1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD memory cards (16MB card included); powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)

Customer Review :

good review for me

I bought this camera to replace an archaic Toshiba, and have a good digital camera for a honeymoon in Costa Rica. I also bought two half gig high speed SD cards (already had a 1 gig MMC), an extra battery and the case from Panasonic.

The battery amazed me the most, coming from the Toshiba which would eat four double A's in 10 pictures with the flash. The battery would last nearly as long as the SD card (200+ photos at 5M), without the flash, and could easily do more than half of the card with the flash. It was nice though to have a small charger and the spare battery.

The high speed SD is a huge benefit. The writing was nearly instant, as opposed to the MMC card, which had a noticeable write time following a photo.

The pictures ranged from very crisp and clean to not so great. A lot of it was me figuring out the best settings. The pre-fixed scenery feature for specific conditions was nice too, took some of the guess work out of the manual settings for me. The camera did very well from a foot to about 20 feet. Beyond that, I ran into trouble taking detail shots at a distance. And I didn't care at all for the digital zoom. Those shots almost always were blurry. The 16:9 setting did a great job doing the scenery shots.

Overall, I am very pleased with the ease of use and quality of the camera. I am sure you can find cameras that take better pictures, but not in such a nice, small and easy to use package.



Rating :

PERFECT CAMERA FOR ME

Purchased this camera in 2006 from Amazon after previously owing mostly Nikon and one Canon camera. I have used it constantly since. It is the perfect camera for one like me - impatient, visually impaired and critically demanding. I purchased the camera for the display after seeing someone using one like it but smaller. My interests are taking great memory photos indoors and outdoors and this camera has been excellent. Although I have a movie camera, this one serves perfectly for short clips for our website.

Rating :

nice camera

it is a very nice camera. i have been use it for a year
i love the quality of the photos and my friends love this camera too.
the only defect for the camera is: it is little be to thick
but it has a big scream, and a very nice lens.

Rating :

Small Package with Everything

I ordered this camera after reading a review in Popular Photography about shirt pocket cameras. This is one of he best purchases I've made. The camera delivered everything promised and is simple enough my wife, who is a Luddite in her best moments, enjoys taking shots with it. I use it for taking a lot of pictures of mechanical equipment (macro and regular shots) in the field in some difficult lighting scenarios. The camera has performed wonderfully in every situation and the large CD makes framing shots second nature. The nicest non-SLR camera I've ever owned.

Rating :

A Great Photographic Companion

I bought this camera as my first digital camera. I researched all of the usual suspects and then found this camera in a store. It instantly became my choice. Although I find this camera to be an excellent piece of equipment, it isn't perfect, but more on that in a moment.

First, the camera is very easy to use and comfortable to hold. Many compacts, especially those with large LCDs like this one, cram your fingers into confined spaces making them uncomfortable for prolonged use. The LUMIX, while not the thinnest compact on the market, is a nice size that is portable, but comfortable in use. The screen is easy to read, even outdoors, and features both a power mode to boost brightness when outdoors and a high angle mode for when you're shooting over your head.

The lens on this camera is NICE with a useful 28mm wide angle to a respectable telephoto end for a compact and the lens has excellent distortion control. I love the zoom on this camera as it is very precise. Most compacts lurch when zoomed in or out, but the LUMIX zooms smoothly with a multitude of stops allowing fine adjustment. The best part is the Mega O.I.S. which works perfectly. Never again will I by a camera without it.

Overall, the features and function of this camera is great. Solid build quality and quick performance. The photos taken are beautiful. Good color without over saturating and decent noise control at lower ISOs. But, the camera does have its drawbacks. Noise can become an issue at higher sensitivities and can even creep in at lower setting during long exposures. While I don't find it terrible, it is noticeable at times especially when shooting in dark conditions. The functionality of the camera is also limited when trying to force a long exposure, but to be fair this is not a SLR, but a little more timer settings could be useful for night photography.

