5 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3A 7.2MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue).

1. Great camera, Has a Smart ISO option which knows what settings to choose when taking the shot.
   Big 3 inch lcd screen on the back is awesome



2. Great! So good, I bought one for my wife. Easy to use, great photos, good weight to hold, good zoom - a real "WOW!".



3. I have had this camera since Christmas and it has treated me very well. It takes really good photos. It has difficulties in dim lit rooms, but nothing more than any other basic camera I have owned (Finally moved up to DSLR and wow what a difference). I still carry this camera around so I have a camera handy when lugging my giant DSLR around isnt practical. The one thing I have been extremly impressed with is the durability. I was at the Pepsi Center in Denver watching an indoor football game and I accidentally dropped it into the row in front of me. It missed the chair in front of me totally and landed directly on the concrete. I would say it was about a 6-7 foot drop. I know part of it must have been luck, but the only thing that broke was a small clip that holds the battery in when you open the battery door. Not a big deal really, I just now know to expect the battery to come popping out when I open the door. Other than that the camera works as good as the first day I got it. Granted I dont use it as much as I used to, now that I have my new "BEAST" of a camera (Canon 40D) because the pictures arent even in the same league, but for a camera in this range, I would definately buy another one if it hadnt survived my accidental drop. It is very handy and will fit in my LARGE pocket. For a convienient, semi-pocketable point and shoot, I dont think anyone would be dissappointed with this camera.



4. i love this camera. even in the simple mode takes excellent pictures. i've noticed a lot of my friends who research cameras like I did also have this camera



5. I love all features of this camera, pictures are beautiful, it is easy to take them, but... There is no way I can use it now - it has some electrick shortcut in it that makes battery to overheat while not in use, burns it out after couple shots, lens gets stuck in open position. I sent it for repair since it is still on manufacturer's warranty and they returned it to me not working at all after 1.5 months of wait. First - do not rely on warranty. second - if you buy - check that you cna take more than 10 pictures at a time - that has been maximum I could do. If light is low than about 3 - before so called repairs...

5 comments about Panasonic DMC-FX07A 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue).

1. I am very happy with this camera, it's way better than any of my friends cameras (besides my brother who has a $1000 dig slr!)...I used this camera to take photos for album art for a band and it looks very professional. I got it because it takes such great close ups. Sometimes I'm annoyed at the "glowing eyes" my dog gets when taking a picture of her...but otherwise it's great.



2. I know that almost every critical review on this camera talks about the noise. I don't have a FX07 myself, but my boss has one that I used for office work after my Canon A85's CCD crapped out after 3 years of rigorous service.
   
   There is normal noise and then there is FX07 noise. Normal noise (at low ISO anyway) is manageable - throw image into Noise Ninja noise reduction program, Auto-Profile, set Chrominance filtering to Max, fiddle around with Luminance filtering, process, save. Rinse and repeat.
   
   At low ISOs, the FX07's noise is coarse and non-uniform. Which blows the Auto-Profiling - the Luma and Chroma noise level readings come out low - the noise is too coarse to be recognized. Even with maximum filtering in Chroma and Luma, you see lots of huge individual noise specks. So you run up the "Smoothness" to squelch them (like the program recommends) and lose half the detail in an photo. That's at ISO 100.
   
   At higher ISOs, say oh 200 or 400, the noise is even coarser and more uniform. Luma and Chroma estimates remains low (for the ISOs), but the noise covers up the image in huge coarse grains. Any attempt to recover detail from said grains is futile. The image details don't just turn "plasticy", they are obliterated.
   
   Results at ISO800 or 1250 are unusable, but since that's true of even a Powershot G9 I guess I shouldn't complain about that - it's the poor low-ISO results that are the killer.
   
