Panasonic Lumix DMC FH-8 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

I purchased this camera (in the purple/violet shade, as shown) this spring, when my trusty six-year-old digital Samsung tired out and the lens kept sticking. At the same time, I purchased a DSLR. I've been quite pleased with both my DSLR AND this camera-- but as far as value for the money, this Panasonic Lumic DMC FH-8 really goes the distance.I love all of the modes (especially the sunset mode, the food mode, the baby1 and baby 2 modes), and the video is pretty great quality and easy to use. I also love that the on/off button and the switch for switching between shooting mode and viewing photos already taken are so easy to operate.The main advantage of this camera is its lightweight body. The main reason I purchased this camera (after researching for months, reading reviews both online and off, and surveying many friends and students about cameras) is that it combined a compact body with a higher MP count. The photos from this camera are excellent, especially for a compact camera. It's also great for travel-- which was my second requirement for a new camera, as I was making a trip across the country to visit and to take pictures of my new niece. :)An extra perk is that the flash on this camera works well but doesn't tend to make my loved ones blink, as (unfortunately) the more powerful DSLR flash tends to do.This digital camera also does well in low-light situations.One of the very few drawbacks of this camera is that it tends to need recharged quite often-- although I must admit that my old compact digital camera was only 8.1 MP, so "quite often" might be a relative statement. It's easy to recharge, but if you travel quite a bit, I'd say to either pack the charger with you or to take an extra, charged battery.Overall, this camera is a solid five and a great value for the money. I'll continue to use this camera (as well as my DSLR) to capture photos of my darling niece as well as travels for years to come, as it packs well (into a purse or a carry-on bag) and so easily records those impromptu moments I'd hate to forget. :)

When I first saw the Amazon listing for this product, I was immediately captivated by the idea of small pocket point & shoot that had the capability of a 16.1 MP picture. After ordering it, when I opened the package I was again impressed by the size of the camera but just a bit concerned about the sturdiness of the camera. Within two weeks of receiving the camera, my wife and I went on a vacation trip to Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone, Colorado. We hit the countryside at the peak of color change with the Aspens. The photo's taken with this camera outside were superb! The panorama setting was outstanding! The only thing that I did not care for with the camera was indoor pictures - they all seemed to be overexposed and when the flash was used it tended to be a bit too strong/harsh for indoor shots. The camera held up well during the vacation trip and seemed to use very little battery power. Within two days of getting home the camera started having problems. The motorized lens cover did not want to open. The lens (which when the camera was turned on) would protrude beyond the camera's body quit extending and there was a grinding sound which would only stop when you turned the camera switch to off. Again, the photo quality was fantastic - several of our pictures will be blown up for wall size hanging - but the durability issue was a real deal killer for me. I think the camera would be fine for somebody who just picks it up every now and then to take a photo but not for someone who will use it most every day.Amazon's customer service was fantastic! They helped me thru the return process from start to finish and credited my account back for the purchase minus a restocking fee (which I thought was a bit odd since the camera stopped working). Overall, I am totally satisfied with their customer service and will absolutely no doubt buy again - just not this camera.

I just received the FH8 yesterday (8/14/12 & purchased from Amazon) and have operated it in all setting modes, downloading photos onto my MacBook (OS 10.4) computer. At my point in life (67) I realize that engineering a product is all about compromise. With that said, the FH8 is not a replacement for a worn-out high-end Cannon SLR. It is; however, a very competent camera for the price of $120 or less. The manner in which settings are derived is simple yet effective. You don't need a series of menu levels to scroll through as is the procedure for most all other cameras (Cannon & Nikon). Kudos to Panasonic for making setting the camera simple. The iA setting is where I'll leave my camera because it does an excellent job of adjusting film speed, shutter speed, lens opening and image stabilization whether I want the flash on or off. The FH8 does give the user the ability to adjust the megapixels from 16.1 down to .3 (for posting on the internet). The quality of the "Leica" lense is adequate and the digital zoom is good (amazing for a camera at this price point!). On 8/20/12 I tried the movie mode and was pleased to note it downloaded properly to my MacBook (OX 10.4) in the MP4 format. It downloaded to iPhoto, then was played on QuickTime software. The only negative is the quality of either the "Leica" lens or CCD Image Sensor or both. Sharpness in low light without flash is acceptable but not outstanding. In addition, the FH8 Manual & PhotofunStudio 8.0 SE (both contained on a CD supplied with the FH8) is not compatible with the Mac computers. This is a serious shortfall! All in all; though, for the price it's a good choice for anyone wanting or needing a very small, quality camera that is simple to operate. I have just re-evaluated the FH-8 and because I could download the video I am upgrading the rating to 5-Stars! Since I have just received this unit, I cannot testify as to its durability or the quality of manufacturing. Time will be the judge on that.