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

I also own a Nikon digital SLR. I bought this camera to take on a hunt in Alaska. I was concerned about the bulk and weight of my SLR, lenses, etc. What first caught my eye about this Panasonic was the 18x capability, which gives you 28mm to 504mm (in 35mm equivalent) in a small and light package. The camera did not disappoint. I was able to get a lot of great shots: from zooms to panoramas, under varying light conditions (I didn't try anything faster than ISO400). The resolution is great: I can blow up my pictures and they still look good. To top it off, you can shoot video with it also (30 fps), in either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio.
I had also bought and charged two spare batteries (no place to charge batteries in the field north of the arctic circle...). Didn't touch either one. I shot 250 pictures and around 20 minutes of video over the course of 8 days in the field and only took my first battery down to one bar.
For you ultra-serious camera geeks: Is it a full SLR? No. Is the zoom as good as an SLR with a telephoto lens? No. Is it an HD camcorder? No.
But for you hunters, hikers, campers, outdoorspeople, or anyone concerned about bulk & weight, this camera can't be beat.

I purchased my Panasonic DMC-FZ18K in May, 2008, and totally loved the camera, except for the VERY short battery life. The best part was the 18X optical zoom. What the previous reviews don't tell you is what happens when something goes wrong. Three months after my purchase, the camera stopped working. Then I found out about Panasonic's customer service (or lack thereof). First you have to deal with their automated telephone system. (There is no option to speak to a live person.) Each time I called I was transferred at least a half dozen times before I was able to speak to anyone who would actually listen to me. I soon found out that Panasonic's "customer service" department is actually designed to discourage anyone from actually getting anything done. In short, Panasonic does not live up to their warranties. If you don't believe me, google Panasonic and customer service. It's all over the Internet. With so many other products available, why waste your money on a Panasonic product?

I probably purchased too much camera. I researched cameras and thought this to be the best. But some of the features can be obtained when you print your digital photos from Walmart. I could have purchased a camera w/less features. I need to study to properly utilize and get the best benefit from this camera.

This camera is amazing. I can take a handheld picture of a bird at 18X optical zoom, touch the zoom on replay of the image and it is still sharp boring all the way in! It makes me wonder if I will sell my Canon 100-400 image stabilization lens on E-Bay! It is so small I can carry it all the time for unexpected encounters and opportunities. There are so many (17) settings for special situations like Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Candlelight, etc. that I have not had opportunity to try them all.

My wife and I purchased this camera as we both loved our current 5MP point and shoot Nikon but wanted a BIG ZOOOOM so we could expand into nature and bird photography. We didn't want or have a lot of money to spend for a DSLR body and THEN even more for one of those big zoom lenses. This camera have an unbelievable zoom and the stabilization feature at full zoom is remarkable!

I'm my opinion this camera fits the niche between point and shoot and DSLR perfectly and ESPECIALLY great considering the price point--less than $300! We couldn't find a DSLR body for that price, and to find an 18x zoom lens...well we laughed ourselves right off the website when we saw the prices!

We were very impressed by the quality feel/construction. It is very easy to use right out of the box--and the auto picture setting selects the perfect exposure 9 out of 10 times. We have taken thousands of pictures--the burst mode is phenomenal and there are many of manual options/controls for when/if you want to take the next step.

Another nice feature is this camera can accept filters (46mm) which expands its versatility and reduces the need for excess photo-editing afterwards.

I also really like the fact that the camera can take pictures in RAW format as well as RAW + JPEG which means you get a picture in both formats...just fantastic really and a feature we did not find available in competitors.

I would highly recommend getting the biggest memory card you can afford as well as a couple of extra batteries - for those all day photo safaris/excursions.

This camera does not disappoint!