   After some painful lessons, I came to the conclusion that this is at best a 5MP camera (even at low ISO), not a 7MP. By admitting this fact and setting your camera to 5MP, the noise grains become small enough that Noise Ninja actually recognizes them as noise (the measured noise levels actually rise) and you can squelch them without destroying the image. If the image was taken in 7MP, the only real chance for usability is to scale it to 50% - that is turning it into a ~1.8MP image before putting it into Noise Ninja (Noise Ninja NR is theoretically done before downsizing but theory obviously did not factor in the Lumix FX07).
   
   On the positive, it is a OK 2-5MP camera. It is small, colors are good, optical stabilizer works - just read the 4/5 star reviews. But do you want to pay the listed price for a 5MP (at best) camera? As for me, after 4 months of the above torture I went to buy a Canon G9 camera for use at work and home.



3. Panasonic DMC-FX07R 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Red)
   I have own this fabulous little camera for over a year now and I just love how well all of my pictures have turned out. I read in some other reviews how it doesn't seem to do well when it comes to places with limited light. I beg to differ...in Feb. 2008, I went to the rodeo to enjoy the show and and concert. For those of you who have gone before to a concert at the rodeo, you know just how much light is displayed and usually if you try to pictures and/ or record it, the quality is very poor. However, with this little camera, not only were my pictures clear and well-lit, the two video clips I did at the concert came out awesome! I just couldn't believe how clear the bnd looked from where I was sitting and later when I uploaded it to my computer, you could clearly hear all the words of the song being sung. This had been my first time using this option and I just wish I had started using it sooner.
   
   So for those of you who are interested in purchasing this camera, you will not regret it. For being such a tiny camera, the outcomes of pictures and video will leave you pleased.



4. I must say this camera has been a huge disappointment. The noise is terrible as has already been mentioned. Ease of use is very simple though. I'm going to have to save this for just video. Does a decent job of that. I bought it because the wide angle is a very nice a feature & when I was looking at point & shoots a year a so ago there wasn't a whole lot out there. That has changed a bit.
   
   If picture quality doesn't matter to you, than go ahead & buy this camera.



5. When I got this I took a series of pictures inside with flash/no flash and compared to my old sony cybershot P150.
   
   When I looked at images on camera screens I was suprised. The sony's looked better when I zoomed it in. Sharper, less noise.
   
   However when I uploaded them to PC I found sony's may have less noise and were slightly better with flash. But without flash the Fx07 was the best. All shots in focus and sony's were blurry. Image stabilisation is great for when you can't use a flash inside.
   
   Also, after experimenting with a few settings (switch slow shutter speed to 1/4 or 1/2 (not 1/8) and images were no longer dark in low light. Better still is intelligent ISO which does all this for you. Most of the time it will pick something sensible that results in a reasonably quick shutter speed to prevent shake and acceptable ISO so not too much noise. Hint avoid ISO 800/1250 if possible. Photo's are very noisy at these settings. 400 is OK, 200 better, 100 brilliant but only really can be used outside.
   
   Seems good so far, gonna have to take it somewhere nice and try it outside.

5 comments about Panasonic DMC-L1 7.5MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica 14-50mm Mega O.I.S. Lens.

1. I was lucky enough to get this camera from Amazon in December for $800. I don't understand people who say the picture quality is not superb because the lens is sharp as a tack. I have been shooting mostly HDR images on a tripod, the depth of field is incredible. The only things I have found lacking are the battery compartment door is flimsy, the shutter speed dial should have a lock, auto-bracketing should go to +/- 2 EV not just one and finally the RAW capture should not include JPEGS, it is a memory hog. Other than that, the controls, the fit and finish, everything about this camera is great. Until I can afford the Leica M-8, I am sticking with this.



2. considering that you can get the camera for much cheaper than what it originally was priced its a great bargain. You first get a DSLR with a live view, bounce flash and great analog controls then the 2.8 14-50mm (28-100mm equivalent) Leica lens with Mega OIS. And with the four-thirds system that is steadily gaining popularity you really cant go wrong.



