photography people- help please!!

So, I got a new digital camera. It's this one-
http://www.photographyblog.com/revie...mc_fp3_review/

My old one was this

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cybershot.../dp/B0007CZ7BI

I'm finding the panasonic lumix much easier to use, and since it's obviously much newer the flash doesn't make the colors seem completely washed out...
But- I am finding that the colors are A LOT more crisp with the sony cybershot, which is odd. I know absolutely nothing about photography so I can't even describe the difference that I see, so I'm posting pictures I took in the same lighting tonight with the two cameras.

Here is the sony cybershot pic:


and the panasonic lumix


I don't know if it's just me, but I like the pic with my old camera better, it looks like the line between Jake and the background is much more clean, and the background, while it's not in focus is much less fuzzy.

Is this just my ignorance, or is the pic above really better??
I'm asking because I'm disappointed in this camera and thinking of returning it...

Also, here is a daylight pic I took with my old sony cybershot



And one with the new lumix I took earlier today as I was going on a walk...Sorry I don't have a good comparable picture to the one above, but Jake doesn't go outside anymore



I like my old camera, I just don't like that it's so big and clunky and so old. And since I got a new one, I just feel kind of the like the difference in quality should be amazing and great, and I'm just disappointed that it's not THAT much better, and I even see little things that I like in my old camera better than the new one, like how the colors are not as crisp and look a little more fuzzy with the new camera..

Are you shooting on auto or program "p"?

I don't know much about camera's, but Jake is beautiful

Looks like you need to set the white balance.

I say research the net on how to properly setup your camera - the Lumix is a GREAT camera...
One tip - set the Max Iso to 400; the Lumix does not work well above 400iso. Also, always take pictures on the intelligent mode - this is the one with the camera symbol and the "i" inside of it. Another thing is, I very rarely use the flash - I always set on flash off. I downloaded an app. for my blackberry that is a flashlight application, and I use that to tak pictures of my kitties with - works wonderfully. I only use the flash for pictures I take in hotels, nightclubs, etc - never for the kitties or outside pictures.
If you research the net, they have plenty of forums with the best settings for these cameras...
Try working with it for a bit, then if it still doesn't work you return it...

I tried shooting both on auto and picture mode, but the pics I showed above were both shot in auto mode.

I can play around with the white balance, but shouldn't the auto function take care of it?? That's what my old sony cybershot does

Originally Posted by Carolina

I say research the net on how to properly setup your camera - the Lumix is a GREAT camera...
One tip - set the Max Iso to 400; the Lumix does not work well above 400iso. Also, always take pictures on the intelligent mode - this is the one with the camera symbol and the "i" inside of it. Another thing is, I very rarely use the flash - I always set on flash off. I downloaded an app. for my blackberry that is a flashlight application, and I use that to tak pictures of my kitties with - works wonderfully. I only use the flash for pictures I take in hotels, nightclubs, etc - never for the kitties or outside pictures.
If you research the net, they have plenty of forums with the best settings for these cameras...
Try working with it for a bit, then if it still doesn't work you return it...

Click to expand...

Thanks, I will definitely do that!! It took me a really long time to properly figure out how to take the best pics with my ancient sony cybershot, so I guess I should have known better not to expect miracles here either
I have been using the iISO for now, I've actually been using the intelligent mode for most things, I think...
I pretty much rarely use flash either, because natural light is just sooooo much better! But at night time I never quite figured out how to avoid using the flash, I have experimented with some flashlights or light bulbs but I guess I need to play around more...

Yeah I think you may need to just play with the settings and get them set up a little better. I think anytime you get a new camera its all about finding the settings you like.

I don't ever use auto mode. My auto pics turn out just like yours. Try playing with some of the other settings.

Originally Posted by ut0pia

Thanks, I will definitely do that!! It took me a really long time to properly figure out how to take the best pics with my ancient sony cybershot, so I guess I should have known better not to expect miracles here either

I have been using the iISO for now, I've actually been using the intelligent mode for most things, I think...
I pretty much rarely use flash either, because natural light is just sooooo much better! But at night time I never quite figured out how to avoid using the flash, I have experimented with some flashlights or light bulbs but I guess I need to play around more...

Click to expand...

If you have a blackberry or an iPhone, try to download an application that transforms your phone into a flashlight - basically, the flash from your phone is on constantly... The light is PERFECT for taking pictures of the kitties... Stronger than a flashlight, and not as strong as a flash - just right.

Originally Posted by Carolina

If you have a blackberry or an iPhone, try to download an application that transforms your phone into a flashlight - basically, the flash from your phone is on constantly... The light is PERFECT for taking pictures of the kitties... Stronger than a flashlight, and not as strong as a flash - just right.

Click to expand...

I will definitely try that, thanks!! I actually have the flashlight app on my ipod touch, I use it to find the keyhole in the dark, and to make sure Jake stays in I never imagined that would work though, I'm excited to see how it will turn out!!