Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
->Shipping Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I bought this camera about a month ago and have been using it in my digital photography class. It had all the options I needed to be able to learn all I needed to know about manually adjusting your ISO,f stops, shutter speeds, and all that good stuff. It allows you to become an artist in the process and not just a button pusher, so it's better than a basic point and shoot. Also, it has RAW format which conserves more of the data for later use in Photoshop editing. It takes spectacular pictures in most settings and is a very good looking piece of equipment.
Now, about the issue of VenusIII noise it does make me uncomfortable after 400 ISO but if you have a tripod or are a steady shot you should be able to pull of most shots, and can get by with the flash and a tripod at night or in low light. But, it is very good for a point and shoot. Some others may be better in low light but this one can take very good pictures for most of your shots and the Leica lens is super. Another gripe is that it does not have the field of view that I would have liked, which others have if you shop around. Over all I think it is a solid camera and if I could do it again I would have a hard time replacing it for the price.
And no, in my experience with other peoples' cameras, it does not compare to a DSLR as many have said these advanced point and shoots can. If you are a really serious amateur and can afford an SLR get one. If you are unsure about your seriousness or want a comparable camera, in most situations, get this one. But, if the shot is in a difficult environment with low light you want an SLR.
If I could do it all over again I'd save the money for an SLR. If you need one immediately for a class or just to learn there are cheaper cameras to learn on by Canon that have all the quality and features that you need to learn. If you are not serious and want to take pictures at BBQ's buy a simple point and shoot. If you just want one all around camera that you want to use for a while and take high quality photos, but not seriously, get this one it is pretty good for the price and will be hard to beat.
->Best Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I purchased both the Fuji S6000fd and Panasonic FZ8 to compare them head to head. I was left very underwhelmed by the Panasonic's undersaturated pictures; they lacked any punch to them. I shot using "P" mode and IS mode 2. I must admit though -- the optical image stabilizer on this camera is absolutely amazing. It is FAR superior than the competition, especially when shooting at full telephoto.
Other than my being unhappy with the pictures, it was a very nice camera.
Pros:
- Long battery life w/ included rechargable li-ion battery
- Long 12x zoom
- Extremely effective image stabilizer
- Lightweight
I was able to tweak pictures in Photoshop by boosting saturation but I have no desire to do that for each and every picture. My S6000fd turns out great pictures as is, or more saturated pictures in F-chrome mode when I need it. I'm much happier with the Fuji since I don't do much full telephoto work.
->Cheap Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
We bought this camera to take to Africa on our vacation. We LOVED this camera. It did a great job and really took great photos. We went to see the Gorillas and they took WONDERFUL pictures. Nice and clear and the zoom was excellent. Wish I would have bought this camera years ago. I like this one better than our Nikon. Awesome, awesome camera
->Lowest Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I'm very pleased with this camera :)
pros
it's very light and small, but well built
the lecia lens is awsome and the 12x zoom is perfect
video quailty is good
macro setting is great
auto focus is great
all the settings and options work well
easy to understand and use menu
quick start up
image quality is generally superb
flash works great
nearly perfect veiwfinder
LCD is crisp and clear
affordable
cons
not so great photos at ISO 200+
the flash is set to forced off (all you have to do is pop it up and change it to forced on, no biggie)
action shots? still figuring out how to take them well with this camera
I've had it for about a week and so far Im loving it more and more
I havent had any problems and it's a great upgrade from my standard 4mp kodak
I'm still learning how otu se all the settings and all the tricks, the manual is very helpful
I highly reccomend this if you're not quite ready for an SLR, but want more options than a standard point and shoot
->Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This camera is GREAT.........I needed to go to the next level with a digital...........this was an excellant buy !!
->Deal Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I wanted something more than a point and shoot. I seriously considered the Nikon D40 but in the end this camera does everything I want it to do. The optics are first class. The user interface is the best I have seen in any DC I have used so far. Build quality is excellent and the zoom is simply amazing. The ability to shoot raw was a big factor for me and you usually have to spend a lot more money to get this feature. The comparable Canon and Sony feel cheap by comparison.
->Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
my first digital camera and i love it! i've had it for about a half a month so far, so i can't comment on long term reliability. however, i can say that you can get up and running quickly. i've had an easy time so far learning how to use the camera. i have found the menu system to be very easy to use. the little joystick is great!
right now, i'm holding the camera back. i'm still learning the ins and outs of photography. personally i've had a very easy time using this camera as i learn. i am extremely glad i bought it and highly recommend it to anyone.
->Lowest Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
To date this is one of the best camera's i have purchased. I previously owned an FZ1 panasonic and loved the pictures, but it was only 2megapixel. This one has 7, the same stabilized lens with many new helpful tools. I love the large display that you can instantly change the brightness to work in any setting. I also like the ability to change the focus from auto to auto macro or manual. The more i use it the easier it gets. Another nifty tool is the 18x zoom at 3 megapixel. What a lifesaver not having to carry around extra lenses. [...]
->Lowest Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I bought this camera after my Canon camera died on me. I did alot of searching for quality digital cameras. I haven't had this camera long enough to tell how well it will hold up, but I can say it takes very good pictures and it's easy to use. It has lots of preset settings for picture types. No complaints yet!