3. I 've been taking pictures for 25 years with different cameras (OM 1O, EOS 10, LUMIX dmc-fz20, EOS 400d...) and I wanted something special for my 40's. This machine is absolutly perfect. Actually, this was design and created with Leica (this is exactly the same camera as the Leica Digilux 3). Some will say it's only a 7.5MP SLR camera! Indeed, but perfectly "adjusted". You can use Zuiko lenses which are great.
   I do recommand this Panasonic dmc-L1!



4. I bought this camera when Amazon had them for $799. I thought it would be a good camera to re-familiarize myself with manual controls and a higher degree of involvement with photography. I was also in love with the design and layout of the controls and the body.
   I will not get into an analysis of the pros and cons of this camera; there is enough information out there to provide anyone with a sense of how the L1 measures against the competition. I will however, contribute a few observations.
   
   Even though the viewfinder is dark and small, you adapt to it fairly well. I used the camera on a 4 day trip to Colorado and found it a lot better to manage than I initially thought.
   
   This camera requires patience and a willingness to try different things. If you just stick it in Auto, you miss the whole point of using this unique instrument. A tweak here, an adjustment there, and you are rewarded with rich, detailed and well balanced images.
   
   You will be stunned at the quality of images this camera produces. Outdoor shots are beautifully rendered, bokeh is quite good, and the 14-50mm Leica lens is a joy to use, albeit a tad unforgiving when the wrong settings are used.
   
   7 megapixels is more than most people need.
   
   Low light performance is really poor. The AF hunts and hunts, high ISO performance is relatively noisy (But why would anyone shoot above ISO800 anyway?) and the built in flash only works well at close range. One cool feature is the bounce-flash feature, which returns well lit and not washed out portraits, but only at a reasonable distance.
   
   I have a Nikon D300 SLR that I use for more professional applications. I however prefer to use the L1 as a walk around, fun camera. It behaves very much like an analog camera.
   
   Perhaps one shouldn't think of this camera's challenges as shortcomings, but of how far digital photography has advanced and even gone beyond film in performance and flexibility.
   
   As long as lighting conditions are good, this camera shines!



5. I love this camera. I've used Canons and Nikons in the past, especially D30s and D40s, and I much prefer using the L1. I almost always shoot manual, and find the actual, physical controls on this to be a great improvement over all the buttons on the Canon. The design/navigation of the menu is also the nicest I've seen on a digital camera (have also owned Sony and Fuji). Picture quality is outstanding. Plus, I admit I really like walking past people carrying their omnipresent Canons and Nikons, while I'm sporting a much rarer Lumix.
   
   The single biggest flaw with this is the viewfinder. It really is too dark - a problem common to many dSLRs which don't use pentaprisms like film SLRs. It can be worked around, but it's a real annoyance.
   
   Also, be aware that this is not a small, inconspicuous camera.

5 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33A 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue).

1. A great unit, however chip missing, and the video quality in low lite situations is superb. The price was 200 EURO less than in Hamburg shops.



2. I had the 5 megapixel version of this camera and it was great. When I lost that camera I knew that there was no other point and shoot that I would want to own. The image stabilizer is phenomenal for an amature photographer and it's 100 times better than the kodak cameras that I've owned. I won't buy any other camera for everyday use.



3. I'm not one who needs to review things, but this camera is special. I have used many digital cameras over many years, each improved over the last model as technology improves and becomes more afordable. Having purchased the FZ18 I noticed the FX30 very is similar in menu and features which I have grown to like on the FZ. There are trade offs with the tiny cameras of optical quality(CCD size)and zoom. Looking at most all others they have similar limitations needing enough light to keep the noise down. Some have much worse quality issues, like so called "digital image stabilization" that automatically lower quality with increased noise to useless levels. The thing I wanted to share is this camera grows on you. I cannot leave it home or often worry it might loose it down the couch or worse! It is cute and needs TLC and just happens to take great pictures too!



4. I bought this camera for my daughter and she found it a week later in Best Buy for the same price but 10 megapixels. What a deal!! But the camera itself is great.



