Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 ($350) is the updated version of the popular DMC-FZ7 ultra zoom from last year (see our review). This latest model is an evolutionary upgrade, providing these new features compared to the FZ7:

* A 7.2 effective Megapixel CCD (versus 6MP on the FZ7)
* Uses Venus III image processor (the FZ7 used Venus II)
* Higher resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder (the latter is a bit larger as well)
* RAW image format supported
* 11-point autofocus system (versus 9-point)
* "Two speed" zoom controller
* ISO now goes up to 1250 in regular shooting modes, or 3200 in high sensitivity mode
* Intelligent ISO mode automatically adjusts ISO based on lighting and subject moving
* Support for SDHC memory card format
* Battery life improved by almost 20%

I don't think anyone's going to complain about those new features, except for maybe the Venus III Engine, which has a rather overzealous noise reduction system (to say the least).

The other features are on the FZ8 are the same as before. You get a great 12X Leica zoom lens, optical image stabilization, a 2.5" LCD display, full manual controls, a widescreen movie mode, and more.

The DMC-FZ7 was one of my favorite ultra zoom cameras of 2006. Does the FZ8 fair just as well in 2007? Find out now in our review!