Both are fine cameras so you won't go wrong with either - though I'd go for the Panasonic unless you envisage using it indoors a lot, in which case I'd switch to Canon..

Will you be shooting video much? Think the Canon has stereo sound in video mode which is an advantage..

Alex.

Http://alexandjustine.smugmug.com/..

Bigcurt wrote:.

Canon PowerShot S5.

Or.

Panasonic Lumix FZ8.

I am just a casual picture taker - nothing major at all. However, Iwould like to leave my options open. I am just looking for a camerathat can do whatever I might need it to and do it fairly well forjust casual picture taking. Parties, Weddings, Events, etc would bemy primary use. If you have any other suggestions for a camera I amopen too but just after a little extensive research I found these twoto be the best for me..but which is better as far as you believe?Image quality? If you want to make a suggestion for another camera,please understand that I have a budget of no more than about $350 orso and I must use Dell.com to buy the camera  - Yea, I know..

Thanks so much for anyone that can help. Sorry to be such a pain..

Curt.

P.S. Also, do either one of these camera support wide shots? Wide angle.

No. You can check out specs in the camera database section of this web site.http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcfz8.asphttp://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s5is.asp.

P.S.S.  - ISO? What is the primary use for it? What is the big dealwith it?.

The primary purpose of ISO is to create the exposure along with shutter speed and aperature.http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Exposure/Exposure_01.htm.

It is a big deal because cameras that are capable of high quality ISO (low noise) are desirable because they can capture images in lower light. For example, high ISO 800-3200 with low noise is generally found in DLSRs. Generally, many P&S cameras have low noise ISO in the <200 ISO range. So in a low light situation such as taking a picture indoors a properly exposed picture may require ISO 400-800. In this case, the image quality from a dslr set at 400 or 800 will be noticable better than from a P&S set at the same ISO...

S5IS better value due to swivel LCD (good for flower,pets, street photography & movie clips) & good image quality in low light..

If you need wide angle superzoom then FZ18 is better then others (less distortion/fringing problems & it has Raw mode too.).

Bigcurt wrote:.

Anyone? .

Best Wishes, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612..

Thanks a ton. What if I am able to use the flash a lot indoors with no light? Won't that compensate for the lower ISO?..

I don't think shooting video will be an extreme priority. However, it will be used for parties, friend photos, etc so it will be used indoors a lot. However, using the flash isn't a problem. So, would it really matter?..

Fundamentally the Panasonic has a much noisier sensor ( and a makes matters worse by overdoing noise reduction and loosing more image quality ). Although we've been complaining for years, Panasonic keep doing it..

For this reason the S5 is a better camera. It's a little less noisy and always will be. This means you always have a slight edge on the Panasonic..

Regarding flash..

The Canon S5 can use an external flash instead of it's own flash. This does give it an edge if you feel you might want the option of a powerful flash. The FZ8 cannot do this. Bare in mind external flashes of this type range from moderately priced to hideously expensive..

The S5 is heavier, but I think not cripplingly so. The S5 uses AA ( which I prefer )..

StephenG.

Pentax K100DFuji S5200Fuji E900PCLinuxOS..

Bigcurt wrote:.

Thanks a ton. What if I am able to use the flash a lot indoors withno light? Won't that compensate for the lower ISO?.

Yes...

Bigcurt wrote:.

Canon PowerShot S5.

Or.

Panasonic Lumix FZ8.

I am just a casual picture taker - nothing major at all. However, Iwould like to leave my options open. I am just looking for a camerathat can do whatever I might need it to and do it fairly well forjust casual picture taking. Parties, Weddings, Events, etc would bemy primary use..

If that is all, then I would say both cameras are really overkill. You could be equally happy with a less expensive camera, which would be less weight as well..

Kelly Cook(Canon S3 IS)..

As you want to use lot of flash, S5IS is better due to faster flash recycle. And you can mount external flash on it too if needed..

Bigcurt wrote:.

I don't think shooting video will be an extreme priority. However, itwill be used for parties, friend photos, etc so it will be usedindoors a lot. However, using the flash isn't a problem. So, would itreally matter?.

Best Wishes, Ajayhttp://picasaweb.google.com/ajay0612..