5. I gave it three stars because it falls short in one critical area - photo quality.
   
   But first, the good stuff. Like an earlier review noted, the black rubberized finish feels good in hand. The "Intelligent Auto" mode works reasonably well - it was able to distinguish between macro, landscape, portrait and night modes most of the time. The wide angle lens really came in handy for group photos, landscape and architecture shots. Normal operation is fairly snappy, and the menu are easy to figure out. Lastly, the LCD screen's resolution is fairly high, and the gain can be adjusted with one button to aid viewing in bright environments.
   
   However, the photo quality was underwhelming. I've owned a Canon Powershot S410 and Fuji Finepix F20 (both pocket-sized Point & Shoot cameras) and the photo quality in those cameras were superior to the Panasonic. Panasonic cameras have had the reputation of great lenses with mediocre noise reduction, and that's what I expected with this camera. However, the photos are very soft and the colors lack saturation. The noise reduction is noticeable at ISO 200, and is very apparent at ISO 400. This level of noise reduction is not unusual for this class of camera, though I prefer the Canon approach of more detail but more noise.
   
   The camera also has an "Intelligent ISO" mode, which boosts the ISO if shaking or motion is detected in the frame. It sounds good, but it's very aggressive, and the resulting photos are usually shot at fairly high ISO where the detail is lost. There is a option to limit the highest ISO, though the option is not available in "Intelligent Auto" mode.
   
   I haven't printed any photos from this camera, though I would suspect that regular sized prints would be fine. You can usually tell the difference in quality by zooming into a photo, but in this case, I was able to tell the difference even when shrinking the photos to fit in a web album.
   
   It's not a bad camera. I actually enjoyed using it, but at the end of the day, when you sit down and look over the photos you took, that's where the camera underwhelms.

5 comments about Panasonic DMC-FZ50S 10.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver).

1. I think, this Pana. FZ50 is the best camera that you can get, if you do not want to own a SLR. I gave it a three stars, because it does not take AA battery.



2. I was a owner of Canon products for years, for the past 1.5yrs I have been using a Canon 400D DSLR, I got so tired of lugging around lens and gear that I quit photography all together for a few month's That is until I found the FZ50!
   
   The FZ50 is a remarkable camera for its price, In order to have a DSLR witht he range and quality of the lecia lens you would be spending around $5,000 on lens alone, There is no other comparision for this camera,
   
   It takes excellent Macro, the color range is dynamic, and it has the best EVF I have seen on a camera, The Mega OIS is a better system than Canons Image stabilzation
   
   It came down to the FZ50 and the Canon S5IS, I am so glad I read revviews and picked this Camera
   
   For anyone sitting on the fence about Panasonic Buy this camera now, you will never regret it



3. I really didn't want to rate this product at this time. Not because of the product, but because of the poor service.
   
   They did not mail it out until the day is was due at my front door step. They had a glitch in their system, recognized it, and sent the product out at Two day-air. (wonderful). Then more glitches happened. They sent the package with a note insisting that I personally sign for it.
   
   They clearly should have asked me first. Like most people, I can't lose work and sit around for a four-hour UPS delivery window. I tried to contact them and get something done, but it didn't work. I called them several times (had to wait "on hold" for 30-45 minutes - BY THE RECEPTIIONIST, OR WHO EVER IS SUPPOSE TO ANSWER THEIR PHONE- each time). I consider that a rude way to conduct business. I also sent emails which to which they promptly responded. They offered serious apologies, but still no camera.
   
   FINALLY, about 7-10 days behind the delivery schedule, the camera arrived. By then I was so disgusted with the company that I refuse to accept this shipment. I was fed up with the vendor.
   
