trying to decide between Canon Powershot S2IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1K, what do you recomend?

I am a real beginner in this matter (this will be my first camera), and after a lot of research, I think I would go either with one or the other (because of the image stabilized zoom), but I would really like to know which one is better (I found more good reviews for Canon than for Panasonic)...

Thank you!!.. I am really looking for a camera that takes good, clear, quick pictures as I still cannot convince my 1 year old kid to stay still... and although I don't understand ANYTHING about cameras technical issues, i think you convinced me to buy the Canon...

Hi Sandy, I was in the same boat. Novice who wants to take great family pictures.

The cool thing about the S2 IS (or newer model S3 IS) and the TZ1 is that they both zoom during filming! This is pretty rare in smaller cameras because the zoom tends to make so much noise. The movie mode was important to me because I didn't want to get a camera and a camcorder (for family movies), and was looking for a combo. I wanted to capture the sledding down the hill and zoom in on that great smile at the end! I want to film my son getting a special presentation next month. But I also just want to take good photos.

I went with with TZ1 over the S2/S3 because: (1) it is more point-and-shoot - I had read that you need to know something about settings to get the S2/S3 to take good pictures and I didn't feel experienced enough to cope with those photo complexities - yet, (2) it is small enough to put in a a jacket pocket and so more available to capture those special moments, (3) I thought that I would look pretty silly with a super-macho camera when I wouldn't know an f-stop if I fell over one :)

The S2/S3 is a great camera (although movie mode is limited to 1gb ~ 8 minutes at a time, but you can take as many 8 minutes movies as you want), it has a separate movie button, and you have way more control - if you are prepared to put in the time and effort to learn more photo skills.

From want you appear to be looking for - an easy-to-use camera that will capture those special fleeting memories, and is fast enough to capture a running child - the TZ1 sounds like a better choice than the S2/S3.

This is if you also want movie mode with sound and zoom. Note: both shoot VGA (640 x 480 pixels) at 30fps rate. The TZ1 also shots movies at wide-aspect (848 x 480 pixels) - not sure about the S2/S3. BOTH also have image stabilization, which is vital to make this sort of thing work. BUT, if movie mode with sound and zoom is NOT important to you, then you have a whole range of other cameras that would be better for the job you describe.

Wow... thanks Alison!.. In fact, the movie mode is NOT important, because I did everything upside down: I already have a camcorder (with which I take horrible photos!!!, but great movies..) so I really need something that gets great pictures and that's it.
I thought I needed something with stabilization zoom, because I recently took several pictures of my kid with a Sony DSCw50 and several came out blurry.. Didn't want to spend too much money and found in Amazon two (or three) great values: the Canon S2 for U$ 303 (including a 1 GB SD memory card and battery charger), and the TZ1 or the DMC-FX01 (both about 235 U$), but the FX01 has 6 MB and 3,6x OIS zoom versus 5MP and 10x OIS of the TZ1.
Now my husbands says he preferes the Panasonic for it's size.. so i'm still wondering

Here's the thing, Sandy...

The Canon is going to produce superior photo quality in pretty much all conditions, particularly in low light, where the Panasonic really struggles with image noise (or at least that's what nearly every review I've read tells me--maybe Alison can give you a hands-on report here). The Panasonic, however, is undoubtedly handier--pocket sized and it's got a great auto mode. The S2 IS does have a fantastic automatic mode, though; it works just as well as a point and shoot as it does as a full manual machine. If you can handle the extra bulk, the Canon has a lot more features and produces a better image. If you want to go slim and don't want to slim down your wallet too much, the Panasonic will be a step down, but not a huuuge one.

I suppose I should say at this point that I own the S2 IS and love it, so you've got a hands-on advocate for each camera here. :)

Sandy,

Look at the Canon PowerShot A710 IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 6x Image-Stabilized Optical Zoom. This sounds like it would fit the bill for your specific needs! And it takes AA batteries, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Image-Stabilized-Optical/dp/B000HATNH4/ref=dp_return_1/103-5349766-4875060?ie=UTF8&n=502394&s=photo

Sandy,

I have a 7 1/2-month old who also will not sit still (he just started crawling!) and I purchased the S2 last month and love it. It takes great quality pictures. I am not a technical camera person, but I this is my honest personal opinion.

Thanks to everyone!! All you comments where very helpful. After a lot of thinking.. I'll stay with the Canon, regardless of it's size and weight.

It is a great camera and you will enjoy it.

For his birthday, get your husband a tiny ultra-compact (maybe a Casio Exilim?) that fits in a trouser pocket so that you ... I mean he, can ALWAYS have a camera along to catch those unexpected special moments. :)

I bought a Casio Exilim about three years ago, and got a lot of use out of it. It is indeed the same size as a credit card, but about 1/4 thick.

It was very liberating being able to put that in my pants pocket (no bulge) ---I even took it to a black-tie event, and kept the camera in my tux pocket all night. Photo quality??? Not great (only 2 megapixels) but very convenient, fine for 'fun' snapshots.