S2 IS or FZ 20 / FZ 7

[Julian Flavell]

Chiapas, Mexico.

After much reading reviews, forums etc have decided to buy either Canon S2 ISor Panasonic FZ 20.(canon slightly ahead) I will need camera for wildlife (otters), most images will be taken in sunlight on water although some images will be taken at dusk, dawn or shade in a river canyon. Can't afford dslr camera yet (mexican wages not good).

Which produces best , sharper images? Doesnt seem to be much in it.

The FZ 20 flash reaches 7 metres (and there is a hot shoe) whilst the Canon only 4 metres although I was told I can fix a slave flash onto the canon ???

Does anyone know if I can use a shutter release with the canon?

Image quality is importnat ( most prints max 8 X 10 and one or two good images bigger if possibel).

Does the canon or FZ20 resist waterfall spray/ slight water splashing or can I get housing for these cameras?

Another option is waiting for FZ7,possible good movie mode as in the canon, and maybe better images.

Thanks for advice

Muchas gracias!

[vwmom]

For example photos you can search this site.. a user database of hundreds of cameras.. thousands of photographers.. millions of photos.

http://www.pbase.com/cameras

I own the S2.. Others that own it seem to use it outdoors a lot, so I'm assuming it will take a bit of weather, and yes they make a waterproof housing. Ebay has tons of them.