Pros and cons of Z3 vs Canon IS S1

[Magixuser2]

I dont want to start a flame war between the 2 sides. I just want to know the pros and the cons. No replies like "Canon SUCK" or "Minolta RULZ" please

[deslim27]

Originally Posted by Magixuser2 No replies like "Canon SUCK" or "Minolta RULZ" please

Canon RULZ can? j/k

I would like hear the comparison too..

[morganoh]

I own the Z3 and Played with the canon before.

To me the most important is the Z3 can focus better under low light conditions

[Magixuser2]

OK I searched the net for there respective features:

Minolta Z3
Sensor
• 1/2.5" Type CCD
• 4.2 million pixels total
• 4.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 2272 x 1704
• 1600 x 1200
• 1280 x 960
• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 Fine (15 / 30 fps) = max (19 / 9 sec)
• 640 x 480 Standard (15 / 30 fps) = max (28 / 14 sec)
• 320 x 240 Standard (15 / 30 fps) =max (58 / 30 sec)
• All with audio
• Night capture mode available
File formats
• Still: JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
• Movies: MOV (Motion JPEG)
Lens
• 35 - 420 mm equiv. (12x optical zoom)
• F2.8 - F4.5
Image stabilization CCD-shift 'Anti Shake'
Focus distance
• Normal: (wide) 0.6 m - Infinity, (tele) 2.0 m - Infinity
• Macro: (wide) 10 cm
• Super-macro: (wide) 1 cm
Focus modes
• Single shot AF
• Continuous AF (with predictive focus control)
• Full time AF
• Manual focus
Auto focus areas
• 5-point Wide Focus Area
• Spot focus area
Metering
• Multi-segment (256 segments)
• Center-weighted
• Spot
ISO sensitivity
• Auto
• ISO 50
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
Exposure compensation
• +/- 2.0 EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Shuttter speed
• Program AE / Aperture priority: 4 - 1/1000 sec
• Shutter priority / manual: 15 - 1/1000 sec, Bulb (max 30 sec)
• Scene modes: 2 - 1/1000 sec
Exposure modes
• Programmed AE
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual
• Scene modes
Exposure bracketing
• 3 frames
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV steps
White balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Flash
• Manual
Self timer 2 or 10 sec
Continuous shooting
• Normal: 2.5 fps (5 frames @ 2272 x 1704 ; Standard)
• Ultra High Speed: 10 fps (15 frames @ 1280 x 960)
• Progressive mode: (stores last frames captured instead of first)
Image parameters
• Contrast (3 levels)
• Sharpness (3 levels)
• Color mode (2 levels, b&w, sepia)
Flash
• Pop-up (electronic)
• Modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill flash, Slow sync
• Compensation: +/-2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
• External flash: hot-shoe
Viewfinder
• Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
• 0.3", 118,000 pixels
LCD monitor
• 1.5" TFT LCD
• 78,000 pixels
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 (full-speed only)
• A/V out
• DC-IN
Storage
• Secure Digital
• 16 MB SD card supplied
Power
• 4 x AA batteries
• NiMH recommended (Alkaline supplied)
Weight 335 g (11.8 oz)
Dimensions 109 x 80 x 84 mm (4.3 x 3.1 x 3.3 in)

[Magixuser2]

cont..