Again, overall I have enjoyed this camera and taken some wonderful pictures. If I had to do it over again I would likely buy this camera again. I would appreciate a little better noise performance, but the LUMIX is not really that bad once you learn how to work around it. I would recommend this camera, in fact I have, and I don't think anyone who buys one will be disappointed.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 6.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. High Sensitivity mode, with a manximum ISO of 1600, reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

Panasonic LumixDMC-FX3 incorporates a 3x optical zoom f/2.8 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens into its compact body. Easy to use even for digital camera beginners, the DMC-FX3 makes sure that every shot will be beautiful.MEGA O.I.S. compensates for handshake to give you beautiful photos. In addition, the High Sensitivity Mode lets you capture sharp, crisp images of moving subjects, such as children and pets, even indoors. Resolution significantly decreases in High Sensitivity Mode.The Venus Engine Plus, Image processing LSI, features outstanding high-speed response to help you capture beautiful shots instantly and efficiently. Despite the high performance, the DMC-FX3 achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 320 pictures on a single charge.As compact as it is, the LUMIX body still houses a large, 2.5" LCD. The High Angle Mode makes it easy to view the LCD image when holding the camera high above you.The mode dial makes it easy to retrieve the desired mode settings. Food, Baby, Underwater, and more photo modes give you a choice of sixteen modes in all.The camera allows you to record stunning full-size movies in wide aspect VGA at 30 (fps). High Speed AF gives you quicker, easier focusing for more shooting flexibility and fun.

Customer Review :

2 months of gentle use and now it has a snag

I bought a new piece on amazon and used it for not more than 2 months and it doesn't work anymore. I haven't droped it or mis used it or anything. One day I was clicking as usual and instead of taking the picture, when i click it zooms in and stays like that. I called up Panasonic, and they had me send the camera at my own shipping expense and re-soldered the parts (thats what they told me they did) and sent it back after 20 days or so. Please make a better choice.. Don't buy this camera.

Rating :

Awesome Camera

I bought this camera because I got tired of buying disposable cameras and paying to have the pictures printed. Once I used it, I fell in love with it instantly. I dropped it several times, and it didn't break or malfunction. What a wonderful product and I recommend this camera for everyone.

Rating :

Junk cameras, and you can forget the warrantee!

I bought this camera as a gift and it failed in a matter of months. I sent it back and after hearing nothing at all from customer service for months, the camera was sent back unrepaired. They claimed they had tried to contact me several times (nonsense, I gave them my cell number AND email address) and that the camera was "unrepairable" due to "moisture damage". When I asked if this could be caused by airborne moisture, they said yes. I live in Oregon, and none of my other digital cameras ever had any problems with this. They stonewalled me on fixing the camera. You have been warned: NEVER buy Panasonic junk!

Rating :

Great for copying text

This compact camera is a great asset which I use at the National Archives to photograph textual documents. It has a great micro-mode and uses available light. When researching at the Archives, the cost of copying has gone up to $.25 per page but this nifty camera with its anti-shake takes wonderful clear images of the documents, drawings, and/or photos. Images are recorded on an SD card and then can be uploaded to my lap top and my image files. I can then record the images to CD and send the material on to clients for $1.77 as opposed to what the paper costs used to be to ship. I also use this little gem when touring museums. It easily records images of the text describing various objects as well as the objects. This dandy camera easily fits into my pants pocket. I have carried it all over England, SCotland and Ireland and have taken about 10,000 images with this camera. I have had it about three years and it has been great.

Rating :

Love this camera

I got this camera for Mother's Day and what a suprise! I have a two-year-old and my old camera never took the picture fast enough. But this Camera keeps up with my busy daughter no problem! The picture quality is great and there are many extra features that make this camera well worth it. There is a setting that puts a year stamp on my daughter's pictures, the picture will say two-years and one-month ect. In years to come when I look back on my pictures I wont have to guess how old she was or do the never ending task of handwriting the age on the back of each photo. I love it, it fits nicely in my purse and I take it every where. I no longer miss out on those cute photo moments!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 10x image-stabilized optical zoom; 3.0-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards

Editorial Review :

