Panasonic Lumix SZ1 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

The more expensive (and powerful) ZS20 is currently the best-selling point and shoot on Amazon, but most shooters will achieve equally satisfying images from the equally high-rated (and recommended by Consumer Reports), smaller and less expensive Panasonic SZ1, while enjoying longer battery life (the touch-controls of the ZS20 take a significant toll). As for other Panasonic choices, the prices of the DMC-FH25/27 and the newer (by one year) DMC-SZ1 are practically identical, but the SZ1 has a wider-angle lens (25mm vs 28mm), a longer telephoto lens (10X optical/20X digital vs. 8X zoom; ), and is even lighter (5oz. vs. 6oz). Moreover, "Consumer Reports," in rating the SZ1 above the DMC-FH27, gives the advantage to the SZ1 in the following areas: improved image stabilization; better audio quality (mono) during video use; dramatically faster start-up time (almost instant with the SZ1); a brighter and larger LCD screen (3" vs. 2.7" for the FM25 and 2.9" for FH27's touch-screen).Panasonic Lumix SZ1 vs. Panasonic SZ7:The SZ7 was released within days of the SZ1, and the price differential between the two cameras is less than expected (currently approx. $40). Dimensions and weight are virtually identical. The SZ7 offers 1080p HD movie mode; the SZ1 has 720p HD (a noticeable difference only if you plan on showing movies on a 50" screen or larger). The SZ7 has a stereo microphone; the SZ1 has a monaural mic (an imperceptible difference when separation is this minimal). The SZ7 advertises speeds of up to 10 sharp images per second at full resolution; the SZ1 is less than two images per sec (but at 2 megapixels sharper than the SZ7). What isn't clarified is that the SZ1 also permits speeds of 10 images per second but at a resolution of 3mp instead of 16. (My first 2 digital cameras--a Sony and a Canon--both featured lenses that were under 3 mp. They both delivered exceptionally sharp photos--especially when not enlarged above 5X7).Panasonic vs. Canon.1. Size and shots. The SZ1 is a "subcompact" but not as "little" as the Canon Elf series. The SZ1 boasts a sleek and slim body on the outside, mirroring its new, state-of-the-art Leica Lens System on the inside. The images are as good as those I get from my Canon SD780 (costing 3 times more). The SD780 has a body that's almost 25% smaller (despite including a viewfinder!) than the SZ1 (which does not have a viewfinder). But there are downsides to extreme miniaturization. The SZ1 is easier to grip, and its image stabilization appears to be superior (even my wife gets uncharacteristically sharp and steady photos).2. Ease of operation. The Canon has one external setting that's totally automatic, leaving nothing for its owner to do but depress the shutter button. The Panasonic requires a couple of extra moves, which will be intuitive to experienced photographers: Press the "Mode" button; then, of the 4 choices, select "Intelligent Auto" for total automation, including zoom capabilities of 20:1 (the SD780 is 4:1). For maximum Manual control, select "Scenic Mode" from the four options.3. Display. The Panasonic's display is the best I've seen on a point and shoot--perfect for a slide show (with special effects) shortly after taking the pictures (here's where the tiny Canon is clearly overmatched.4. Battery and charging. The Canon requires constant and careful removal of the battery for recharging in a dedicated charger that's never there when needed. By contrast, the Panasonic runs away with honors: you charge the battery while it remains in the camera (a light on the camera illuminates until the battery is fully charged). An AC cord or USB cable will do the job--take your pick.Camera sales have slowed down since the development of competitive cameras on multi-purpose devices like the iPhone (which has spurred the point 'n shoot makers to come to market with increasingly stylish, user-friendly, technically superior cameras). As a result, distributors are slow to "hype" new cameras before last year's glut has cleared warehouse shelves. But be prepared to see the SZ1 climbing in the ranks of the most popular such cameras (especially at this price). In my book, the SZ1 is #1 among all cameras costing less than $150. [I plan to revisit the page, should Amazon offer another lot of these full-featured subcompacts at $94.]Later: [This undeniable value has finally cracked the top 100 of the most popular point 'n shoot cameras in Amazon's ratings. Formerly it was way down in the ratings whereas its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25/FH27, was listed among the top five. The DZ1 has an exceptional 10:1 optical lens, and if the digital extension is factored in, the camera can be compared with the far pricier Panasonic ZS20, which has a 20:1 optical lens. Several days ago, the SZ1 was available from Amazon Prime for $94 (in smaller print on the right side of the page). Now that I've used the camera, I wish I had ordered an additional SZ1 at that price. It's still the best lens I've seen for $120. The on-line ratings by Consumer Reports place this Panasonic among the top 7 cameras (out of approx. 50)--just behind the Canon S95 and Elph 310. None of its rivals can compare with its 10:1 optical lens.]

