Digital Trends

This is the newest generation of Panasonic's highly-regarded line-up of mega zoom cameras. With 8-megapixel resolution, a 12x Leica optical zoom and built-in optical image stabilization, this digicam is a decent alternative for those looking for D-SLR features but don't want the hassle of interchangeable lenses plus they'd like the ability to view a live image on a 2-inch LCD screen and take short videos. The DMC-FZ30 feels very much like D-SLR yet costs a lot less—especially when you budget the cost of lenses that would equal this focal range (a hefty 35-420mm in 35mm terms). Although a good camera, it has its problems but none of them are so bad as to chuck it into the recycle bin as I felt like doing with the Casio Exilim Card EX-S500. To discover the good, the bad and not-so-ugly, turn the page.