For Canon PowerShot S1 IS specifications

Sensor
• 3.34 megapixel (total) CCD
• 3.2 million effective pixels
• 1/2.7" Type (click here)
• RGB Color Filter Array
Image processor DIGIC with iSAPS
Image sizes
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 1024 x 768
• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480, Fine, 30 fps
• 640 x 480, 15 fps
• 320 x 240, 15 fps
• Length limited only by storage (streaming)
• With audio
Image formats
• JPEG (EXIF 2.2) - Super Fine, Fine, Normal
Lens
• 10x optical zoom, Image Stabilized
• 38 - 380 mm equiv.
• F2.8 - F3.1
• 11 elements in 9 groups, 1 aspherical element
• USM (ultrasonic motor) zoom, multi-speed
• Bayonet fitting for optional add-on lenses / hood
Digital zoom Yes, smooth up to 3.2x
Focusing
• TTL
• Center Area AF
• FlexiZone AF/AE area selection
• Single / Continuous AF
• Manual focus
• Focus bracketing
• 10 cm minimum focus range (macro)
AF Assist lamp No
Shooting mode
• Auto
• Program AE
• Shutter priority AE
• Aperture priority AE
• Manual
• Custom
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Night Scene
• Fast Shutter
• Slow Shutter
• Stitch Assist
• Movie
Metering
• Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot
Sensitivity
• Auto
• ISO 50
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
Shutter speed
• Program AE/Aperture Priority: 1.3 - 1/2000 sec
• Shutter priority/Manual: 15 - 1/2000 sec
• Automatic noise reduction for exposures of 1.3 sec or slower
Shutter priority 15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/25, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/60, 1/80, 1/100, 1/125, 1/160, 1/200, 1/250, 1/320, 1/400, 1/500, 1/640, 1/800, 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1600, 1/2000
* See limitations below
Shutter speed max limitations
• Wide, F2.8 - F5.0: 1/1250 s, F5.6 - F8.0: 1/2000 s
• Tele, F3.1 - F5.6: 1/1250 s, F6.3 - F8.0: 1/2000 s
Aperture priority
• Wide: F2.8, F3.2, F3.5, F4.0, F4.5, F5.0, F5.6, F6.3, F7.1, F8.0
• Tele: F3.1, F3.5, F4.0, F4.5, F5.0, F5.6, F6.3, F7.1, F8.0
Manual exposure
• Any combination of shutter speed and aperture above
• No Bulb mode
AE Lock Yes, press meter button with shutter release half-pressed
Exposure compen. -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing
• 3 images
• +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 EV
White Balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Flash
• Custom
WB fine tune No
Color space sRGB
Photo Effects
• Vivid
• Neutral
• Low Sharpening
• Sepia
• Black & White
• Custom
Image parameters
• Contrast: -, 0, +
• Sharpness: -, 0, +
• Saturation: -, 0, +
Continuous 1.7 fps, up to 24 frames
Timelapse
• Interval: 1 - 60 mins
• Shots: up to 100
Flash
• Built-in, pop-up (electronic)
• Auto, Manual on/off
• Red-eye reduction: on/off
• Slow sync: on/off
• Range (ISO 100): W 1.0 - 4.2 m (3.3 - 13.8 ft), T 1.0 - 3.8 m (3.3 - 12.5 ft)
• Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps
Flash X-Sync 1/250 sec max.
External flash No
Tripod mount Yes, metal
Self-timer 2 or 10 sec delay
Remote control Yes, optional wireless (WL-DC100)
Video out Yes, selectable NTSC / PAL
Storage
• Compact Flash Type I or Type II (Slot 2)
• IBM Microdrive supported
• FAT32 supported (cards >2 GB)
Storage included 32 MB Compact Flash card
Viewfinder
• Electronic Viewfinder
• 114,000 pixels
• 100% coverage
• Dioptre adjustment (-5.5 to 1.5 dpt)
LCD
• 1.5" TFT, 114,000 pixels
• 100% coverage
• Tilt, twist and swivel ('Vari-angle')
Histogram display
• Record review
• Playback
Direct print
• Canon Compact Photo Printers and Bubble Jet Printers with direct print
• PictBridge compatible printers
Other features
• Sound memo (up to 60 sec)
• Histogram
• Orientation sensor
• Playback zoom 2x - 10x
Connectivity
• USB 1.1
• A/V out
• DC-IN
Power
• 4 x AA batteries (NiMH recommended)
• (Optional AC adapter)
Weight (no batt) 370 g (0.8 lb)
Weight (inc. batt) 469 g (1.0 lb)
Dimensions 111 x 78 x 66 mm (4.4 x 3.1 x 2.6 in)

[Magixuser2]

To sum it up:

