Sony DSC-H5 vs. Lumix DMC- FZ8 (Panasonic)

I am choosing between the Sony DSC- H5 and I got confused betwwen it with the Lumix DMC- FZ8 as they are a little similar to eachother . Taking account of the technical properties, which is more worthy, please give me some advices (if possible, is the brand "Sony" is better than Panasonic ?)

When I compare two different cameras, I like to head over to Imaging Resource, which uses similar photographs shot for comparison. Now, they don't have either of these models just yet, but they have previous models which you can gather a baseline to see where designs are going.

On with it, I'd have to give the edge to the Sony H line over the Lumix FZ line based on that.

HOWEVER, I don't like Sony's reliance on proprietary technologies like the memory stick. They are more expensive, slower, and you can only use them in Sony products. As such, you are forced into their technological revenue stream, rather than using what's best regardless.

Both are decently rated here. But were it up to me, I'd go with the Lumix because the quality difference isn't that dramatic to force me into the dead end of SONY's proprietary technology.

But allow me to toss another camera into the mix. I am currently testing the Olympus SP-550UZ and have so far been quite pleased with the results. 7.1 MP, 18x zoom, image stabilization and some great scene based program features including a 15fps burst mode. This is great for sports photography.

It also has in camera editing features such as cropping, sepia and black/white alerations, nite modes, super macro mode for REALLY close up shots, panoramic guides for shooting multiple shots to stitch into a panarama, even a mode for shooting documents.

I'm really enjoying it. If I had to complain, however, I have found the menu structure wanting and difficult to use on the fly. But other than that, it's a top notch camera.

the above seems to be bit old, but the camers are still available nevertheless from some merchants. Please vist DPREVIEW.COM for in depth reviews of all cameras. They do a fantastic job of evaluating the review top cameras. If I were you, would go with Panasonic FZ7 or now FZ8 as it is the better of Sony's H5 or recent H7/H9 models. Pany can shoot in RAW, has better lens resolution. So if you dont like the Venus III processing your images, you can shoot in RAW in Pany an works will with a HSHC SD (Sandisk, Ultra/Extreme) cards, Pany also has better build quality and comes with lens hood.

the above seems to be bit old, but the camers are still available nevertheless from some merchants. Please vist DPREVIEW.COM for in depth reviews of all cameras. They do a fantastic job of evaluating the review top cameras. If I were you, would go with Panasonic FZ7 or now FZ8 as it is the better of Sony's H5 or recent H7/H9 models. Pany can shoot in RAW, has better lens resolution. So if you dont like the Venus III processing your images, you can shoot in RAW in Pany an works will with a HSHC SD (Sandisk, Ultra/Extreme) cards, Pany also has better build quality and comes with lens hood