I don't profess to be an expert on digital cameras; my many years of photography involved mostly 35mm film cameras (primarily SLRs and boat loads of accessories). I purchased my first digital camera about 7 years ago (an Olympus Camedia C-4000Z, followed by a Lumix DMC-Z20, both of which still perform like new). However, these cameras are somewhat bulky and don't lend themselves to carrying around to catch spur-of-the-moment shots. Wanting something small and easily carried in a shirt or pant pocket, I began my research.
I was somewhat disappointed to find that many small, ultra-compact digital cameras from some of the best known brands (Nikon, Canon, Olympus and others) really didn't have great reviews from users, at least those in the sub-$200 dollar range (which I was targeting). Having been impressed with my first Lumix, and seeing many high marks bestowed upon a number of Lumix compacts and sub-compacts, I narrowed my search to that brand.
When I noticed that Amazon was running a special price on this particular Lumix that had the features I was seeking, it was easy to make the choice. Receiving the camera after only a few days from order, I immediately bought a 2gig SD memory card (although the camera itself will hold 40mg of images, which is not much), read the manual a couple of times and began shooting. I was impressed by the quality feel of the camera, and liked the fact that the lens (that great Leica quality is a big plus) has a retracting cover. As I expected, the quality of the photos (from fully automatic functioning) was top-notch. I took various indoor shots in different lighting conditions, and then I took it outdoors and clicked off dozens of photos, all the while trying various adjustments available. One can change the sensitivity (ISO) from 80 all the way to 1600 if desired. Color selections include normal, natural, vivid, black & white, sepia, `cool' (a bluish tinge) and `warm' (a reddish tinge).
One can set the picture size from 4000x3000 (suitable for up to 16" X 20" enlargements) down to 640x480 (for email attachments or web photos), as well as 4000 X 2248 for 16:9 display on a high-def television or computer monitor. As with most other digital cameras, other settings can be adjusted as well (i.e. white balance, red eye removal, , etc.).
Although it came with software (imaging and a PDF version of a more advanced manual than the paper one supplied), I was unable to load it in my PC (apparently my `service pack' needs to be upgraded). Undaunted, I simply took the card out, inserted into the computer's card reader and presto, pulled the pictures up, and saved to a file (the camera came with a USB cable to allow direct connection to a PC or hi-def monitor too).
After fiddling with photo transfers a while, I then took numerous shots using the 5X optical zoom (most digital cameras in this price range only have a 3X optical zoom). The zoom action was smooth and quick, and images showed no distortion. I was able to photograph a pileated woodpecker from about 50 feet with the zoom maxed out, and the resulting picture was worthy of framing. Lumix's `Mega Stabilization' feature works great; I took a pic of a cat jumping and caught it in mid-air without a hint of blur.
The camera also records video with sound; one can select from hi-def (720p) down to QVGA (four setting options available). I recorded a few video segments in hi-def of a few minutes each (it will record up to 2 gigs of hi-def video). Playing them back on the camera yielded fantastic quality; when I showed the videos to people, their jaws dropped over the image quality. However, it is worth noting that while one can play back smooth video on the camera, playback on a PC or hi-def monitor will result in a jerking, fragmented playback (sort of like a video downloaded from a dial-up modem) UNLESS a `class 6' memory card is used (most SD cards are class 2, fine for photos but not for big-screen playback). While I intend to get a class 6 memory card, I didn't buy this camera to use as a camcorder, so this is not a big issue for me. It should also be noted that it is not possible to use the zoom feature when recording; while it would be nice if it did, I was aware of this prior to buying it, so obviously it was no show-stopper.
A few more points; the rechargeable battery comes without a charge, and it takes about 100 minutes to fully charge (a charger is included). I've had the camera two weeks now, have taken about 300 shots and 4 short HD videos, and the battery still has some charge left. The time from one shot to ready for another is about 2 seconds. The camera's small size (3.9" by 2.2" by .9") makes it easy to slip in a shirt or pant pocket. I keep mine in my suit coat pocket during working time, but use a small padded case attached to my belt at other times. I can whip it out and have it snapshot ready in less than 4 seconds now!
I really can't identify anything negative about this camera, with the single exception of the inability to zoom while video recording. Unless that is important to you, then there is no reason not to seriously consider this excellent little camera. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) - Point And Shoot - Photography - Digital Camera - Good Value'
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