How does my Panasonic FZ18 compare to my Canon S2IS and other S Series digital cameras? Very, very well!

After selling my S2, I considered buying an S3 or S5. But neither started at 28mm (wide angle) and I wasn’t fond of their viewfinders.

While twiddling my thumbs waiting for Canon to deliver a wide-angle super zoom that many users desire, the Panasonic FZ18 came to market. After weeks of reviewing images and comments of FZ18 owners, I knew it was for me.

I share thoughts and experiences about the FZ18 elsewhere in this blog, so I won’t repeat myself here. What follows is a summary of what I have gained, and given up, by buying the FZ18.

Overall performance

I do not test my cameras in a studio. Comments relate solely to my user experience.

The FZ18 seems faster and more responsive than the S2, though the S2 is no slouch. However, the focus speed is faster on the FZ18, even for most low light shots. The Pany has more focus options, including spot focus, which I sorely missed on the S2.

Size & Weight

Size - The S2 is ever so slightly smaller than the FZ18. Remember, the former has a 12X zoom compared to the Panys 18X zoom. And the Pany is wide angle, the S Series cameras are not.

Weight - The S2 weighs almost the same as the FZ18. However, this is without batteries. If you don’t think the addition of four AA batteries makes the S2 feel considerably heavier, think again. Some prefer the heavier and more substantial feel of the S2. I do not.

Fit & Feel

How a camera feels in one’s hands is very important, and personal.

My initial impression of the S2 was that it was heavy. I returned it for the Panasonic FZ5. However, it felt too light so I returned it and got the S2 again. Despite always feeling it was a tad heavy, I loved its ergonomics and balance.

The FZ18 is slightly heavier and larger than the FZ5, but perfect for me. It is substantial enough to grab onto but you hardly know it’s there when it hangs around your neck. Key buttons are intuitively placed.

Batteries

The FZ18 uses one lightweight proprietary battery. The current S Series digital cameras use four AA batteries.

I used to be sold on the fact that AA batteries were readily available, an important considering for those who travel. But I take lots of photos and became weary of babysitting, charging and carrying around 12 batteries (three sets).

I prefer propriety batteries. They are small and lightweight, as is the charger that plugs directly into the socket (no cord). High quality, third-party proprietary batteries are moderately priced.

Features

Menu system - I’ve always been impressed by Canon’s intuitive menu system; the FZ18 is even more intuitive than the S2. The FZ18 joystick gives quick and easy access to key settings that I frequently use as a photographer.

Image quality - Both offer excellent image quality for prosumer digital cameras. In my opinion, it’s a wash between the two.

Color - What’s not to love about Canon color?! While different, the Panasonic FZ18 color is excellent and accurate. Like the S Series cameras, you can change key FZ18 image parameters, but there are a few less choices: Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation and Noise Reduction.

Speaking of Noise - The Achilles’ heel for Panasonic, especially for pixel peepers, has been the image noise and smearing, even visible at times when shooting at ISO 100. The FZ18 is my third Panasonic digital camera and I can say that the noise problem has improved though if you look at images at 100% you’ll see some noise in some photos taken ISO 100.

Canon still has the edge at the time of this writing. However, for those of us who reduce images inside or barely print larger than 5 x 7” prints, it’s a non-issue. Plus, FZ18 images respond well to noise reduction.

Electronic viewfinder - I find the FZ18 viewfinder to be way much better than current S Series digital cameras. End of discussion.

Spot focusing - The FZ18 has a spot focus option, something I aways missed on the S2. Spot focusing works in a similar way to Spot metering, except that one significantly narrows the focus area, while the other narrows metering area. There were times when the center area focus box on the S2 was just too chubby for precise focusing.

What I’ve given up

Not much really.

The main feature I miss by switching to the FZ18 is the outstanding video mode of the S Series cameras. You can’t zoom while recording video, like you can on S Series cameras. As of this writing, there is just no denying that the Canon S cameras provide the best video, which includes stereo sound.

But the main reason I buy a digital camera is to take still photos.

I also am giving up:

Tilt and twist LCD – a very desirable feature but one I rarely used (it’s great for protecting the LCD when not using the camera). But the FZ18 has a quite effective High Angle mode (if you hold it upside down, you have a low angle mode), which I mention in my TZ3 blog.

Stitch assist mode – there are workarounds; but the vast majority of time, the FZ18’s 28mm/equivalent wide angle lens will suffice. The S Series cameras widest angle is about 35mm/equivalent.

Hot shoe (Canon S5) – not a must have feature for me; a decent external flash costs almost as much as the camera.

Conclusion

I never thought any other camera would come close to my admiration for the Canon S Series digital cameras. I loved using the S2. Truthfully, I don’t miss it.

I shoot primarily at long tele but the ability to take wide-angle shots at the press of a lever is a feature I’ll never give up. For my needs, the FZ18 is a near-perfect digital camera. There is no looking back.