   Of course that called for another round of phone calls to which I was put on hold for over an hour - I finally hung up in disgust. Let me make one thing clear in their defense. The unbeliably bad phone call waits were just to get someone to answer the phone and conect me to the right department. The one or two times I actually got to peak with someone in the right ddepartment was otstanding. They are good people. That is why I waited more than month to offer my comments. They, I blieve, they did their best to get the camera to me. They had nothing to do with the UPS delivery system.
   
   I am still waiting for my refund!!! They don't answer their phone (try calling thei number). They also no longer answer my emails
   
   It's time for me to get Amazon involved. I want my refund!!!
   
   Anyway, I finally brought the camera from another store. IT WORKS WONDERFULLY. BUY IT!



4. Great deal on this camera. It offers so much in control, and yet will still take a snapshot. It arrived on time, in good order, just as advertised. I was hesitant as it was a third party vendor (Adorama), but it was an excellent deal and completely as advertised.



5. I agree in full with what everyone says about the image quality and ability to take raw pictures. It is a remarkable camera. One complaint I had was its ability to autofocus in low-light levels. Even manual focusing, which appeared on the screen to be in focus later turned out to be out of focus. I would recommend to them to use a white light focusing mechanism instead of the red light that comes on in low light, near object situations. Cameras I have used with this white light have always autofocused better for me. What confused me(and this is more of an observation that a complaint) was the inclusion of this camera in a 'point and shoot' category. By definition, it is a point and shoot in that it doesn't have a mechanical shutter like the SLR cameras. However, the camera is rather large, and if one is expecting to take this camera in a carry-on on a plane, please refer to the pictures I uploaded using 2 other camera types against this camera.

5 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black).

1. A great unit, however chip missing, and the video quality in low lite situations is superb. The price was 200 EURO less than in Hamburg shops.



2. I had the 5 megapixel version of this camera and it was great. When I lost that camera I knew that there was no other point and shoot that I would want to own. The image stabilizer is phenomenal for an amature photographer and it's 100 times better than the kodak cameras that I've owned. I won't buy any other camera for everyday use.



3. I'm not one who needs to review things, but this camera is special. I have used many digital cameras over many years, each improved over the last model as technology improves and becomes more afordable. Having purchased the FZ18 I noticed the FX30 very is similar in menu and features which I have grown to like on the FZ. There are trade offs with the tiny cameras of optical quality(CCD size)and zoom. Looking at most all others they have similar limitations needing enough light to keep the noise down. Some have much worse quality issues, like so called "digital image stabilization" that automatically lower quality with increased noise to useless levels. The thing I wanted to share is this camera grows on you. I cannot leave it home or often worry it might loose it down the couch or worse! It is cute and needs TLC and just happens to take great pictures too!



4. I bought this camera for my daughter and she found it a week later in Best Buy for the same price but 10 megapixels. What a deal!! But the camera itself is great.



5. I gave it three stars because it falls short in one critical area - photo quality.
   
   But first, the good stuff. Like an earlier review noted, the black rubberized finish feels good in hand. The "Intelligent Auto" mode works reasonably well - it was able to distinguish between macro, landscape, portrait and night modes most of the time. The wide angle lens really came in handy for group photos, landscape and architecture shots. Normal operation is fairly snappy, and the menu are easy to figure out. Lastly, the LCD screen's resolution is fairly high, and the gain can be adjusted with one button to aid viewing in bright environments.
   
   However, the photo quality was underwhelming. I've owned a Canon Powershot S410 and Fuji Finepix F20 (both pocket-sized Point & Shoot cameras) and the photo quality in those cameras were superior to the Panasonic. Panasonic cameras have had the reputation of great lenses with mediocre noise reduction, and that's what I expected with this camera. However, the photos are very soft and the colors lack saturation. The noise reduction is noticeable at ISO 200, and is very apparent at ISO 400. This level of noise reduction is not unusual for this class of camera, though I prefer the Canon approach of more detail but more noise.
   
   The camera also has an "Intelligent ISO" mode, which boosts the ISO if shaking or motion is detected in the frame. It sounds good, but it's very aggressive, and the resulting photos are usually shot at fairly high ISO where the detail is lost. There is a option to limit the highest ISO, though the option is not available in "Intelligent Auto" mode.
   
