This camera offers a lot for a small package. The 12X optical zoom is sufficient for most uses and the viewfinder allows you to see what you're shooting, whereas a camera with just an LCD display is often impossible to see in sunny light. Although an older model, I purchased this to replace one I had dropped on vacation. I also have a much larger, more up to date camera (also a Lumix), but it is not as portable and light weight as this one. They each have their purposes. No camera is ideal for everybody. But with the size, weight and options available, this little gem packs a punch.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a decent camera for a novice to use. Not too complicated. The instruction manual doesn't need a pro to decipher it. Images are sharp, stop action isnt perfect but I'm still learning it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The FZ3 was the first digital camera I bought, coming from Nikons, Leica and H'blad. I chose it primarily for the lense size and picture quality against all the others comparable in 2005. It is reasonably rugged, v reliable and I have since bought 3 more. The FZ8 is just another I have added to a line of dependable light-weight digitals. The video is useful to document well-lighted rehearsals and even makes a passable YouTube offering, if used w/a tripod. I'd like a H'blad with a digital back but until then, this does just fine - it's only about the results obtainable not the specs. The GH1 is pretty good, too. I'll be sticking with Panasonic as long as the lenses remain HQ and the build-quality stays robust. WT
The Lumix DMC-FZ8 is an absolutely wonderful camera for a beginner, such as myself. This camera has most of the attributes of a true SLR camera, but still retains the ease of operation of a point-and-shoot. The picture quality is outstanding, and after a little practice one can take studio-quality pictures with relative ease. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is upgrading from a point-and-shoot or just starting to experience the art of photography.
It had been a long time since my last camera so I asked a professional photographer his opinion. This series of Panosonic Point and Shoot with Leica optics was his recommendation for me. I'm happy to report that this is a wonderful camera that is large enough to hold on to and also has a viewfinder! Hard to beat Panosonic electronics coupled to Leica lenses!!!
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