Minolta Z3 vs. Canon S1 IS

4 Mega Pixel vs 3.2 Mega Pixel
12x Optical Zoom vs 10x Optical Zoom
CCD-shift (Anti-shake) vs USM (ultrasonic motor)
1.3 - 1/2000 sec vs 4 - 1/1000 sec
1.5" TFT LCD 78,000 pixels vs 1.5" TFT, 114,000 pixels
USB 2.0 (full-speed only) vs USB 1.1
4 x AA batteries vs 4 x AA batteries
Weight 335 g vs Weight 370 g
Dimensions: 109 x 80 x 84 mm vs 111 x 78 x 66mm
Storage • Secure Digital vs Compact Flash Type I or II IBM Microdrive supported

[zaren]

Originally Posted by Magixuser2 To sum it up: Minolta Z3 vs. Canon S1 IS 4 Mega Pixel vs 3.2 Mega Pixel 12x Optical Zoom vs 10x Optical Zoom CCD-shift (Anti-shake) vs USM (ultrasonic motor) 1.3 - 1/2000 sec vs 4 - 1/1000 sec 1.5" TFT LCD 78,000 pixels vs 1.5" TFT, 114,000 pixels USB 2.0 (full-speed only) vs USB 1.1 4 x AA batteries vs 4 x AA batteries Weight 335 g vs Weight 370 g Dimensions: 109 x 80 x 84 mm vs 111 x 78 x 6 mm Storage • Secure Digital vs Compact Flash Type I or II IBM Microdrive supported

based on ur summary,i would score as follows;
z3 s1
1 0
1 0
1/2 1/2
0 1 (4 secs more impt to me than 1/2000s)
0 1
1 0
1/2 1/2
1 0
0 1
0 1

Total: 5 -5

it's a TIE!!!

[Magixuser2]

Originally Posted by zaren based on ur summary,i would score as follows; z3 s1 1 0 1 0 1/2 1/2 0 1 (4 secs more impt to me than 1/2000s) 0 1 1 0 1/2 1/2 1 0 0 1 0 1 Total: 5 -5 it's a TIE!!!

Now the deciding factor........ is PRICE

How much for the 2 cameras??

[Prismatic]

Z3 is around $760 but no promo now.
S1 is around $860 with a 128mb CF I think.

And Antishake vs USM?
Shouldn't it be AS vs IS??

Anyway, I like the Z3 simply for the fast focusing and over-all fast operations.

[Magixuser2]

Originally Posted by Prismatic Z3 is around $760 but no promo now. S1 is around $860 with a 128mb CF I think. And Antishake vs USM? Shouldn't it be AS vs IS?? Anyway, I like the Z3 simply for the fast focusing and over-all fast operations.

for S1 IS,

http://www.canon.com/technology/deta...ift/index.html

Correcting Camera Shake by Moving the Corrective Lens in 0.002 seconds

Camera shake refers to delicate vibrations of the camera when it is held in the photographer's hand. When the camera moves, the lens moves together with it, leading to the movement of the image. If, therefore, the lens moves independently to cancel the movement of the camera, the image on the film will not move. Canon developed its image stabilizer system for this purpose. With two vibrating gyroscopes to detect vertical and horizontal movements, the camera shake is detected; the corrective optical system is moved in parallel with the film plane in accordance with the amount of the camera shake, and the light is refracted in the appropriate direction to cancel the image vibration. The response time from the detection of camera shake to the drive of the corrective optical system is only 2/1,000 seconds. The correcting effect is about 2 steps* in terms of shutter speed. With a lens of 300mm focal length, the camera shake can be prevented in even 1/60 second.


for Z3,



CCD-Shift Anti-Shake Function
The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 is the first Z-series model to include Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake function. This gives photographers unprecedented control and accuracy when taking pictures in low light situations, as well as when fully-extending and hand-holding the camera's 12x optical zoom lens. The high-precision CCD-shift method employs the proprietary Smooth Impact Drive Mechanism (SIDM), in which angular velocity sensors detect the degree of shaking and move the CCD to compensate for and correct this. The SIDM enables compensation to minimize the effect of camera shake at 2-3 shutter speeds slower than on cameras without an Anti-Shake function*2 (equivalent to 2-3 exposure increments). The DiMAGE Z3 can correct shaking without increasing shutter speed and raising ISO sensitivity, factors which increase image noise. In addition, users won't see the deterioration in image quality usually associated with electronic anti-shake systems. The CCD-shift method doesn't require extra correction lenses like optical anti-shake systems, so the DiMAGE Z3's body is compact and lightweight. The DiMAGE Z3's anti-shake system is effective in correcting both the fine movement of pressing the shutter-release button and the larger and slower movements of the user's body.

