I really like the look of the canon but I have read a lots of reviews and they all mention the FZ35-38 as the winner

Im still undecided, can you help me to chose the rigth camera.

Thank you

Have you read my reviews, and especially the verdict pages which compare them?

I'd also recommend trying them in person if possible.

darkknight, besides the reviews take a look at what actual users are
saying too.
The consensus by all accounts on user review sites have the FZ35
leading by a rather good margin. (i.e. 4.48 vs 4.04).
The SX20 IS is also rated lower (by users) than the FinePix S200EXR
which is also a popular model. It has a user rating of 4.32
(Suggest you read the forums on this site too).

Hello Gordon Laing and dbnnet

Thank you for answering my question. I have read the reviews and I have watched the vids on both cameras but I was still undecided.

Here in my country the SX 20 IS is more commonly found in stores than the FZ35, besides the canon is slighty cheaper than the Lumix

According to Gordon's reviews and many others I have read, and as you have commented dbnnet, the FZ35 is the smartest choice.

I think I'll go for it, I was asking because I didnt want to make a big mistake.

Thank you Gordon and dbnnet for your help

Darkknight, my 2 cents: In my country, the Canon is popular too. In fact the
Nikon superzooms like the P90 are also very popular. Yet the P90 is known
to have many weaknesses yet many people still buy based on the reputation
of their DSLR “brand”. I don’t wish to sound presumptuous, but I do go with
the often repeated saying that many Panasonic customers are serious
enthusiasts who have gone the extra mile and done the research before
taking the plunge. I think Panasonic leverage off this reputation and don’t try
to follow the Sony and Canons of this world etc. as they appear not to be
the typical “over the counter” camera company. As such they are not always
readily available in many stores, even in the large USA and European market.
(In my city, the main Panasonic reseller currently does not have any stock
of the FZ38/35, and you have to be on a waiting list!!)
But the proof as they say is in the eating, and if you read reviews from users
as well as professional reviewers like Gordon, it’s quite rare that you see a
Lumix camera getting a roasting. Having a Leica lens fitted to most of their
cameras certainly helps too

Hey dbnnet, here in my country (Chile) nikon and canon are the most popular brands.

I was also reviewing the nikon P90 but I didnt like most of their features.

Here nikon is very respected as well as canon,mostly as you say, based on their reputation.

I checked the XS 20 IS and the SX1, the P90 and also some fuji FINEPIX reviews but I wasnt sure till now

I think the FZ35 (in my country) is going to be the best choice to buy, based on gordon's review and your help.

I went to the store today and it will be ready in 5 days, so as you say, here this camera isnt readily available.

I think Im taking the right desicion

Thank you for your help

Good choice - You will certainly enjoy this camera

Hope so m8, already bought the camera.

It's going to be here on friday

Thank you for your help