Costco still has $279 Panasonic FZ20K 12x zoom 5mp

[pRON aHOLIC]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...d=11099801&search=camera&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Mo=46&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Sp=S&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&N=0&whse=&ViewAll=47&Ntk=All&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=camera&Ntt=camera&No=21&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

[Jem]

pRon,

How does this compare to the Canon S2 IS or Canon S3 IS?

I just purchased a Canon S2 IS from Amazon.com for $299 (for my local Fire Dept.) but am now considering purchasing a new camera for my personal use.

Had heard about the Panasonic, but wasn't sure if it has the same reliability as Canons seem to.

[jimbrady]

I can't see how the FZ7 ($270 shipped) is different, except that it's 6MP and is much more compact than the FZ20: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/a...D=10273773&PID=552179&SID=219233-1-0-ARTICLE-0

I'm tempted.

[pRON aHOLIC]

[quote Jem]pRon,

How does this compare to the Canon S2 IS or Canon S3 IS?

I just purchased a Canon S2 IS from Amazon.com for $299 (for my local Fire Dept.) but am now considering purchasing a new camera for my personal use.

Had heard about the Panasonic, but wasn't sure if it has the same reliability as Canons seem to.
Canon's reliability is pretty high according to consumer reports. Panasonic is also good but not the top 3. I would have to look at the chart again. I have only handles the Panasonic once so I can't really tell you what it is really about. Seems to have a ton of features. The Canon is pretty comfy and fairly compact.

[Maddog]

How would you rate this camera in comparison to the FX07 (with a 28mm lens) and the LX2 (28mm and captures HD video)?

I am torn between keeping it simple and relatively inexpensive and buying the Panny LZ3 or upgrading to the 28mm lens and getting either the FX50, maybe the FX07 or the LX2. I would love to hear your opinions and which one you would choose.

[pRON aHOLIC]

I am not a big video guy so the 28mm would appeal to me. It beats the heck out of those darn wide angle adapters.