Let me qualify this and let me say that I don't know if this is this best camera, just an opinion.First things first, in a basic sense of what you buy a camera for is to take sharp pictures. That it does so I am pleased.Now the perks which are sort of neato mosquito: It does self stitching panoramic photos with out software, you change mode and hold the shutter button down and pan and it stitches away. This includes side to side as well as up and down like you would need for a tall building.Another mode will decorate your picture with a frame, my favorite is the heart frame. It does baby scenes where you can have text of the name of the baby and his or her age in months and days. It automatically figures this out from the birth date.All told there are 15 scenes.Another feature which may come in handy is that it uses the new SDXC memory cards, a very high capacity card like 64 gig or 128 gig. So if are going to shoot a lot of video, you will be set. It records in the MP4 format. It has a separate shutter button for movies so you can shoot on the fly and not have to change modes. Who needs a separate video camera? It does let you zoom while shooting video.You can also set the viewfinder screen to bright for when you are outside.Summary: A great little handy, capable, and excellent camera. My wife has the Lumix DMC-FH25  Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)  which if also a good camera (see reviews) but I like mine better.BTW It will use after market batteries if price is a concern.  Wasabi Power Battery and Charger Kit for Panasonic DMW-BCK7, DMW-BCK7E, DMW-BCK7PP, NCA-YN101F, NCA-YN101G, NCA-YN101H, DE-A91B, DE-A92A, DE-A92B, Lumix DMC-FH2, DMC-FH4, DMC-FH5, DMC-FH6, DMC-FH7, DMC-FH8, DMC-FH25, DMC-FH27, DMC-FP5, DMC-FP7, DMC-FS16... Oct 12, 2012UPDATE: Bad news, my screen broke. Must be fragile as I did not drop my camera. Very disappointed.

I bought this camera for a family vacation, and right out of the box, I'm very impressed by the customizability of the different menus and settings. It has settings that optimize the camera for the things you're taking pictures or video of, to include specific settings for pictures of faces, landscapes, looking out through a window, babies, pets, food, and about a dozen others. The zoom is fantastic and was the main reason I chose this camera over other similarly-priced cameras. Just testing it out in my hallway, I can stand 20 feet away from my front door and the zoom on the camera can make it look like I'm taking a picture of the doorknob from a foot away. The optical zoom is, of course, crystal clear, but even the 20x digital zoom looks wonderful compared to many other cameras or cell phone cameras I've used before. No more grainy, pixellated junk pictures filling up my memory card just because I was trying to capture something far away!I also love how small the thing is. I bought a carrying case to go with it --  Case Logic ECC-101 Point and Shoot Camera Case (Black)  -- and it fit perfectly in the case, and the whole thing (camera in the case) is barely larger than a checkbook!Because I don't just have $100+ dollars to throw away, I consider this to be a "major purchase." I wanted a camera that I don't expect to be obsolete in just a couple of years, I wanted a camera that could satisfy whatever photography/videography needs I might have during the next 2-3 years at least, and I fully expect to get that and more out of my new camera. Now, if I were a professional photographer, then I would put in the money for a nice SLR or something much more powerful, but for everyday family uses, I'm very excited that I'll have this little guy by my side.