Just got a Panasonic TZ8 - what ratio?

[Debaser]

Looking through the menus I can choose between the following ratios - 4:3 (12MP), 3:2 (11.5MP) and 16:9 (10.5MP).

Is there a benefit to using one over the others? I tried to do a search and found a comment relating to using 3:2 as this is the same as the sensor, does this make it the best setting to use for my point and shoot holiday photography? (Search is broken and I can't find the quote again).

Any advice is welcome!

[LongQ]

If you are likely to the results and use thr typical 6x4 paper size then the 3:2 setting would make sense. 4:3 offers a somewhat squarer output not until non-widescreen TVs. 16:9 would fit most easily on a widescreen TV used as a photoframe of video playback device.

I see the camera has a Multi-Aspect capability that shoots all three at the same time so you can visualise the differences for a shot. Assuming it set the selection by masking what it has records I would guess that for a slightly larger file size you can make your choice later. Sounds like a good approach to me if that's the way it works and it doesn't slow thing down too much.

[horacethefrog]

Debaser said:

I tried to do a search and found a comment relating to using 3:2 as this is the same as the sensor

Per the spec, none of them use all the sensor:
4:3 = 4000 x 3000
3:2 = 4176 x 2784
16:9 = 4320 x 2432
So the sensor is at least 4320 x 3000. Anyway, I can't see how that would matter. More ill thought out internet bull methinks.

[Debaser]

Thanks, I've set it to 3:2 - mainly because it looks a similar ratio to my laptop screen. I read about the Multi Aspect but couldn't figure out how to get it to work in fully auto mode (and that's all I want from the camera, to be able to take it out of my pocket, turn it on take a pic and forget about it).