I've had quite a number `point and shoot' digital camera models over the past decade it seems I replace them about every four years. As being a believer while in the maxim, the very best camera would be the one you've got on you, they have got all been Canon Elphs But this time...Needed more. Some of the new compact designs by using a big optical zoom, in addition to the wide angle lens. The program was natural i picked out a Canon PowerShot SX200IS for the for a birthday visit to Italy. Glad I checked against each other earlier than departure its form factor did not really help me ...Friends suggested the Lumix ZS1, which just been available for sale for $229 at Costco one hundred bucks as few as canon's.

And I will be so glad I made the exchange! The Lumix ZS1 delivers beyond all expectation. There were the effort on the trip where My partner and i an image imagine (for those who revisit the 70's as I do) owning an entire photographers bag say a Nikon F, having a kit of Nikor lens say a 24mm perspective control, 50mm macro, one or two zooms, multiple camera backs, the flash, the motor drive within the package which fits as part of your shirt pocket. Earphones camera that blew me away similar to this was the Olympus XA (old school 35mm) which delivered amazing optics from a shirt pocket size.

Cutting into the chase:
Pros:
Unbelievable Leica lens. You wonrrrt imagine thats difference there's between 25 mm and 28 mm inside the wide end. Imagine capturing to create facades and interiors as your eye sees them and without distortion extraordinary, and worth the decision to play with this camera alone. Superior this lens works at all levels. It is so far the ideal the macro We have with a point and shoot, and also lens is solid right to 300mm equivalent and yes, the stabilization does really help in old school terms, think light weight tripod which has a very heavy long lens

Unbelievable Panasonic electronics. This has a brilliant, yet incredibly rich set of features, all of which pays to, all of these delivers great, real world pictures, with just as much real life manual control while you could want. For instance you possibly can set the max ISO which really provides you with control throughout the F stop (since similar to compact cameras there really isn't much on the range) and shutter speed, you will find a very convenient toggle button on the camera body to increase/decrease exposure (+/ 2 f stops), and also IA (Intelligent Auto) is a better auto setting I've ever caused. You have to investigate manual, however, and play with the multiple settings to totally realize what Panasonic has delivered.

Great sensor. Images are really sharp below 400 ISO as others have noted. But ultra low light performance, really is really amazing. Think: extraordinary rendition of Giotto's frescos from the Basilica of St. Francis, tapestries for the Vatican, maybe the Sistene Chapel ceiling settings where flash isn't going to help or is simply not permitted These demanded ISOs up to 3200 and therefore the results look truly amazing when printed, when projected.

Great build quality and ergonomic design. A part of what caused me to come back the canon eos it just didn't blend in me well, and also control layout was awkward. This blog fits perfectly within the hand, and each control both on the body plus in the menus is in a position, well conceived. Plus it not only feels solid, it looks solid, and that's exactly comforting.

Cons (yes there are numerous, but you are few)

The view finder is bright enough in lots of situations (you should definitely start up the `auto mode'). But there is however no substitute for an optical viewfinder in the bright outdoor setting.

Proprietary download cable. Why don'tyou use universal mini USB to USB like Canon does?

Average life of the battery. All of that zooming of this lens barrel and digital wizardry translates that this should be charged daily

No HD video. I get the widescreen VGA mode delivers very acceptable performance wedding ceremony it functions together with the optical zoom, actually looks sharper versus the Canon HD at any zoom setting (Canon is zoom). But It looks like the ZS3's HD video could be especially awesome, and probably can become being offered for similar price.