(I'm reposting this thread as the original link got corrupt)

*Is F70exr really better than TZ4?*
TZ4 with its well sorted regular CCD, fine lens throughout the whole range, excellent noise handling until ISO400 even in low light,terrific stabilization, decent native dynamic range,better video mode, and more accurate white balance is really a terrific competitor to the F70exr. Believe me size difference isn't relevant. So why would I keep the F70exr?

The answer is that F70exr is certainly a camera for compromises, but it's a better all-rounder when you know what do of it. TZ4 certainly lives to its promise when photoes are printed, or seen on a screen, but at 100% level you discover a noise pattern since ISO100, and worse, blotshy shadows at ISO100 too. F70exr S/N and NR result maybe in less detailed shots in rare circumstances, but you barely see any noise until ISO400. Look at this comparison between F70exr portrait (5MP,ISO400, fill in flash) and TZ4 portrait (8MP, ISO100, fill in flash). At 100%, and though it's at ISO100 and benefits from fill in flash, the TZ4 has coloured blotches in the shadows. F70exr has a weak flash and pushed ISO to 400 to have a better fill in, but it has absolutely no chroma blotches in shadows.
In gorgeous sunlight TZ4 have excellent detailed output, but there, F70exr takes advantage of its excellent DR abilities. It's a no brainer.

T74 portrait
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/4018816079_e60c9e11cd.jpg

F70exr portrait
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/4019576866_d8be3cb090.jpg

TZ4 portrait, neck detail, ISO100
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2447/4018816363_acd4d0f268_o.jpg

F70exr portrait, neck detail, ISO400
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/4018815429_1cda439fcc_o.jpg


*what about white balance and film simulation?*

Fuji improved a lot on WB indoors and outdoors at night under artificial light. I can't say so outdoors during the day. There is an obvious blue tinge to the shots, you'd better customize the WB. Lately, F200exr benefited from a firmware update improving its WB performance in sunlight. We hope F70exr will have the same soon.

As regards, film simulation, I'll keep with Provia as much as possible. Astia colours are nice but hurt dynamic range. Provia will do it most of the time.

*How do you shoot the camera?*

Outdoors during the day: (DR mode, auto DR, AUTO ISO till 400, customized WB)

indoors or outdoors in low light: (DR mode, auto DR, Auto ISO till 800, auto WB), if shutter speed is too slow with static subject: (Pro low light, auto WB), if shutter speed is too slow with moving subject: ( SN mode, auto ISO till 1600, auto WB).

So when do I use HR mode? only with detailed not too contrasty scenes in good lighting, neither harsh nor lacking. Actually, i barely use it, but it's there when I need it.

Thank you for reading this long review. I'm done with the camera, and it's a keeper along my wide angle camera, the LX3.

--
Photography has to remain a pleasure, keep PP minimal!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/altruisto/
owning a Nikon D90, Canon S5IS, Panasonic LX3 and TZ4 and Fuji F70exr