panasonic agez50
 

I am considering a Panasonic AGEZ50 for an educational mountaineering project based on its convenient size for climbing. I am also looking at a used Canon GL1 but feel it might be to awkward and not as durable. I've heard the EZ50 is a value offering good image quality for its size. Any coments welcomed.

The EZ50U is a good buy right now, but then so is the PV-DV953. They are both good small 3-chip cams, with much higher resolution than the older GL1.

Yes, both the 50 and the 953 are very good budget day cams, about the same price, and very similar in features, though I couldn't tell you what the differences are...

For their differences, all you'd have to do is compare the specs. If you do easily do this, with basic specs, go here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/links.htm

and click on Vincent's link, 3rd from the top. Then compare the MX5000 specs (PV-DV953) with the MX2000 specs (AG-EZ50U). The first thing you'll notice is that the 953 has more video effective CCD pixels---about 1/3rd more.

consider the pana gs70 it is 3ccd cheaper and is also smaller and newer than both the 500 and EZ50U. its picture quality as good as the 500. the only drawback is no OIS so need tripod.

Thanks to those who commented, and for the info and links. I am trying to decide on a camera for a project in a harsh mountain environment and am looking for ideally something smaller and sturdy yet offering the best quality for the size. Was considering the GL2 but need something smaller and lighter if possible without losing quality. I was steered towards the dv953 or the ez50 especially because of its size. So any recomendations would be appreciated. I realize its personal and there may be no best answer. Thank you all again for your comments.

For hiking and climbing around the tundra you definitely want a small cam. Don't be overly concerned about getting the most pixels. Pixels don't tell the rest of the story. The guy operating the camera does. You can take the best cam money can buy on your trip but unless you are an experienced cinematographer, the results will likely disappoint you and may mistakenly blame the camera.

I have seen too many posts in dpreview.com where people have bought expensive still cams and can't take a picture worth 2 pennies. What does that tell you?

I couldnt agree more with your comments Mike. Did I see on some post that you had a ez50 and if so any comments on it?

Yes you did, and I have one for sale here on the classifieds.

Hehe. Ain't that the truth. The guys I know need their Mac and Photoshop more than they need their new digital SLRs. :-))

Mind you, I take as many bad ones as I take good ones.

yes but that is just the thing
you can/. so long as you have enough memory. you can check your images on site and take another if need be. it is definately a great improvement on film while not as good quality. It seems that a lot of people are going this way which is good to see even considering the amount a good digital camera costs over the price of a conventional camera.


justin