I’m tossing my Kodak 2.0 MP digicam for one of these. I read the other threads on digicams (thanks KK), they were very illuminating :k: It’s come down to one of these now.
Both Canon and the Panny have Optical Image Stabilization, both are 3.2 MP. The Canon has 10x optical zoom, Panny has 12X zoom; and both are in the same price range. I like the design of the Canon better, and would’ve gone for it, but the E18 error talk has got me nervous. Panny seems to be the better choice at this point, what do GS enthusiasts say?
Re: Canon S1 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3?
after looking at the dpreview web site, i’d have to say FZ3.
for me weight matters and FZ3 is over hundred grams lighter. more importantly though, panasonic provides you with a rechargeble Lithium-Ion batteries/charger and the last thing u wanna b doin is buying batteries.
a work colleague bought this a couple of weeks ago and i liked the menu system…straight forwarded and clean.
p.s. the web site i refer to, where i always have gone before buying/comparing cameras, is …
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_s1is%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz3&show=all
Re: Canon S1 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3?
u'd be ok with either one.. pick your important 'must haves' and decide.. these are the main differences in features provided by both cameras:
Panasonic FZ3
Wider zoom.. starts at 35mm and longer reach 420mm
Flash is stronger
Lighter in weight (uses SD card which is a pro or a con depending if u've already invested in Compact Flash instead)
Good macro down to 5cm
Faster fps
USB 2.0 (although it's only Full Speed 12MB/sec not High Speed 480MB/sec)
Live Histogram (I'd go for it just for this!!!)
Leica Optics (dunno if Leica is actually making the glass but it has their blessings and u can't get better than Leica glass.. unless it's Zeiss but i digress).
Canon S1 IS
Larger CCD
Tilt/Swivel LCD
Orientation Sensor
deeper buffer (24 frames)
Uses AA batteries .. (it's a plus people.. u can find these everywhere)
Street Prices.. FZ3 = $325 and Canon S1 IS = $308
Re: Canon S1 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3?
Chat Walla & PA - thanks for your input 
Chat Walla - The lesser weight of the Panasonic is definitely a plus. I intend to buy a second set of rechargeable batteries, so I should be ok, though it would be nice if I could use any AA batteries.
PA - My uncle has the Canon G6, and I absolutely love the swivel LCD, but it’s not enough to make me go for it.. Overall the Panasonic has better features and seems to be more sturdy. I hear you raving about the live histogram, I hadn’t noticed that in the reviews I read, not sure what it’s gonna do for me 
Care to elaborate?
Re: Canon S1 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3?
Cameras that allow you more control over exposure, give you Histograms which are invaluable in determining if you exposed your shot properly. Playback or Review Histograms are shown after the image has been shot, but a Live Histogram is superimposed on the Live Preview on the LCD screen when you're composing the shot. This is a tremendous help in 'predicting' the exposure and being able to adjust and see the resulting outcome before taking the shot.
Re: Canon S1 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3?
^ sounds great! I hate manuals but I'll be reading this one from cover to cover..
The lowest price for the FZ3 online was $306 from AMPhotoworld. But I'm sooo glad I read the store reviews on CNET, coz they are horrendous. I'd rather pay a little more now than regret later. Buydig is offering it for $325 as you said.
Thanks for all your help!