Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ18/DMC-ZS8 14.1 MP Digital Camera - Black

The panasonic ZS8 is the same model as the TZ18, but was manufactured for the North Amercian market. The camera is easy to use and the menus are self explanatory. You can use the intelligent auto for point and shoot or chose from the wide array of menus to fine tune to your own needs. The zoom is an added bonus. The battery is long lasting. On the whole this camera can take excellent, clear and colourful photos in the intelligent auto mode, but not always. It is best to take two or three shots of your favourite views. I found that landscapes are often over exposed and need to be altered by a photo programme on the computer. Moreover, telescopic shots are not always clear. Nevertheless, I would still recommend this camera if you want a great zoom but don't want to carry a bulky bridge camera or DSLR camera.

Really pleased with the camera. It is easy to use with the intelligent photo setting but also allows you to set shutter speed, exposure etc yourself. The zoom is outstanding and the display screen is clear with good definition.

Overall an excellent camera - it has a satisfying sound to let you know that a picture has been taken. For a compact, the shutter delay is almost non-existent which means you dont have the agonising wait from the time you press the shutter to the time it actually responds!

For me, this is a convenience camera when one can't be bothered to lug around the Nikon DSLR and, as such, it is excellent. If I'm picky, then the exposure control is challenged when there are big contrasts and it will always over-expose. That said, the convenience is first-class, the lens is great and, once one has mastered the zoom, it is really versatile. The movie mode is good too.

Very impressive camera - iv used many different cameras and this is one if not the best compact on the market ! if you want s**t hot pictures but something more easy to carry than a bulky SLR this is the camera for you ! would recommend it to anyone !
Also i spent alot of time comparing it to the Nikon (of simialr spec) and this wins due to the manual input you have with the camera - if you want to get creative its good fun or if you just want to point and click it is more than capable in all situations!

I have only owned this camera for a short while. However,I have been very impressed with its capabilities and quality of photographs. In particular, I thought that the zoom lense was outstanding in such a small compact camera (much better than lugging around my SLR and associated tele- photo lenses).If it had a view finder to cope with those difficult light conditions and fast action shots, it would be near to perfect!