Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 with 12x Zoom

If you are looking for a camera with an incorporated long range zoom, the 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 is our current favorite. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 incorporates 7.2-megapixel resolution with a 12x optical zoom (36mm - 432mm equivalent) LEICA DC lens with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates for possible camera-shake when not using a tripod. The camera incorporates a joystick that allows easy manual control of focusing in addition to exposure settings, making the camera more compact and easy to carry.

The Panasonic DMC-FZ8 features a large, 2.5-inch LCD that uses a pixel-mixed readout method, improving brightness over typical LCD displays, and allows you to enjoy comfortable shooting even in fairly low-lit situations. The display is also easy to view from a low angle (e.g. when taking photos raising a hand upward to shoot the subject over the crowd) with the High Angle LCD function. The Panasonic DMC-FZ8 is available in both black and silver, and comes supplied with a high capacity Li-Ion rechargeable battery that will deliver up to about 300 shots per charge. The DMC-FZ8 is a full featured and capable camera wrapped in a small package that in general delivers very good image quality for a point and shoot.