Since my first digital camera (Canon Power Shot A610) is getting on in years, I have made myself to the search for a successor. Although I am not a professional, but wanted to do something more ambitious in future recordings. That reminds me an SLR still too expensive and the necessary equipment for trips and excursions is too cumbersome, I have decided on a bridge camera.
Plus something first: A bridge camera can indeed everything, but nothing perfect. Those who want to buy such a thing, for the should represent concepts such as ISO, shutter speed and aperture no special knowledge needed to achieve quality results. When shooting in automatic mode, ranging from a small compact camera. Professionals with high demands (and corresponding budget) prefer to engage an SLR.
In the end, there were two bridge cameras to choose from:
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ38 and Canon PowerShot SX 20 is
In some online recessions the Canon was very poorly evaluated, (was strong noise u. Ä. Criticized) where especially the image quality. The Panasonic, however, has been praised to the skies. The truth is of course quite different.
Here equal to a first tip: See the store beforehand and take necessarily into their own hands! For me, several models have failed, because regardless of the performance, operation and processing were very bad (menus confusing, unwieldy and poorly processed housing, ...)
After much back and forth I decided for the following reasons for the Canon:
Processing:
Clear advantage for the Canon. The cabinet is both attractive and has a clean processing without interfering contours; the controls are within easy reach. The Panasonic seems a bit much cheap, especially the plastic housing do not like me.
Power supply:
The Canon uses normal AA batteries. These are everywhere (petrol station, airport, ...) and also on Sundays. Public holidays available. Who AA batteries should be used, however, use those with at least 2500 mAh charge.
The Panasonic uses special battery packs. These are relatively expensive (Ex .: for a spare battery pack gets you 2-3 complete sets AA batteries) and you need a special charger.
Handling:
The housing of both cameras have a similar structure, but the Canon was me personally better in your hand. The Panasonic has but by the use of the battery pack is lighter in weight, which could mean an advantage for people with less arm strength.
Service:
The menu system is similar on both cameras, but the Panasonic hides many functions in complex submenus.
Display:
The Panasonic has a slightly larger and sharper display, which does not, however, be pivoted. This is in my opinion the biggest advantage of the Canon. Shooting at awkward position (eg, at a concert, etc.) are to be made significantly lighter. In addition, the display in the viewer position of state is better protected.
Image quality and zoom:
In summary, the image quality of the Panasonic, at least in the automatic mode is slightly better. Set manual is hardly a difference to notice (exercise and try it!). The Canon has for a stronger optical zoom (20x) than the Panasonic (18x).
Flash:
Here is little difference to remember, however, that Canon has again an advantage to use: there is a flash shoe for an external flash available.
Conclusion:
The Canon has the better overall package in terms what equipment and operation. For this, the Panasonic has a slightly better picture quality and lower weight.
If someone with whom even an amateur at first cope is a practical and high-quality camera is looking, for which the Canon PowerShot SX20IS-is a real recommendation.
