Sony DSC-H2 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7

I am also torn between buying the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 and the Sony CyberShot DSC-H2

I am leaning towards to Panasonic but would like to clarify the following issues.

1. Is the problem with noise at ISO 200 and above really an issue with regards to image quality on the DMC-FZ7. I am not planning to enlarge images much further than 8X10". If this is a problem is there a way to counter it using alternative settings within the camera? Does the Sony DSC-H2 provide a better image quality overall?

2. The CyberShot DSC-H2 only offers jpeg format. Does this matter much given the high resolution offered. I'm not too worried about not having the RAW file format but is it worth having the TIFF format offered by the DMC-FZ7.

3. does anyone know of any sample images from the Sony CyberShot DSC-H2?

Thanks in advance

Neil

1.
Go to this link of sample photos from the FZ7:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fz7_samples.html

There are four photos of the same subject at ISO80, 100, 200 and 400.

You can judge the difference yourself.

1a.
I could not find any sample photos from the H2, but since it has the same lens as the H1, I would expect it to be the same.

H1 sample photos:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sony_h1_samples.html

2.
The TIFF gives you the opportunity to capture photos and have no .jpg compression. "Is it worth having" depends upon how serious you are about getting every ounce of detail into a photo. Most people do not use it.

3.
I have not seen any......try the Sony website, maybe they have some.

...
..
.

Thanks for the info. I will probably go for the Sony H2 which I understand is now available (www.pricerunner.co.uk)

I'm actually off to Japan next week so might wait and see if I can get it cheaper!

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

I have bought the H2 and it does take some really good photos. I am currently using a 1GB sony PSP duo pro Memory stick and haven't come accross any problems. It would be useful if sony elaborated a little on the symptoms!

Neil

There now appears to be a fix for the problems, see http://support.sony-europe.com/DIME/Hotnews/DSCH2/DSCH2.asp?l=nl%20Publieke%20mededeling%20aan%20de%20klanten%20van%20Sony%20Digital%20Still%20Camera%20omtrent%20de%20firmware-update%20van%20de%20Cybershot%20DSC-H2.

Also the problem has been located to occur "only" in units 4500001 until 4532150 (that's 32,150 camera's, hmm...)

Anyway, from another Dutch forum I understand that as long as you use original Sony sticks you're OK. Lexar sticks also seem to work well.

Dutch Ron

Hi,

The true fix on the SanDisk memory stick problem is now posted on http://esupport.sony.com/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=DSCH2&upd_id=2137&os_id=99

This is the US e-support site for Sony. I assume the fix will work on all H2 models, so not just the US ones but it may be best to check this first!

Now that the problem can be fixed the choice for the H2 is a bit easier. Just see how much money's in the pocket!

Dutch Ron

Dutch Ron,

There is a new review out today on this camera.It can be found at:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/H2/H2A.HTM

Dutch John

I finally got the panasonic FZ7 in my hands and did not like the feel, way to light, zoom to touchy. I even waited for the Canon SI, that was a nice feel but I did not like where the zoom control was placed. Was infront and I had to use my index finger.
The sony fit nicely into my hand, and my thumb had control of the zoom. I think I have finally made a desision.
Thank you

Hi,

Just put a 2G into the new (firmware 2) H2 and shooting and shooting

enjoy
yehuda