Camera Labs

Gordon, first of all congrats on a great site. It really has been the most helpful in helping me choose the right camera, especially with the Sony H9 review which compares it with the Panasonic FZ8.

Here's the thing: I have to buy a camera in the next 2 weeks (before I go overseas) and I'm really tossing up between the H9 and the FZ8. Your comparison review was fantasic and clearly shows that the FZ8 has superior image quality but the faster than average focus and extra wide angle lens of the Sony may just sell me anyway, especially if there are other annoyances with the Panasonic which you couldn't mention in the H9 review. So I was wondering when the full review of the FZ8 will be available? Soon I hope!

Hi sambuffdude, welcome to the Cameralabs forums!

We are planning an FZ8 full review, although I can't guarentee it will be published in your timeframe!

We do compare their features in the H9 verdict page though. Basically the biggest problems concerning the FZ8 as far as I'm concerned are:

1: wide angle isn't very wide.

2: no flip out screen.

3: noise artefacts visible even at 100 ISO - but then it is better than the H9 there!

So if you're happy with the lens and the fixed screen, the FZ8 is great value for money. But if you want something wider and or prefer flip out screens, then consider the Sony - which also has faster focusing too. But it is more expensive...

Gordon

Thanks Gordon, I'll keep an eye on the reviews page but it sounds like the FZ8 is the way to go.

Hi Sambuffdude, just a quick note to let you know we've posted our Panasonic FZ8 review here:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/PanasonicFZ8/

Hope it's useful!

Gordon