Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (Black)

Pros: Compact, 12x zoom, loaded with Scenes, Quick Menu handy and fast, automates most everything.

Cons: LCD unreadable in sunlight. Automates most everything. Zoom lag. Costly accessories.

Summary: First impressions: Very nice size and grip, easily pocketable. Versatile and capable, with numerous features and scenes. Automates most everything. The Quick Menu is wonderfully convenient for changing basic settings, like resolution or metering, on the fly. Clipboard for keeping a few special low-res images is handy, without having to scroll though all your images.

Problem is, I hoped for an all-in-one, everyday pocket camera, an SLR zoom range in a compact body. But, it automates most everything. ("Your own settings" consists just of the "press shutter button halfway" trick!) Lacks even Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, handy when shooting Macro or motion. Workarounds (like Portrait vs. Scenery for depth of field, or Sporst for fast shutter speed) are incomplete. So, despite its potential, this is a Consumer, not Pro-sumer camera.

Furthermore, LCD is unreadable outdoors due to small size, sunlight, or reflections from face, so I cannot see what is in focus. So, put a black cloth over your head, like olden days, yah, right! This is a Point-and-Hope Camera. Having to hold the camera away from face to peer at LCD (compact cameras lack viewfinders!) makes for jitter and reflections, and screen icons are tiny. Don't give this camera to anyone shaking with eagerness, or age. The Zoom has a wide range, but it lags the lever control, overshooting or undershooting while I try to jockey it into position. Also, due to the 25mm Wide end, the Tele end may be shorter than you expect with a 12x (forceable to 21x with lower resolution). When shooting, my finger keeps running into the zoom lever knob rather than the shutter button behind it, on the midline inwards of the mode dial (other cameras have the shutter button on the front edge, right?). Defeat the annoying shutter lag (due to auto-focusing) with the halfway shutter button trick. It does not seem possible to defeat autofocus with pre-set focus ranges.

Has 16 usual scenes, plus 8 special modes that affect appearance of images (including Panorama Assist [for ArcSoft Panorama Maker on CD], Bursts, High ISO, Distortion). High-Angle setting (ZS1 only) makes LCD more visible when shooting with camera raised high. Audio recording for picture or movie is monaural (ZS3 is stereo). ZS1 has Face Detection, while ZS3 adds named Face Recognition. "Direction detection" feature means rotation of portrait/landscape orientation, not built-in compass or GPS! About 160 his-res pictures per battery charge. Plays built-in music.

Optional AC adaptor ($80) does not recharge battery, plus requires a special connector ($50, to connect included USB or AV) if you want AC power while transferring pictures to TV or PC (an exorbitant $130 list together)! An SD/SDHC memory card is not included with camera (40 MB built-in); some Panasonic TVs read the card directly.

Instructions are in English, with a briefer Spanish supplement, plus a French-Canadian warning. Software for PHOTOfunSTUDIO editor is PC only (instructions in French and English)..