Francis, Comparing these two bodies is quite a task. I used to own 2 PZ-1p's and used them extensively. I now own 2 MZ-S's so feel I might be able to do the comparison justice.
On paper, the PZ-1p looks formidable. It has a large number of features and high end specifications. Remember though, that a Canon Rebel also looks good on paper. The MZ-S is a departure from the PZ-1p style and perhaps a coming home to the Pentax style. It is built more precise and rugged than the PZ-1p and feels very much that way - more solid and rigid. It is also smaller and easier to hold for small to medium hands. The PZ-1p uses dials to change settings, much like the Canon bodies and the MZ-S is much more like using a Super Program or ZX-5n. You really owe it to yourself to try both if you can find them, to see what you like. PZ-1p pluses over MZ-S: Frame Rate (4.3 vs. 2.5) Max Flash Synch(1/250 vs. 1/180) Max shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/6000) Price ($480 vs. $800) MZ-S pluses over PZ-1p Build quality (metal vs. plastic) High speed flash synch (up to 1/6000) using AF360FGZ flash Wireless flash using AF360FG Faster upgraded Autofocus (6 sensor vs. 1 sensor) Data imprinting Vertical grip - includes ability to use AA's Hopefully this gives you some food for thought. Neither camera is bad, just different. You might prefer on over the other. There are some on the list who might be able to give some more comparisons. Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Bruce Dayton Thursday, January 31, 2002, 7:11:17 AM, you wrote: Fdcg> Hello to all, Fdcg> I was able to save up about $500 towards purchasing a new camera body and Fdcg> possibly a prime lens. My two choices (even though one of them is Fdcg> financially out of reach right now) are the PZ-1P and the MZ-S. Fdcg> If you were in my situation, would you go out today and buy the PZ-1P or Fdcg> wait until you can get more funds (about 3 months) to buy the MZ-S? Fdcg> I've also been reading publications comparing the two cameras. Why did Fdcg> pentax build the PZ-1P with a faster maximum shutter speed than the MZ-S? Fdcg> Also faster flash-sync, 4-fps vs. 2-fps. Fdcg> What are each cameras advantages and drawbacks? Fdcg> Thank you to all. Hope to hear from you. Fdcg> Francis M. Alviar - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
