Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K (black)

Pros: Great images at low iso Lot's of manual controls,

Cons: High Iso starting around 400 get's noisy

Summary: Hi,

I've tested Sony Dsc-W80, Fugi S700, Canon S3 and now This Panasonic-FZ8

I kept the Panasonic. I think the image quality is supurb at Low ISO. You can do alot. Crisp clear close up of a bird from 15 ft away great picture of a surfer close up while I must of been 300 ft away, Went to an airshow in Fort Lauderdale last week and those planes were going fast and I got crisp clear shots. I set the speed of my shutter at 1/1300 no problem. Of course sometimes there was a blur if it was windy or I was moving too much but the imaage stabliztion was great. It even stopped a helcopter Propler. I was even able to get a close clear close up of the moon.

One work around for the camera (I'm a beginner) was I waited until it got dark I kept it on 100 or 200 iso but made the apature 2.8 and the shutter speed at .5 second True the pic came out darker but no blur and I was able to hold it. Best methord is to get a tripod and take long exposure shots at 100 iso.


Noise at 400-1600-well that is disapointing. Yet my 8.5 X 11 Don't look bad at all. Unless you have a magnifing glass you can't tell the difference between 100 and 200. At 400 you can start but it's still presentable. For people who are obessive compulsives who need everything perfect this not the camera. I would suggest a 2000 slr if you are looking for a great camera that has above avg quality pics and lot's of features this is the one.