Panasonic DMC-FZ7K vs. FZ20K

[musselmang]

I'm purchasing my first DLSR-like camera and I have narrowed it down to the two Panasonics. They are running approx. the same price.

It appears as if the primary difference are the focus and zoom rings on the FZ20K. That is an appealing feature. What does the FZ7K give you that the 20K doesn't?

Any recommendations or thoughts on a final decision are welcome.



Thanks!

[RightyInc]

The FZ7 is a newer model than the 20, and it features their new venus engine and an updated focusing and metering system. The 20 doens't have these zoom rings and focus rings you speaker of, are you sure you're not thinking of the FZ30?

[armadilloshield]

FZ7 can set upto ISO 1600 but in low resolution.
Min shutter FZ7 60 seconds, FZ20 only 8 seconds.
FZ7 movie res: 840 x 480, FZ20 only 320x240.
FZ20 have hotshoe, FZ7 don't.

[milrodpxpx]

the fz20 does have a manual focus ring, but not a manual zoom ring.