UKC

Hi,

Trying to decide between Panasonic Lumix TZ30 and Sony Cybershot HX20.

Heart says Panasonic, but head says Sony, as follows:

TZ30 seems slightly nicer to hold, I prefer the flash being fixed and it has a nicer waterproof box for underwater. Also does HD video.

HX20 has better resolution (18.2Mp v 14.1Mp) and has a better sensor (CMOS v CCD), so better in low light.

I know people with both and both seem equally happy with them, so it's tricky.

Any opinions, or anything else I should consider? I don't really want the size of a bridge camera, can't really justify the CSC options and don't really want a dSLR.

Thanks,

In reply to LastBoyScout:

Seems the HX20 does also do HD movies - some confusion on comparison sites.

My wife has just had a Fujifilm with the "EXR" mode. It's one mode that detects the scene and chooses the profile automatically. No buggering around with portrair, landscape, etc. It's basically the antithesis of an SLR. We paid about £100 for it, it was reviewed late 2012 at £230 as a good camera for 2013 - so very pleased with the price, which had dropped because a new model arrived.

In reply to LastBoyScout: Sony for loads of low light stuff, Panasonic for brilliant sunlight. Done loads of testing on this subject for work. Sony is REALLY good in low light, kept up with a football match at night (5 a side, not Old Trafford flood lit). Took the Panasonic to 20-20 in the summer and the images are fantastic, sharper than the Sony for sure, less than great in low light though.

In reply to Philip:

Yep they are pretty good for a low cost small package, those Fuji ones. I had the F300EXR for a while, sold it on in the end because I got drawn into the dubious world of pixel-peeping and decided that it wasn't up to scratch (really I just needed a quick £90 and a mate needed a decent camera...)
This lot, whilst not exactly SLR quality, was mostly taken at the 360mm-equivalent end of the zoom, ASA 800 or 1600, no flash.
http://bit.ly/VA5HW8

I was impressed at what you can get away with these little cameras these days!

In reply to LastBoyScout:

Bought Panasonic in the end - there were a couple of things about the Sony that would annoy me.