The DMC-TZ3 has been given a more luxurious touch with its stylish design and metallic, stainless steel exterior. The DMC-TZ3 features a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to a 28mm-280mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) in an ultra-compact body. With the high-power 10x optical zoom, you can get clear and beautiful shots even when you can't get close to your subject. The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoor or expansive architectural structures and scenes. The 10x optical zoom lets you easily capture and magnify distant subjects. 3.0-inch Polycrystalline TFT LCD (230 K Pixels) Field of View - 100% Power LCD Mode, High Angle Mode ISO Sensitivity - Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode - 3200) Li-ion Battery Life (3.7 V, 1,000 mAh) - 270 pictures Shutter Speed - 8 - 1/2000 seconds Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30 & 60 seconds Wide Aperture - F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele Aperture - F4.9 / F11 (2 steps) Self-Timer - 2 & 10 seconds Scene Mode - Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-portrait, Food, Party, Candle, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach, Aerial Photo, Snow, High Sensitivity, Baby1, Baby2, Underwater, Sunset and Pet Dimensions - Width 4.20 x Height 2.37 x Depth 1.47 inch (105.0 x 59.2 x 36.7 mm) Weight - 257 grams with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.57 pounds)

Customer Review :

Panasonic Lumix....10x optical zoom

Best camera for price! Small, fits in pocket or purse. Takes great pictures and has good zoom qualities. Reccomend for anyone who wants an automatic camera!

Rating :

my digital "Wonderful"

Hello, I bought this item, because it was no longer availabel here in Germany, therefore excuse my typing / errors in spelling.
Well, what can I say this camera is wonderful. It has everything, I mean everything you can ask for. This camera has received best test results in 2007/2008 and is still a hot item in 2008 eventhough the new type TZ5 was launched in the market. This camera has received a better test results regarding the speed shooting pictures in sequence. It is therfore alos good snap shot camera, but much more than this. Read more: It does not take a long time compared to other cameras to charge, focus and take a wonderful shot. It shoots brilliant picutes although the flash is super bright. It does not have manual features, but many many programs from which you can choose of for almost every surrounding the right setting is available. Also, you have two buttons you can "pre-set"with your favourite settings so it is super simple to handle.
The "only" 7.x megapixels are just fine they match to the chip that is inside the camera and that's the important part somebody told me. All pixels should have room on that chip to produce the best quality of pictures - which this camera really does.
But the best part is the super zoom, 10x and an additional digital zoom, also it has some neat functions like the "hold still button" not sure what the correct term is, but it prevents the camera or rather the image on the screen from shaking, you take quick, excellent, high resolution shots! Yeah, I love that camera, I put a fast SD-HD card inside, 4 GB so that I can use the "burst function" as well, many pics I can shoot in quick sequence. It looks nice and helps when you do a photo story.
Well, I could say much more positive things and only positive things this thing is great, remember you cover even a 28mm angle (wide angle).
Hey, if there are more of these "old" cameras on the market - go get one, the new typse not necessarily have to be better- remember this. Most of the time it is a battle among the manufactures more megapixels, but that does not count all the time. So, if you are thinking of buying a camera - this is the one, eventhough it is Japanese, but hey you know they make could quality besides the lens is I think made in Germany(!) Leica and that is still one of the top quality products / brands.
So, I hope I could give all readers a little insight of my feelings and view.

Rating :

Great reviews on DMC-TZ3

I previously had a Panasonic DMC-LZ2 with which I was satisfied, so I was comfortable with choosing another Panasonic DMC and familiar with many of the features and menus. The DMC-TZ3 has been an amazing little camera for a point and shoot that I got for just under $200. It has many extras that my LZ2 didn't have - love the candlelight setting - and it does well in low light. I put an 8G memory card in it and purchased an extra battery - these lasted through at least 1.5 hours of video and 150 pictures - both at the maximum quality. I have been receiving rave reviews on my videos on YouTube and many questions as to what kind of camera I used... my only wish for it is that you could change the zoom level in the middle of videoing. Be sure to not have your finger over the microphone while recording - my first test video had this awful sound - fortunately I figured out why.

To see my videos - search for fanmamma on YouTube and look for video created October 28, 2008, or later. Be sure to set it to watch in high quality; as good as these are, the original files are even better.

