Minolta Z3 or Canon S1 IS, Which one to choose?

[fengwei]

Dear All,

Just wondering which one is better for taking family photos. Basically it's for my brother-in-low. He has two children (twins, almost two years old now) and he wants to buy a camera for taking pics, mostly kids and family members. He asked me for suggestions.

I figured the Z3 and S1 might be good choice for him, 'cause both cameras have quite good features, and performance very fast too. 3mp should be good enough for him.

I only got chances to try these two cameras in stores and at the COMEX, but I never owned one. I myself lean more to the Canon S1 IS.

So if you have one of these, could you please give some suggestions on which one to choose?

Thanks a lot.

Cheers!

[UY79]

Might want to give G500 or G600 a look? Best camera with good colour tones and dynamic range from Minolta. Better results than 10D!

Cheers!

[bwilly]

Z3 comes with anti-shake and use AA batteries..
Good for family usage.
SD card price is also dropping, with one good speed going for around $120-150 (512meg)

[fengwei]

Originally Posted by bwilly Z3 comes with anti-shake and use AA batteries.. Good for family usage. SD card price is also dropping, with one good speed going for around $120-150 (512meg)

S1 IS uses AA batteries, and S1 IS has anti-shake too. Z3 has 4 mega pixel but has this plastic feeling

[fengwei]

Thanks Guys. Actually my brother had a DC before, he wants to have something more powerful . That's why I am looking at these two models.

Looks some Z3 owners already have problem with their cameras, and Z3 does have this plastic feeling. Don't know where S1 IS made (hope it's in JP) but Z3 is made in China (where the quality control really isn't there yet).

I guess I'm gonna let him go with the S1.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Cheers!

[fengwei]

Check out here:

Z3 defects, Report from Tokyo

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=10178392

Another reason not to buy Z3 I guess.

Cheers!

[Xaler]

Originally Posted by fengwei Check out here: Z3 defects, Report from Tokyo http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=10178392 Another reason not to buy Z3 I guess. Cheers!

I have to say that eventhough the Z3 does hang, the way this guy describes it is exaggerating. I haven't got around to updating the firmware though so I can't say if the update helps.

I did try to hang it by turning on 1) continuous AF, 2) continuous shooting mode, and 3) set to the highest resolution and quality. I then shot from a bright to dark area. Mainly, pointing from the sun to undeath the bed.

It slowed down twice (slowed down, not hang). When going into a dark area & after around 10-14 shots. For the former, it's most likely having trouble focusing in a dark area. And the latter problem I suspect is to do with the memory card, it's simply transferring TOO much data for it to handle. In fact the card felt pretty hot after I tried this "little experiment" 4 times.

In both cases, it really isn't the fault of the camera.

By turning off the Continuous AF and setting the resolution/quality lower, the problems seems less likely to occur though I haven't done extensive testing.

Just my $0.02.

[Zenten]

Originally Posted by Xaler I have to say that eventhough the Z3 does hang, the way this guy describes it is exaggerating. I haven't got around to updating the firmware though so I can't say if the update helps. I did try to hang it by turning on 1) continuous AF, 2) continuous shooting mode, and 3) set to the highest resolution and quality. I then shot from a bright to dark area. Mainly, pointing from the sun to undeath the bed. It slowed down twice (slowed down, not hang). When going into a dark area & after around 10-14 shots. For the former, it's most likely having trouble focusing in a dark area. And the latter problem I suspect is to do with the memory card, it's simply transferring TOO much data for it to handle. In fact the card felt pretty hot after I tried this "little experiment" 4 times. In both cases, it really isn't the fault of the camera. By turning off the Continuous AF and setting the resolution/quality lower, the problems seems less likely to occur though I haven't done extensive testing. Just my $0.02.

After updating to v1.01e, Z3 hang no more.

As for picture quality, I personally feel that the Z3 has the edge over the S1 (having used both these cameras). Another advantage the Z3 has over S1, is the ability to quell the flash for close-up shots. And speaking of macro shots, the Z3 can go as close as 1 cm while it is 10cm in the case of S1. Really nice close-ups!!!

[chenchengcai]

Panasonic FZ3 review came out at DPreview..... I guess FZ3 is one of the best ultra zoom now.

*regrets* I bought S1 too soon....

[Xaler]

Originally Posted by Zenten After updating to v1.01e, Z3 hang no more. As for picture quality, I personally feel that the Z3 has the edge over the S1 (having used both these cameras). Another advantage the Z3 has over S1, is the ability to quell the flash for close-up shots. And speaking of macro shots, the Z3 can go as close as 1 cm while it is 10cm in the case of S1. Really nice close-ups!!!

I agree the Z3 is able to take very close macro shots. Several times the lens actually cast a shadow over the subject... and the flash doesn't really help because it too is blocked by the extended lens

Having said that... it's a great camera... very versatile & got Anti-Shake

[Zenten]

Originally Posted by Xaler I agree the Z3 is able to take very close macro shots. Several times the lens actually cast a shadow over the subject... and the flash doesn't really help because it too is blocked by the extended lens Having said that... it's a great camera... very versatile & got Anti-Shake

You could always zoom in for your macro shots. That way there will be no shadows being cast on subject.