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General discussion

Fugi Finepix z100fd or Panasonic Lumix lz8? First purchase!

Jun 6, 2008 12:43AM PDT

Hello, I'm deciding between a Fugi Finepix z100fd or Panasonic Lumix lz8. I like the fact that they are both 5x optical zoom and both seem to have great video capability (Fuji in AVI, Panasonic in QT).

I noticed the Panasonic has a telescopic lens, AF assist lamp and it seems the only other difference is the video format.

Any help is greatly appreciated as this is my first digital camera purchase.

Discussion is locked

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Re: Fugi Finepix z100fd or Panasonic Lumix lz8? First purcha
Jun 6, 2008 1:49AM PDT
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Correction to previous post.
Jun 6, 2008 1:53AM PDT
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Fujifilm Z100fd - Panasonic LZ8
Jun 6, 2008 1:54AM PDT
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Thanks for the quick reply.
Jun 6, 2008 2:06AM PDT

Thank you for replying so fast! I've read those reviews (and 100 others) and both cameras look good.

What about the difference in the telescopic lens, AF assist lighting and difference in video modes? I literally know nothing about them and since this is a big $ purchase for me I'm looking into it as much as possible.

If each camera was exactley the same I would go with the flatter one so it fits better in my pocket. But I don't want to pay more for less either.

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Other differences
Jun 6, 2008 2:37AM PDT

Telescopic lens just means that the lens extends when you turn-on the camera and collapses when you turn off the camera.
The Fujifilm camera lens is a new design that keeps all of the lens inside the case.

No particular advantage to either method, except the internal lens permits the camera case to be thinner.

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AF assist lighting means that a small light will shine on the people when you take a portrait. This provides for faster focus in dim light conditions.

Most camera reviewers prefer AF assist.

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Video specifications indicate that the Fujifilm camera will produce 640x480 videos (standard for most cameras).
The Panasonic can produce standard video images and wide-screen videos.

If you have wide-screen TV, the Panasonic has the advantage.

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