1. 8.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. 18x wide-angle image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display; 0.44-inch electric viewfinder with diopter adjustment for fine focusing; can toggle between LCD and EVF
3. Intelligent Auto Mode with Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
4. Shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode; 6 autofocusing modes
5. Stores images on SD memory cards (includes 27MB of internal memory; powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

The DMC-FZ18 Lumix 8.1-Megapixel Digital Camera can take photos from vast landscapes to super telephoto shots thanks to its 18x optical 28mm Wide-Angle Leica Zoom Lens. For macro shots, the wide-angle setting lets you shoot all the way down to one centimeter from your subject, while the telephoto setting can be used up to one meter (3.28 feet). Combined with Mega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, the DMC-FZ18 can detect even the tiniest camera movement to automatically adjust the lens to compensate any handshake. Intelligent ISO captures crisp, clear images as you shoot to suppress motion blur, making it easier to shoot scenes with fast moving action. The Face Detection function can automatically detect up to 15 faces in a scene and re-adjust the settings if their positions change. The Intelligent Scene Selector will sense the ambient conditions and automatically select either the Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly, getting beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set Program AE Shutter Speed - 1-1/2000 seconds Self Timer - 2 seconds / 10 seconds Burst Shooting Mode - Full-Resolution Image, 3 frames/sec Max. 7 images (Standard Mode), Max 4 images (Fine Mode) Built-in Flash Mode - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Viewfinder - 0.44 diagonal Color EVF (188k pixels) Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh), Up to 400 pictures Dimensions - Height 2.96'' x Width 4.63'' x Depth 3.47'' Weight - 0.79 pounds

Customer Review :

A great camera for all but the professionals!

This is my third superzoom camera and it is wonderful. The outdoor shots are perfect, indoor shots are great and even the indoor pictures in lowlight using the zoom (these are the toughest to get good results) come out very acceptable, and the video is as good as it gets. Its not perfect but what is. There is some shutter delay using the flash in the auto mode (just like most digital cameras), and you can't zoom while taking a video. The video zoom has been resolved with the new FZ28.

I have owned two cameras in the Canon S series of superzooms and was very happy with them, but I like this even better. Before you buy this model check out the FZ28 - it has some improvements that may be important to you. However, if there is a significant price difference, I am sure you will be pleased with the FZ18.

Rating :

little warrior

I will not sit here and dissect this camera from top to bottom, that is what the manufacturer's manual is for. I will say this, I have had an absolute blast with this camera. From portraits, panorama's and my forte macro world. This is a great bridge camera and I highly recommend it. If you are considering buying this camera don't hesitate, buy it and enjoy.

Rating :

Works great with only minor problems.

I'm a tech teacher for a high school and I've worked with lots of different cameras and the Panasonic Lumixes have always been my best buys for the price range. My students love the built in zoom lens (no need to change lenses on the run) and they feel like they're using something more sophisticated than a basic point and shoot. You also get a large number of pictures on one battery charge even if you constantly use the LCD. The only cons I've found are that they have problems indoors with low artificial light. If you don't watch what you are doing you end up with a lot of yellowed images. I often have to adjust the white balance and iso settings. You can't beat the Lumixes if you're trying to buy a versitile camera with zoom for under $300.

Rating :

best for entry level photographer hobbyist

i got this camera as an entry level piece before i would get an slr. this is surely a dlsr replacement camera. reduces the hassels of lens and manual controls.. had a lot of good pics with it. it also has an awesome batt life, around 400 shots. this camera has convinced my friends around me to buy one as it had all they wanted.. way better than a point and shoot and a good one start before a Dslr

Rating :

Great camera

First i use the FZ8k, then this one(FZ18K), the camera take great pictures, i dont need photoshop to clean my pictures anymore.

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

More reviews...

1. 8.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. 18x wide-angle image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display; 0.44-inch electric viewfinder
3. Intelligent Auto Mode with Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
4. Shooting at ISO 1600 in normal recording mode; 6 autofocusing modes
5. Stores images on SD memory cards (includes 27MB of internal memory; powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

