Panasonic Lumix

Deef1

Hi, I've got an FZ8 that I love to bits. I used to find it a bit of a pain to carry round but now i'm used to it's OK. I love the Leica lens (Not Ziess as somebody mentioned). Superb 12x optical zoom (forget about digital zoom as picture quality degrades considerably). The new DMC-FZ38 is even better with 18x zoom and HD recording with zoom...just got one to use at work. Had some really great shots with my FZ8. If you want it a bit smaller but with a good range of features i'd go for the DMC-TZ10 but it depends on how much you want to spend. This is where you want to look http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/410842/module/general/compare/productsCategory.html decide how much you've got to spend then google it for the best price. Or once you've decided how much money you've got, then pick the best you can afford.

BillScarab

I've got an old TZ3. It's been superb.

I'd definately consider the latest TZ models as they have a nice wide angle setting combined with a very good optical zoom. They also have lenses designed by Leica, although they're made by Panasonic.

bonzer

I've got an FZ8 too. Very happy with it. Good piece of kit. Stabilised 12x zoom lens is excellent.

These days might have gone for the slightly more compact one e.g. TZ8 or TZ10.

zzzLazyDaisy

I have the FZ18 (bridge camera) and love it so much that I got myself the TZ4 compact for holidays and times when I just want something to slip in my bag. In fact the compact replaced my canon compact and takes far superior photos.

hornblower

I've got a Lumix TZ65. It's a solid camera with a big Leica lens. Very good at taking pictures outdoors and indoors. I used to be a Sony Cybershot man but now I think Panasonic's Lumix range is arguably the best range of digital compacts.

Deef1

Following on from my earlier post... I also bought 4 TZ3's for work as we have to take pics of our machines to sell them and wanted something substantially made which would take knocks in a tool room environment. These also take some great photos but it never crossed my mind that it wouldn't have a rear view finder except for the large screen on the back (just in case you hadn't realised) , which is brilliant be the way. I know that i'd be lost without the viewfinder on the back of my FZ8 as I use this for my continuous shooting mode (burst) whilst at Silverstone etc....It is after all a bridge camera so it is nice to hold something that resembles a digital SLR...that's my next step!

BillScarab

To be fair the majority of compacts don't have viewfinders anymore. It was a concern for me when I got my TZ3 but I've not really found it to be a problem.

zzzLazyDaisy

Deef1 wrote: »

It is after all a bridge camera so it is nice to hold something that resembles a digital SLR...that's my next step!

I have just upgraded to the panasonic G1 - I got the previous version (the one without video capability) and got an amazing deal. It is smaller and lighter than the traditional canon/nikon slrs, and I guess some purists would say it isn't in fact an slr because it is fully digital, but it is an amazing piece of kit. (My sis tried to get me to give her my bridge camera, but actually that camera still has it's place).

Norman-B

I had a TZ5 and loved it! My daughter borrowed it for a holiday and liked it soooo much, I had to buy a TZ7 and I just love the video on it! I packed away my old Panny camcorder, as I won't need it again.

Go for a TZ8, is my suggestion fwiw.

tomthered

I have the Lumix ZX1, superb quality pics and the Video has to be seen to be believed, its like watching a DVD. Only restriction is a 15min limit on HD, but no big deal. Bought a spare battery off the bay for £9 and case for £3. I too used to have a samsung before and this pees all over it. You get 5 times Optical zoom and you can zoom while recording HD video. Do a search on Youtube for film footage to see what its like.

The TZ7 has 12 times Optical zoom and is supposed to be better, but mine cost £130 from Play.com and I am happy with it.