Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10 4.0 Megapixel

Gotta love that 12X zoom, and image stabilization. The manual focus ring is very user friendly also. On the other hand, the auto focus does not work well in low light situations. The image stabilization does a decent job, but a tripod is still a good idea for those long zoom shots.
It is easy to get close to objects, but the minimum focus distance becomes quite great with the use of zoom. This means you physically must get very close to something because you won't be able to focus on it if you simply zoom in.
It is also difficult to track distant objects (like airplanes) with the LCD screen, the digital view finder is only slightly better. An optical view finder would have been much better but then most ultra zoom digital cameras don't have it, and the price jump up to a digital SLR isn't worth it. Manual color balance is easy and works very well. The auto setting seems to do a good job also. The completely manual controls are nice for the experienced user but a max exposure of only 8 seconds at night is fair. The night shot preset requires the use of the flash which wasn't what I had in mind. Compared to other cameras, the DMC-FZ10 is bulky, but I understand that is a trade off for the the many options it has.
Video quality is decent but the zoom is not usable while filming video. Sound is good, even in winding conditions.

Overall, I am enjoying the camera and picture quality is awesome!

Even though this camera came out in 2004 and only has 4MP by today's standards, this camera packs a great punch for those who want to have quality photos and a lot of zoom power. First of all, the Leica f/2.8 lens is unbeatable. The whole reason behind buying a Panasonic is the Leica lens. Can you imagine shooting at 420mm telephoto with f/2.8? If you were to buy a Leica lens with that kind of specs, it would cost you about $10,000. It takes breathtaking pictures. This camera is also very tough. It can take a lot of abuse. The electronics are reliable. I've had one for 3 years and never never had a single issue, big or small. The 4MP is enough for an 8X10. You can also connect an external flash with the built-in hot shoe. This is a wonderful feature. Forget about people saying that it's too bulky and whatever. It's a great camera. I evolved from a Kodak digital camera, to a Samsung, to a Canon Power Shot, to a Nikon Coolpix, to a Panasonic Lumix. This is it.

Love the zoom from really far. It takes pictures in motion, clear and exact. Freezes the moment. Creates them into stills. Even does cars.

It has so many options that you can shoot like a pro. This is my best buy in years. I would not trade it for another.

It is also is bigger than the new models, so it feels like a pro camera. Love the neck string so you do not drop it.

You will LOVE this camera.

Again the Zoom and Action feature are worth it.

It makes movies and more as well.

Red eye reduction option to shoot. Optional use of the flash, so it is out of the way if not used. Charges fast, holds long charge. Has auto or man focus. It rocks. It can do everything.

Our first one lasted through 12 years of abuse. Great pictures, awesome zoom capabilities... Again, a great all around camera...

I've owned many digital cameras and the FZ10 is one of the best. So many people are concerned with the high megapixel, which is cool if you are going to make poster size prints. The DMC-FZ10 has 4 megapixel which give you excellent quality 8x10 prints and larger. The lens is what you should be concerned with. The lens on the DCM-FZ10 are excellent quality, Leica 12x Zoom lens which give you great clarity, sharpness and the colors are almost always right on. The camera has a good feel in you hand and is constructed very well for many years of dependable service. The Panasonic DMC-FZ10 is a great camera which preforms as well if not better then some of the newer and more expensive models. Excellent buy.