The DMC-FZ18 Lumix 8.1-Megapixel Digital Camera can take photos from vast landscapes to super telephoto shots thanks to its 18x optical 28mm Wide-Angle Leica Zoom Lens. For macro shots, the wide-angle setting lets you shoot all the way down to one centimeter from your subject, while the telephoto setting can be used up to one meter (3.28 feet). Combined with Mega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization, the DMC-FZ18 can detect even the tiniest camera movement and automatically adjust the lens to compensate for any handshake. Intelligent ISO suppresses motion blur as you shoot, to capture crisp, clear images, making it easier to shoot scenes with fast moving action. The Face Detection function can automatically detect up to 15 faces in a scene and re-adjust the settings if their positions change. The Intelligent Scene Selector will sense the ambient conditions and automatically select either the Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly, getting beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set Program AE Shutter Speed - 1-1/2000 seconds Self Timer - 2 seconds / 10 seconds Burst Shooting Mode - Full-Resolution Image, 3 frames/sec Max. 7 images (Standard Mode), Max 4 images (Fine Mode) Built-in Flash Mode - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Viewfinder - 0.44 diagonal Color EVF (188k pixels) Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh), Up to 400 pictures Dimensions - Height 2.96'' x Width 4.63'' x Depth 3.47'' Weight - 0.79 pounds

Customer Review :

Amazon selling brand new DMC FZ28 for $394.19 !

I own the DMC FZ18 and it is a great camera, BUT why buy it for more money (sales tax/S&H) from "Blue Proton" when you get the BRAND NEW RELEASE of the DMC FZ28, directly from AMOZON, which has new great features?

Rating :

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18S

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18S 8.1MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)Works great. Software supplied is adequate, Gimp or Photoshop makes a much better companion. Photos are a great improvement over my previous digital camera and it is able to accept lens attachments that were not available for my previous equipment. Thanks again for great service and quality in the merchandise.

Rating :

Great Camera

Wonderful camera I just need to learn how to do more with it. But you can just point and shoot which is awesome. I learn more every day.

Rating :

Best in RAW mode

I just bought the camera 2 months ago. I really love it! It took me some time to explore the buttons and its functions. But when I got used to it, the images and print outs keep on amazing me.

I particularly like the RAW images because I am able to develop it in its best appearance before I would save it in JPEG format or print it. The program that comes with it is very smart, it processes the images without compromising the quality. I feel like a pro when I looked at the images.

I chose this camera over the canon S5is, fujifilm s8100 and sony h50 since the price is cheaper (I bought it at $279) and it can take shots in JPEG+RAW format. Believe me you wouldn't want to shoot in JPEG anymore once you've tried the RAW.

However when I looked at its current price it's over a $100 more expensive than when I bought it. But looking back, I would not hesitate to buy this camera even at it's current price. It feels like DSLR!

Rating :

Excellent camera

I love everything about this camera! Sophisticated yet easy. My father-in-law said it's "too much camera" for me so I can't wait to see what all it can do. I bought it on a recommendation and highly recommend it to others.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 8.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. 3.6x wide-angle image-stabilized optical zoom; 3-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent Auto Mode with Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector
4. High-Sensitivity mode shoots at an ISO equivalent of 6400; Continuous Autofocus, which minimizing autofocus time
5. Stores images on SD memory cards (includes 27MB of internal memory; powered by lithium-ion battery (battery and charger included)

Editorial Review :

The Panasonic DMC-FX55 8.1-Megapixel Digital Camera will get you beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject. Detect even the tiniest camera movement with Mega O.I.S. Optical Image Stabilization and it will automatically adjust the lens to compensate. Intelligent ISO captures crisp, clear images even when your subject is moving, to ensure sharp, clear pictures without any loss of detail or clarity. Advanced subject-motion detection circuitry senses when your subject is moving and raises the camera's ISO sensitivity and shutter speed settings accordingly. Face Detection automatically chooses the optimal settings for up to 15 faces in a scene and will even automatically readjust the settings if their positions change. The Intelligent Scene Selector will sense the ambient conditions and automatically select either the Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly. White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set Shutter Speed - 8 - 1/2,000 second Self Timer - 10 seconds / 2 seconds Built-in Flash Mode - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 1000 mAh), Up to 280 pictures Dimensions - Height 2.25'' x Width 3.74'' x Depth 0.90'' Weight - 0.32 pounds

Customer Review :

Great snapshot camera

Excellent small, convenient snapshot camera. All of the controls are really easy to use and in the right positions. The picture quality is outstanding and there is plenty of control over the size of the files. The only drawback that I found is that it does not have a fully manual setting for the exposure and the longest exposure setting appears to be about 1 sec. I am sure that I won't need these settings too often. Overall an excellent purchase. I would recommend it.

Rating :

excellent

it's a excellent camera. it's easy to use and many function. but it's not easy to buy a replacement battery.