Rating :

Solid, but with significant drawbacks in quality

I bought this when my Fuji F700 hit the pavement - too bad, that was a better camera. This one is solidly built, great screen, good features, but has three big drawbacks: it consistenly overexposes (I've manually set it to a darker exposure), the contrast and color depth seems mediocre, and it's bad in even moderately low light conditions - always uses a flash indoors even when it seems pretty bright, and you get a big overexposure on your subject when that happens.

Rating :

Best Camera

This is the best camera I have ever used. The pictures are excellent, the zoom is phenomenal. The fast shutter speed allows me to take 4 pictures in the same time other digital cameras take one. Everyone I have shown it to or have tried to use it love the camera.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. Amazing 12x optical zoom gets you close to the action without sacrificing image quality
3. Super-fast shutter times: .008 seconds to release (not including AF time) and .4 seconds between shots
4. Stores images on Secure Digital (SD) cards; 16MB card included
5. Powered by a Lithium-Ion battery pack (7.2V, 680 mAh); battery charger included

Editorial Review :

The FZ5 is a compact, 12x zoom, FZ-series of Panasonic digicam, and is also the successor to the 3.2-megapixel FZ3. Armed with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens, the FZ5 sports a focal length of 36 - 432 mm (in 35mm format), and is powered by the proprietary LSI Venus Engine II that promises great image quality and camera responsiveness. It also incorporates Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) technology that compensates for handshake. This complements its long zoom capability perfectly.Compared to the more advanced FZ20, the FZ5 is very much lighter and compact. In fact, it is the smallest long zoom digital camera that utilizes image stabilization. The redesigned body has a larger grip than the FZ3 it succeeds, as well as a relocation of the shutter release button from the top of camera to a more downward position at the top of the grip. Both improvements are highly welcomed, and make the camera more comfortable to hold. Besides the mechanically released popup flash, there is no hotshoe for an external flash. The FZ5 offers an AF-assist lamp (1.5m range) that greatly helps with low light focusing. The electronics viewfinder (EVF) has a 110K-pixel resolution and below it sits the 1.8-inch (1.5-inch on the FZ3), 130K-pixel LCD monitor. Under good lighting, both displays are clear, bright and offer punchy colors. Besides the monitor lies a four-way control pad that aids in menu navigation, as well as providing certain functions such as exposure and backlight compensations, auto bracket, white balance and flash output adjustments, review, self-timer, and flash setting. Interestingly, there is a Focus button that causes the camera to autofocus - a neat way to AF than the usual shutter half-press action.

Customer Review :

Great while it lasted!

I purchased this camera in March 2005 and within a month had to return it for repair. Panasonic told me at that time that they would not replace the camera if it could be repaired even though I had only had it for a month...so they repaired it and sent it back to me. I really enjoyed this camera and took some incredible photos with it. I would give it 5 stars for the various features mentioned in other reviews except that now after 3 years of moderate use it has died completely and is not worth fixing. Too bad! I would not spend this kind of money again unless I was purchasing a true digital SLR. Buyer beware!

Rating :

Owned for 1 1/2 years..love it!

This is my quick review:
1. Per usual, spent 2 weeks pouring over the specs, reviews and ratings
prior to purchase

2. I have small children and need something durable and responsive.

3. I'm a casual user...just a little more than a point and shoot queen.

In July 05 I plunked down the money for this camera. I have no regrets...absolutely, positively LOVE IT! I have taken it everywhere, banged it around, dropped it, had my small children take photos with it.

I brought home the Canon and Fuji in the same price range. Tried both and
returned both. High points for me are it's light weight, Image Stabization (a must with kids), rapid fire repeat photo ability, and
easy downloads.

Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

Rating :

Over 3 years now, and still works like it did out of the box.

I have owned this camera for 3 years now. I have used it wherever I have went to capture pictures. Although it is not as sharp and clear as an SLR, it does everything I've wanted it to with exceptional quality. When taking pictures, I notice that it gives lifelike pictures, with quality to spare upon zooming.

The only downside thus far is it's ability to shoot in lowlight situations, namely twilight hours. It doesn't capture its best when under a dark influenced environment, so that's why I am knocking off a star.