[Magixuser2]

Originally Posted by Prismatic Z3 is around $760 but no promo now. S1 is around $860 with a 128mb CF I think. And Antishake vs USM? Shouldn't it be AS vs IS?? Anyway, I like the Z3 simply for the fast focusing and over-all fast operations.

OK, corrected.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by Prismatic Z3 is around $760 but no promo now. S1 is around $860 with a 128mb CF I think. And Antishake vs USM? Shouldn't it be AS vs IS?? Anyway, I like the Z3 simply for the fast focusing and over-all fast operations.

i do agreed that Z3 will be faster then S1.
i using the Z2 myself... i feel that it is faster then S1 alreadi, wif the Z3 anti shake tech.. it will be better choice but, do aware of the batt. consumption due to the "image stabliser"

[denizenx]

the AS can be turned off? or inbuilt?
anyway it takes only minolta flash right?

[morganoh]

I was very surprise that the Z3 can take around 130 and more shots with the supplied Alkaline batt.

I do not think that other brand can do so.

Originally Posted by jnet6 i do agreed that Z3 will be faster then S1. i using the Z2 myself... i feel that it is faster then S1 alreadi, wif the Z3 anti shake tech.. it will be better choice but, do aware of the batt. consumption due to the "image stabliser"

[morganoh]

Yes the AS is built in, on the CCD.

And it can be turn off, AS only during exp, or AS during display and exp.

It can take mezt flash as well just as long it has the minolta adapter.

Originally Posted by denizenx the AS can be turned off? or inbuilt? anyway it takes only minolta flash right?

[denizenx]

from my minolta Xt I got favorable impression of their cams heh...
Z3 *gian*

[deslim27]

Originally Posted by zaren based on ur summary,i would score as follows; z3 s1 1 0 1 0 1/2 1/2 0 1 (4 secs more impt to me than 1/2000s) 0 1 1 0 1/2 1/2 1 0 0 1 0 1 Total: 5 -5 it's a TIE!!!

+1 for Z3, it has flash shoe for accessories flash.

[tokrot]

Er... why no Fz10 (12X OPTICAL) comparsion too? I read up about Panasonic Optical Stablisation.. Looks very interesting too. Btw is there an upcoming F210? Thanks..

[deslim27]

Originally Posted by tokrot Er... why no Fz10 (12X OPTICAL) comparsion too? I read up about Panasonic Optical Stablisation.. Looks very interesting too. Btw is there an upcoming F210? Thanks..

FZ-20 I think? It has a F2.8 constant aperture to begin, but its price tag..

[tchuanye]

FYI from DP review:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons1is/page8.asp

Comparison cameras:

Canon PowerShot S1 IS (3.2 MP, 10x zoom)
Fuji FinePix S5000 Zoom (3.1 MP, 10x zoom)*
Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 (3.2 MP, 8x zoom)
Panasonc DMC-FZ10 (4 MP, 12x zoom)


Conclusion:
"It is slightly difficult to comment on the perfomance of a camera that is, essentially, in a class of its own (3MP, 10x stabilized zoom). The good, though hardly surprising news is that the S1 IS is producing images of considerably higher resolution than its predecessor the Pro 90 IS, though we're not talking about a quantum leap here. In fact, the S1 IS produced slightly dissapointing results - certainly not class-leading - and you don't need to look very hard to see just how much more fine detail the similarly-priced Panasonic FZ10, for example, is capturing (albeit with 30% more pixels). That said, the S1 IS certainly outperforms the only other 10x zoom, 3MP camera here (the Fuji FinePix S5000), and compares well with the KM DiMAGE Z10 (which only has an 8x zoom). But ultimately the relatively low pixel count combined with the compromises involved in producing a compact 10x zoom lens seriously limit the amount of fine detail you can expect to capture.This is going to have a significant impact on how large you can print your pictures if you want them to look nice and crisp."