Rating :

A Mighty Gem!!

This little giant is a great pocket camera with loads of power features.

* Effective Image Stabilization
* Automatic Intelligence Modes
* Loads of Scene Settings that really work
* Great zoom combination (optical/digital)
* Extra Sharp Images
* 28mm wide angle view
* Super Compact
* File Organization
* Crystal clear 3.2" Screen

I could go on and on with all of the great features.
If you buy this camera and learn how to take advantage of the features, you will not be disappointed. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a small camera with great performance features.

Rating :

Great Camera and Features - small package!!

This camera has proven to be far better than I could have ever hoped!! I purchased this camera after my previous point-shoot style camera was damaged while sandbagging a levee in Iowa...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55P was ordered as a hurried replacement before I left on a trip. The camera has excellent lense quality and an outstanding array of features. I really appreciated that the menus and functioning are pretty intuitive if you have experience using cameras. I've mostly worked with Canon products previously and still like that gear very much. Even though I had not used a Panasonic before, locating features was easy and intuitive. I purchased this unit instead of the Canon because the Panasonic is a smaller, flatter camera that offers all of the same features that I wanted for much less money.

Simply put, I have not used a small camera which produced such high quality photos and offered such great flexibility of use. The flash is powerful and offers several settings. I've used the camera in a variety of situations ranging from concerts, over dinner, by a campfire, macro photos of bugs, and in the dead of night. All situations resulted in outstanding photos. The battery life has been very good. The wide angle is VERY useful. I just returned from 6 days of camping using the camera every day (not constantly) and never needed a charge.

I simply can't think of anything else I would like in such a camera. A great purchase that I could recommend to anyone.

Rating :

excellent

just a great all around camera. I dont know why anyone would buy anything other than a panasonic. Leica lens, huge lcd screen, its fantastic.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-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; 27MB internal memory

Editorial Review :

The DMC-FX12K is Lumix 7.2-megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom, MEGA optical image stabilization and 2.5" diagonal LCD.

Customer Review :

Good only while it lasts

I had been very pleased with this camera until it suddenly developed oil spots on the interior of the lens. I was instructed by Panasonic to send it in for repairs. After 3 weeks I finally received my camera back in good working condition only to have the oil spots appear again two weeks later. At that point I requested a replacement but was informed by Panasonic that my only recourse was to continue to send it back for repairs. Unacceptable. I would strongly urge all considering this product, or any Panasonic product, to think long and hard before taking the plunge as, my experience has been that the company will not stand behind their product.

Rating :

maybe there are better cameras

This camera takes very good photos in the day, but awful photos at night. What I didn't like about this camera, is that you will need a tripod to take pictures if you are taking photos without flash or in an ambient with poor light, because your are going to get awful pictures.
When you take pictures and you watch them on the display, you think they look beautiful, but when you download to the computer, you will see that some are shaken.
Look for another camera. I am very sure that there are better than this one.

Rating :

Very Nice Quality

I bought this camera about a month ago, so far it has been very good to me. It takes really nice quality photos. The battery lasts a really long time. I take pictures of pets a lot and its very hard to get one with them sitting still, and it's hard to use a flash because pets get really bad red-eye. But this camera has a specific setting for pets! There are so many different settings i haven't even discovered them yet. I think this camera could make anyone a great photographer. I totally recommend it.

Rating :

Crisp Pictures in a Small Package

The Panasonic DMC-FX12 is a great supplement to a larger SLR. It's easy to tuck into a pocket or purse to catch those pictures that inevitably pop up when you decided not to lug your big camera around. The Leica lens is sharp, and when used at its highest resolution, the camera can produce quality large prints. With a 2 gigabyte card you can record an entire trip without having to download your pictures to a computer.

Rating :

Disappointing Performance

I recently purchased this camera through amazon. If I were to purchase again, I would probably choose the comparable Sony or Canon model. While I appreciated the Japanese quality of the camera, the performance left much to be desired: my first outing with the camera was to a high school dance that I had organized, and I could see nothing through the digital viewfinder--there is no standard window viewfinder--and this inability to see anything, mixed with focusing and color problems, led to horrible photos. I also found the camera's function controls, as well as the bundled software, to be very non-intuitive, with a large number of commands required for navigation. I do not recommend this camera for general purpose use, particularly among buyers who may wish to take photos in darker environments and/or do not want to spend great amounts of time reading and rereading the user's guide to ensure proper functioning of the camera.

Rating :

More reviews...