New Panasonic Compacts at DVinfo.net

Imran Zaidi · February 10th, 2005, 12:38 PM

Just read this and thought it was pretty neat. Panasonic just revealed a couple of new compact point-and-shoots. I'm in the market for one myself right now and was about to pick up the Canon S410, but then I read this....

http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1107876282.html

Some interesting things...

- image-stabilised 6x optical zoom
- there's no optical viewfinder, only a 2 inch LCD.
- 1/2.5" CCD
- 4.23 megapixels (total) 4.00 megapixels (effective)
- 14MB Built-in memory (I guess for if you're in a pinch and run out of card space)

It's a hair bigger than the Canon S410 - 4.0x2.5x1.3 vs the Canon’s 3.43x2.24x1.09 - but man this little cam packs quite a punch.

Dylan Couper · February 10th, 2005, 06:35 PM

I'm impressed by the zoom and the IS. However, anything bigger than the S### digital cameras is too big to put happily in a pocket. After testing out an SD400, the S500 feels too big too now.

Big downfall for me is only a 320x240 video mode and uses AA batteries.

Still... Hmmm..... 6x zoom + IS....

Imran Zaidi · February 11th, 2005, 10:21 PM

I'm itching to see a good review - the proof in the pudding. The Canon S410/S500 take amazing shots for what they are, and I've always loved Canon's tones, even in those normally ugly night-time situations. The Panny will have a lot to prove. I'm hoping the larger CCD of the Panny will result in better color and less noise - it's all in the onboard software I guess.

The AA batteries thing is a bonus for me - non proprietary, plus I've gone tons of rechargeables ready to go already. And in a pinch, you can always stop off at a convenience store and grab some new batteries.

Dylan Couper · February 12th, 2005, 12:15 AM

I think AA's in a digital camera are either a love 'em or hate 'em situation.

I *know* they make more sense than proprietary batteries, but I can't help but hate them. :)

Tommy Haupfear · February 12th, 2005, 10:14 PM

I was never a fan of rechargeable AAs until I got some 2500mAh NiMH Energizers. They continue to amaze me.

Just a side note with NiMH rechargeable batteries. If you're going to get "D" cells make sure to get the heavy ones (8500mAh)! The light ones (2200mAh) are nothing more than AAs rapped in a "D" housing and are exhausted way too quickly in high drain devices such as infant swings (and I have twin 9mo boys!!!).

Imran Zaidi · February 13th, 2005, 11:25 AM

Agree completely about the Energizers - I've had great experiences with them, and I used to be really skeptical of rechargeables too.

February 10th, 2005, 12:38 PM	#1
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	New Panasonic Compacts Just read this and thought it was pretty neat. Panasonic just revealed a couple of new compact point-and-shoots. I'm in the market for one myself right now and was about to pick up the Canon S410, but then I read this.... http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1107876282.html Some interesting things... - image-stabilised 6x optical zoom - there's no optical viewfinder, only a 2 inch LCD. - 1/2.5" CCD - 4.23 megapixels (total) 4.00 megapixels (effective) - 14MB Built-in memory (I guess for if you're in a pinch and run out of card space) It's a hair bigger than the Canon S410 - 4.0x2.5x1.3 vs the Canon’s 3.43x2.24x1.09 - but man this little cam packs quite a punch.

February 10th, 2005, 06:35 PM	#2
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I'm impressed by the zoom and the IS. However, anything bigger than the S### digital cameras is too big to put happily in a pocket. After testing out an SD400, the S500 feels too big too now. Big downfall for me is only a 320x240 video mode and uses AA batteries. Still... Hmmm..... 6x zoom + IS.... __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

February 12th, 2005, 12:15 AM	#4
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I think AA's in a digital camera are either a love 'em or hate 'em situation. I know they make more sense than proprietary batteries, but I can't help but hate them. :) __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

February 11th, 2005, 10:21 PM	#3
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	I'm itching to see a good review - the proof in the pudding. The Canon S410/S500 take amazing shots for what they are, and I've always loved Canon's tones, even in those normally ugly night-time situations. The Panny will have a lot to prove. I'm hoping the larger CCD of the Panny will result in better color and less noise - it's all in the onboard software I guess. The AA batteries thing is a bonus for me - non proprietary, plus I've gone tons of rechargeables ready to go already. And in a pinch, you can always stop off at a convenience store and grab some new batteries.

February 12th, 2005, 10:14 PM	#5
Tommy Haupfear Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 1,415	I was never a fan of rechargeable AAs until I got some 2500mAh NiMH Energizers. They continue to amaze me. Just a side note with NiMH rechargeable batteries. If you're going to get "D" cells make sure to get the heavy ones (8500mAh)! The light ones (2200mAh) are nothing more than AAs rapped in a "D" housing and are exhausted way too quickly in high drain devices such as infant swings (and I have twin 9mo boys!!!).

February 13th, 2005, 11:25 AM	#6
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	Agree completely about the Energizers - I've had great experiences with them, and I used to be really skeptical of rechargeables too.