   I haven't printed any photos from this camera, though I would suspect that regular sized prints would be fine. You can usually tell the difference in quality by zooming into a photo, but in this case, I was able to tell the difference even when shrinking the photos to fit in a web album.
   
   It's not a bad camera. I actually enjoyed using it, but at the end of the day, when you sit down and look over the photos you took, that's where the camera underwhelms.

5 comments about Panasonic DMW-LW55 55mm Wide Conversion Lens for Panasonic FZ7, FZ30 and FZ50 Digital Cameras.

1. The primary flaw of my Lumix DMC FZ8 is that it caters to the telephoto crowd--the same folks who got their first 35mm SLR and then wanted a telephoto zoom to go with it. The truth is, most people will use a good wide angle about 90 percent of the time. They're also the same folks pushed up against a wall trying to fit in wide shots.
   
   So along comes Panasonic's answer: a 3-element lens that gives users the wide angles they need. Are these Leica-ground multi-coated premium quality lenses? Hardly. This is a screw-in converter, the same kind that used to cost $29.95 in New York camera stores for the 35mm crowd who couldn't afford a real wide-angle lens. But $225+ is just too much to ask for a 3-element lens, unless it's Hubble quality computer-designed lens.
   
   Barrel distortion is quite noticable at this wide setting, but then, even the old Vivitar 2x converters were 4-element designs.
   
   Buy a budget converter. There's software that can help with distortion, but don't expect much from any converter...even if it costs as much as the camera!



2. This lens is quite expensive but delivers superb quality. If you're after picture quality, this is what you need. It was designed specifically for the cameras it works with, so you can see where the quality comes from. That's why I would not use a no-name, or even Nikon, or Olympus wide converter with my Panasonic camera. Also do not buy this to work with your non-Panasonic camera, I believe the quality would diminish. The optics of the camera and the optics of the converter have to be designed for each other. Only the OEM can do that.



3. I am very pleased with the quality of the conversion lens. As a previous reviewer said, wide angle tends to be much more useful to people than a super tele, unless yor into wildlife or sports photagraphy. My only complaint is that when attched to the camera you aren't supposed to zoom, you are supposed to use it at max wideangle on the camera (24mm focal length with the converter). The FZ-50 max wide without the conversion is 35mm focal length. So there is a large gap, use 24 or 35 focal length. But I intend to experiment with Zooming with the converter attached and see if it adversly affects performance. I want to be able to shoot in that gap.



4. It's confession time: I've bought cheaper aftermarket accessory lenses for various cameras I've owned over the years and have had too many disappointments with the quality of the results. A non-Panasonic tele lens for my FZ-50 had color fringing and softness along with lack of contrast. So, for my wide accessory lens I went with the manufacturer's product this time.
   
   My preliminary results are hopeful - I'll add to this review as I use it more this summer, but I like the color and contrast so far. This takes you to about 25mm, which is handy. A weakness of the FZ-50 is that it just goes to about 35mm equivalent. And an accessory like this is a 'wart on the nose' of an otherwise lovely camera although this camera is more of a system camera than most advanced point and shoots such as the Fuji S7000 which I love to use for its fantastic imaging chip results.
   
   Once you get these accessory lenses and other gear, you morph from 'camera hanging off the neck' to needing a specialized camera kit bag or backpack. But for specialized uses e.g. birding, or architectural uses it is the only way to go. So, it's thumbs up on this handy critter. Don't go cheepo!



5. I have just come back from a trip to the Grand Canyon where I could compare this lens with taking normal photos without it. It makes a big difference to my Canyon shots so I am very happy that I have purchased this lens.
   You have to be very careful not to take the photo when pointing towards the sun when using this lens to avoid reflections in the photo.

1 comments about Panasonic DMW-LMC52 52mm Protection Filter for Panasonic FZ7 Digital Camera.