It has many capabilities, such as simple mode, close-up mode, scenic mode, and movie mode (ability to capture video), to name a few. I would consider myself an amateur with regards to photography, and this camera has been easy for me to handle and adjust while shooting abroad. I have come up with some decent pictures when I was not expecting too.

On a side note, the battery lasts a good while on one charge, 5 hours, and the camera is very sturdy and has not fell apart as of 3 years (knock on wood). So if you ever find yourself contemplating this camera, I would say you would be in good hands.

Rating :

Lens jammed after only a year

I LOVED this camera, everything about it, until it jammed for no apparent reason after having it just over a year. I've seen other users with the same problem on this website so I guess I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. But, do I buy another Panasonic, do I upgrade to the FZ8, don't know whether I trust them or not which is a shame because as I mentioned it is great - easy to learn & use, takes reliable pictures etc.

Rating :

Compact body, sharp photos, easy to use

The Panasonic Lumix FZ5K (K for black, S for silver) is came out on February 2005. In tech terms, it's a little old but still a great camera and an even a better value. It has dummy-proof modes that allow newcomers to digita photography to focus on the composition and is advanced enough for all but the pickiest dSLR users. The package includes everything you need to get started, including the battery charger.

--- Target Audience ---
Newcomers to digital photography to advanced users. If you're new to photography, the FZ5 includes programmed modesIf you're a basic-to-advanced amateur, the program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual, compensation, and multiple other settings allow for broad creative control.

--- Pros ---
Truly inexpensive 5MP.
- You can grab one of these in Wolf/Ritz Camera or Fry's for $177-190.
Broad optical zoom range at 6-72 (36-432 equivalent on a 35mm camera).
Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 1:2.8-3.3/6-72 aspherical lens.
- I've read that Leica doesn't actually manufacture this lens but the pictures speak for themselves and their "seal of approval" appears well represented.
Max aperture of f/2.8.
Super-compact.
- I've used an Olympus OM-1n for many years. This camera set the standard for compact SLRs. The DMC-FZ5 is smaller... way smaller.
Pretty responsive shutter despite its "age".
Integrated flash.
"Flippable" hood.
2-hr battery charge (lasts 200-250 photos).
"Sealed", non-interchangeable lens design.
- With its broad zoom range, equivalent to a 36-432mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera, this is probably not a concern. The fact that it is closed removes the dreaded dust issues that only advanced dust-removal technologies can take care of.

--- Cons ---
Will not accept SD cards above 1GB.
Only 5MP (i.e., don't plan on framing anything above 8" x 10").
No RAW format support (TIFF is supported and will likely do the trick for non-pro users).
Proprietary battery (no biggie; I've found third-party equivalents for $5-10).
No hotshoe.


Rating :

More reviews...

1. 8-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16-by-22-inch enlargements
2. 12x optical zoom Mega Optical Image Stabilization; free-angle 2.0-inch LCD display
3. Continuous AF keeps moving subjects in focus; AF Assist Lamp helps in dim lighting
4. Unlimited Consecutive Shooting allows you to shoot 3 frames per second at full resolution until your memory card is full
5. Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards (32 MB card included)

Editorial Review :

This camera is sort of like an SLR because its optical zoom covers a wide 12x range. It's not quite as compact as most compact cameras but it offers professional features. You've got up to 8 megapixel still resolution and up to VGA motion resolution plus sound capability. An optical image stabilizer helps steady the camera despite most hand tremors. The DMC-FZ30's LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens features 14 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens which helps to suppress the color bleeding that often occurs in telephoto shots, plus a 12x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 35 to 420mm). This combines with the large, 1/1.8" diagonal 8-megapixel CCD to give you enormous expressive power. The new Extended Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 19.1x power in 3-megapixel photos, and up to 15x power in 5-megapixel photos. The manual focus ring lets you focus on whatever part of your subject you wish, and the zoom ring lets you zoom in and out easily and accurately as you compose the perfect shot. They're both fast, so you can capture moving subjects in your composition. Regardless of the Mode Dial setting, you can take macro shots instantly by flicking the switch on the side of the lens to the AF Macro setting. This lets you get as close as 0.16 feet (5cm) from your subject (at the maximum wide-angle setting). Built-in Microphone and Speaker PictBridge Power Supply - Included - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 730 mAh) / Optional - Battery Charger/AC Adaptor (Input - 110-240V AC) Includes 32MB SD Card, USB and A/V cables - For practical memory at 8 Megapixel resolution, we suggest purchasing an optional 512MB SD memory card Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.37'' x 5.54'' x 5.44'' / Weight 1.63 lbs

