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

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

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.

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.