If you don't have any prefrences just pick one that looks nicer.Mironvhttp://mironv.smugmug.com/.

Image control:Zoom outZoom 100%Zoom inExpand AllOpen in new window..

Check here:.

Http://www.dpreview.com/...is%2Ccanon_sd800is%2Cpanasonic_dmctz3&show=all.

The SD700IS has less wide-angle than the other two. Wide-angle can be helpful for group portraits or landscapes..

The TZ3 has by far the longest tele-photo zoom. Can be useful for animals or anything far away..

In the in-depth reviews, the 700IS was rated the best for image quality. All should make nice prints up to 8x10 when shot in good light..

The SD800 and SD700 are smaller but have less zoom. The TZ3 is very smaller for it's zoom range though. Depends what is most important to you. Also, the TZ3 has no optical viewfinder if that matters to you..

All will take nice pictures..

Regards,.

Tylerhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/tcoen..

ALfR3dd wrote:.

- Canon Powershot SD700 IS or SD800 IS- Panasonic Lumix tz3.

Ahhh.... I just went through this EXACT decision..

It's a tough one, isn't it?  ..

You don't know what you want except "camera". I'd buy the cheapest (anything). After a while you'll have a better idea what you want a camera for ( or you'll be happy enough - quite possible )..

Do try a few in a shop or two - how they feel in your hands, etc. Take a snap or two with them in the shop - that's all you need to do, I think..

StephenG.

Fuji S9600Fuji S5200Fuji F30Fuji E900Canon A710ISPCLinuxOS..

I'll choose the Panasonic TZ3 for these reasons:.

Wide angle lensLonger zoom than either of the Canons.

Better image stabilzation system. Nothing wrong with Canon's but Panasonic's Mega OIS has been constantly rated one of if not the best...even better than Sony, which I happen to think does a good job.3" LCD screen, very nice for composing your pictures.

Better optics, again with Leica lens, not as much CA or purple fringe in your photos as compared to other compacts.

It is a pretty automatic camera though with very little variable control, no shutter or aperature modes or anything. Definitely a point a shoot in every sense of the word, but it still does a great job at it!KelvinNikon D80, 18-200mm VR, SB-600 FlashGalleries (Taken with a Sony H5):.

Hawaiihttp://picasaweb.google.com/corrsfreak/Hawaii?authkey=QMYfcNocFqQCar show:http://picasaweb.google.com/.../corrsfreak/CarShowMar18?authkey=vdeSQn7a_sgZoo and Ducks:http://picasaweb.google.com/...corrsfreak/CalgaryZooMar17?authkey=DvyRbU989F0..

Dice K wrote:.

I'll choose the Panasonic TZ3....

I did too. I ordered one yesterday...

ALfR3dd wrote:.

- Canon Powershot SD700 IS or SD800 IS (btw which is better betweenthese 2???).

The SD700IS has slightly better image quality. However the reason for the difference in quality is tied to the advantage of the SD800IS - wider angle shots. In simple terms the SD800 IS can fit more in the picture when you "zoom out." That feature was enough for me to buy the SD800 IS as my "take everywhere I go" camera..

I can't comment on the Panasonic..

Joe.

My craptacular photos: http://www.pbase.com/pyogenes/favorites.

Any perceived rudeness, condescending tone, or insults are not intended, but rather the result of my inability to properly express myself with the written word...

If you really want a P & S, I would strongly suggest that you look at Fuji F30 or F31fd..

I own a Canon A 620 and mostly satisfied. But Fuji F 30 is just in another league when it comes to photo quality. It is amazingly usable at ISO 1600. It has got the biggest sensor size in it's class and does not cram the sensor with useless mega pixels..

It actually gives close to dSLR quality photos. Only thing that sucks is the xD cards that you need to use..

Otherwise, the king of P & S when it comes to photo quality especially in dimly lit situations is Fuji F30...