Customer Review :

Why go manual when auto is fine

For my purposes, I do not need a digital SLR and all the work that goes i9nto one- I'll never be that good a photographer. Really don't need all this has to offer either, but it's fun to play with and see how it can make impossible shots come out.
Earlier this summer I decided to get an upgraded point nad shoot, so I'm comparing this camera to a Nikon Coolpix P80 that I like a lot. But in some ways this just seems to take better pictures. The one feature I like most is the ring focus instead of the motorized zoom (don't even know if I'm using the right term for this).
The one thing I like better on the Nikon is the memory card capability- have an 8GB in that, the DMC supposedly only takes a 2GB, so I have to live with 500 pictures.
So, I'm happy taking MUCH better pictures with both and comparing them and getting to know which does what best.
Finally, I'll say once again I don't do specs, leave it on auto most of the time and take the memory cards to Shoprite for instant developing, don 'tu s e the computer, don't leave film in 35mm for a year anymore, so I now have photo albums filled with excellent pictures

Rating :

Shopped for New - Came Back to My Own!

A Retired professional, I have had medium format and numerous pro 35mm's. This is my choice camera. I have prints on my wall up to 24x30 (and larger which I gave as gifts) from this camera. They were printed by non-pro, online order labs and they receive great unsolicited compliments. This camera has top capabilities and came with a leica 35-420 lens! It is easy to operate and the battery long-lived. I was comparing it to newer cameras since I'm used to having to upgrade frequently, and realized there is no need to spend more. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K 8MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black)

Rating :

The best non SLR out there

It might even compete with the SLR's but I don't have a digital SLR so I can't really make that statement. My FZ-30 served me well for 2 years until it quit working due to getting wet. (Thank you American Airlines)

I primarily use my camera for well lit out door shots. I do a lot of sports photography and the telephoto is always on max. I did use it for indoors as well and never saw the noise problem that some people comment about. It has a great balance and feel, focused accurately and took crisp clear pictures with accurate colors.

I decided to replace it with a Canon S3 IS (very good reviews)since the FZ-30 was out of production, and the Canon was about $150 less. That was a mistake. There is no comparison, The Panasonic took so much clearer pictures. The Canon is quite a bit smaller and lighter, it does not have the quality feel of the Panasonic. I am returning the Canon and ordering an FZ-50.

Rating :

DMC-FZ30S Lumix

This is a very nice camera for taking on my bike rides. Though it is not a pocket sized Point and shoot camera, it weight much less than my Nikon D-200. I love the 12X optical zoom. I was able to photograph a nest of Sandhill Cranes every day, as I biked the trail next to the nesting pond. True to the reviews I had read about it, this camera has some noise issues at anything higher than 80 Iso. At max optical telephoto it also produces softer photos than I would get with the Nikon, but closer range it takes tack sharp photos with great, true color rendition. The vibration reduction is great. I have shot some cose-ups in the shade at a 30th of a second and got sharp results. I found the rotating LCD screen helpful with low angle and some higher angle photos. The transfer time is a bit slow, but when you use a faster memory card, I have found it satisfactory. I use a high speed 1 GB SD card and shoot at the raw setting with acceptable results. I haven't tried all the possibilities with this camera, since I've only had it for a short time, but, even with it's noise shortcomings, I would recommend this camera to friends.

Rating :

Power-packed high quality camera

I'm a camera dummy but I get really great pictures with this camera. One of my friends thought I had an expensive SLR camera when he saw some of my pictures and looked really puzzled over how I got such such great pictures when I told him it was "just" a Panasonic, not a Nikon.

I've had this camera for around a year and use it almost every day. It's a workhorse and it's been flawless. Be sure to get a 1 gig high speed SD memory card to go with it. Also, get a tripod for those zoom shots.

Rating :

More reviews...