Photo : Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

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 for the money
This camera has been a great for me. I use it to take pictures and I also use it to record video. I would recommend this camera.

---

Rating: - A masterpiece in hand...
I've tried the earlier versions from Panasonic, but this is really ultimate... The product was delivered on the said time.

I have a suggestion for Panasonic - to provide zoom functionality in video mode. If the camera had a zoom while taking a video, then there would be very few cameras to beat it.

---

Rating: - Good Buy for Money
I bought this camera couple of months back as it was an economical wide angle with 18x zoom camera... I switched to this camera from my earlier Canon A560 point and shoot camera...
Let me tell you my feelings with this product one by one...
Image quality: good in day time / good light situation, colors are natural, though you can see few fringes where there is a radical change in LUX in a image.Dont use in low lights without flash(though after good amount of fiddle with this you can get good quality image)Noise is high after ISO400.You can record RAW images which is an added advantage.

Build: Good to handle camera, Comfortable grip

Technology: Sensor not that great, Image processing is high making your images look blur at time or over smooth.I really miss USB 2.0.Image transfer rate is pathetic, so i use my sd card directly with my laptop.Battery life is good.

Price: V good

Value for money: V good

Pros:
1. Excellent Natural colors(in good light)
2. Very good clarity (less noise in day time)
3. Fast acting zoom & Very Good Image stabiliser

Cons:
1. lack of USB 2.0
2. High noise in low light condition or High ISO (>400)

I will recommend this camera to people who does outdoor photography mostly in day time. For night dont forget to use the flash (only for parties or small distances).One problem I also faced that you can not use the zoom while taking movies. This camera will not work with AA batteries. But if you ask me how do I overall rate it then it is my final rating:
1. Image quality: day time : 5/5 low loght 2/5
2. Noise again same as above including 2/5 at ISO>400
3. Build 4/5
4. IS 3.5/5
5. Battery 4.5/5
6. Image Processing 4/5
7. Overall 4.5/5

---

Rating: - FZ 18 review
I bought this camera to replace a smaller(in both size & megapixel) Olympus. Before buying, I compared this with a Canon S5 IS. I bought the Panasonic because of its many features, like 18x zoom, the menu ease of use, and its size. It is a little lighter than others in its class. The pictures I have taken are crisp, have wonderful color, and look as good developed as they do on the camera. I am very happy with this camera and think I made a great choice.