1. This little gem is a necessity to protect the lens of my digital camera. It works fine, no distortion of color change. I recommend it for anyone who wants to protect their camera lens. Just be sure you get the right size. I had to send the first one back because it was the wrong size. Check and double check before ordering.

3 comments about Panasonic DMC-L10 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6 Mega OIS Lens.

1. My first dslr, its fab. Of course I cannot compare it to others, however its significantly superior to any of the point and shoots I have used.
   
   Two criticisms. First the autofocus seems to take a few moments to set in, especially with fast moving shots making for blurry pictures. Second, high speed shooting isnt as fast as I would have hoped, just 2 frames a second - shame they couldn't get 4 or 5.



2. I was looking for an entry level DSLR to purchase as a gift, so I spent a good amount of time at a local store playing with DSLRs. I have a Canon EOS 40D that I love, but my camera was way to pricey to buy as a gift. I tried the most popular DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, but the Panasonic caught my eye because of the movable screen. The camera was easy to operate and took decent pictures (I bring along memory cards so I can try out the cameras); however, like my Panasonic compact camera (I have a TZ3), the images were either too noisy or overprocessed for my taste.
   
   But my eyes eventually lowered to the price tag, and I was in disbelief. This camera costs as much as my EOS40D (a semi-pro model). Perhaps if this Panasonic cost $400, I would be on here saying that it was the best $400 camera you could get, and I'd give it more stars, but for this price you could be getting a camera that is in a whole different league.
   
   That being said, if you want to spend this much on a camera, consider the Canon 40D or the Nikon D80 (or spend a bit more for the D300)--they will give you much better photos, more customization, and solid performance for the same price. If you're just looking for a beginner DLSR (like I was), stick with the Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D40x (or even an Olympus e-volt). Any of those three cameras will give you as good or better photos, more upgrade options (more lenses & accessories), and best of all, you could basically get two of those cameras for the price of one this Panasonic L10.



3. I am a 'collector' of dslr cameras. I have just about every panasonic lumix camera available and quite a few canons, sonys, and nikons. This camera, by far, is my favorite. It is easy to handle, easy to use, totally stupid proof, and the pictures come out great. I have a Nikon d80 and it's a great camera but for me, this is still my favorite. It's just a funner camera and easier to handle. I am in no-way a professional photographer, I just love photography and this camera is a joy.

5 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black).

1. I bought this camera primarily because of the wide-angle lens and the image stabilization, as well as the reputation of the Leica lens. I'm not an avid photographer, but I wanted something small and easy to use, and this camera is certainly that. The controls are very intuitive and the instruction manual explains the more advanced features very clearly. I'm very pleased with the quality of the landscape shots and portraits I've done so far. Everything about the Lumix is amazingly compact; you can pop it into a shirt pocket or into a pocket of your cargo shorts, and take it everywhere, and it's so light that it's easy to forget that it's there....I worry about accidentally putting it through the washing machine someday. There may be better cameras if you need and use a lot of advanced features, but this little gem has been perfect for my needs. Highly recommended!



2. This camera display excellent pictures! for non professional cameras for my its the best. Note that i have made an extensive review about cameras and I Decided for Lumix. The best technology, the best quality, its number one in the market. dont think it more, i wasted to much time tinking about it already.



3. I like it lots. I haven't figured it out yet, but its going to be a lot of fun using that wide angle feature of this camera.



4. This is a great camera, that takes great pictures. I got one for Christmas, and decided we needed 2. The pictures are great, and the videos that it can take are good quality. I would not rely on it as a video camera, but it's handy when you need one.



5. great deal at $166. not as intuitive to use until you get used to wheel to set modes. i cannot see small symbols on wheel without glasses. screen is nice and big, but lack of viewfinder makes it harder for outdoor shots in sunlight. excellent battery life. fabulous quality pictures with no blur. excellent auto fill in flash for backlit outdoor shots. very pleased with it.