->Lowest Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This is my 3rd. Lumix camera with the 12x Leica lens. I have enjoyed them all. The first was the DMC FZ10. Wonderful camera but a little large to carry all day, so I bought the FZ5 I like the FZ8 better and so far have not had complaints with CCD noise. My pix are mainly of Birds and animal closeups so the Leica lens is the boy to call on. as long as Panasonic continues to make camera,s with the Leica lens it will be the first camera I check out when looking for the next model
->Deal Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I bought this camera about a month ago and have been using it in my digital photography class. It had all the options I needed to be able to learn all I needed to know about manually adjusting your ISO,f stops, shutter speeds, and all that good stuff. It allows you to become an artist in the process and not just a button pusher, so it's better than a basic point and shoot. Also, it has RAW format which conserves more of the data for later use in Photoshop editing. It takes spectacular pictures in most settings and is a very good looking piece of equipment.
Now, about the issue of VenusIII noise it does make me uncomfortable after 400 ISO but if you have a tripod or are a steady shot you should be able to pull of most shots, and can get by with the flash and a tripod at night or in low light. But, it is very good for a point and shoot. Some others may be better in low light but this one can take very good pictures for most of your shots and the Leica lens is super. Another gripe is that it does not have the field of view that I would have liked, which others have if you shop around. Over all I think it is a solid camera and if I could do it again I would have a hard time replacing it for the price.
And no, in my experience with other peoples' cameras, it does not compare to a DSLR as many have said these advanced point and shoots can. If you are a really serious amateur and can afford an SLR get one. If you are unsure about your seriousness or want a comparable camera, in most situations, get this one. But, if the shot is in a difficult environment with low light you want an SLR.
If I could do it all over again I'd save the money for an SLR. If you need one immediately for a class or just to learn there are cheaper cameras to learn on by Canon that have all the quality and features that you need to learn. If you are not serious and want to take pictures at BBQ's buy a simple point and shoot. If you just want one all around camera that you want to use for a while and take high quality photos, but not seriously, get this one it is pretty good for the price and will be hard to beat.
->Comparison Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I purchased both the Fuji S6000fd and Panasonic FZ8 to compare them head to head. I was left very underwhelmed by the Panasonic's undersaturated pictures; they lacked any punch to them. I shot using "P" mode and IS mode 2. I must admit though -- the optical image stabilizer on this camera is absolutely amazing. It is FAR superior than the competition, especially when shooting at full telephoto.
Other than my being unhappy with the pictures, it was a very nice camera.
Pros:
- Long battery life w/ included rechargable li-ion battery
- Long 12x zoom
- Extremely effective image stabilizer
- Lightweight
I was able to tweak pictures in Photoshop by boosting saturation but I have no desire to do that for each and every picture. My S6000fd turns out great pictures as is, or more saturated pictures in F-chrome mode when I need it. I'm much happier with the Fuji since I don't do much full telephoto work.
->Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
We bought this camera to take to Africa on our vacation. We LOVED this camera. It did a great job and really took great photos. We went to see the Gorillas and they took WONDERFUL pictures. Nice and clear and the zoom was excellent. Wish I would have bought this camera years ago. I like this one better than our Nikon. Awesome, awesome camera
->Buy Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I'm very pleased with this camera :)
pros
it's very light and small, but well built
the lecia lens is awsome and the 12x zoom is perfect
video quailty is good
macro setting is great
auto focus is great
all the settings and options work well
easy to understand and use menu
quick start up
image quality is generally superb
flash works great
nearly perfect veiwfinder
LCD is crisp and clear
affordable
cons
not so great photos at ISO 200+
the flash is set to forced off (all you have to do is pop it up and change it to forced on, no biggie)
action shots? still figuring out how to take them well with this camera
I've had it for about a week and so far Im loving it more and more
I havent had any problems and it's a great upgrade from my standard 4mp kodak
I'm still learning how otu se all the settings and all the tricks, the manual is very helpful
I highly reccomend this if you're not quite ready for an SLR, but want more options than a standard point and shoot
->Deal Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This camera is GREAT.........I needed to go to the next level with a digital...........this was an excellant buy !!
->Shipping Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Leica makes the lens for this fine camera and it shows, yes if your looking for something to pick on noise
is a small issue up in the lower ISO settings but this won't be a problem for most who buy this camera.
You can always shoot in RAW, you couldn't do that with the FX7. Recycle time for the flash is good thanks
to the powerful Lithium-Ion battery, get a spare if you don't want to gat caught with a dead battery that
takes 2-3 hrs. to charge. Battery life is excellent! The noise reduction setting is best set on low, default too much.
All in all this is an excellent value, it's fast with a decent image stabilizer system, the 12X lens is top in it's class.
It comes with a lens hood that other brands sell as an option. The feel and finish makes my canon look cheap.
Take your time and read some reviews, most rate this model as excellent and after living with it I agree.
->Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I have been a big fan of panasonic cameras for quite a few years. You get all the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands without paying for the name on the camera body. I take mostly bird pictures and the FZ8K allows me to switch the digital zoom on and off to get the best shots. It is also great for still life photography. I plan on getting some lens attachments to add even more versatility!
->Deal Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I researched things pretty well before buying, and I am very pleased with this camera. I was leery of noise warnings, but I really don't know what they're talking about. I'm looking at hugh enlargements on my computer and they are great. It will do just about anything you can think of for it to do. Auto-bracket? Yes. Fill-flash? Yes.
Shutter or Aperture manual control? Yes. It even has an included filter adapter (size 52mm) that takes my old camera filters. Plus a recharger.There's so many things on this camera it will boggle your mind. It even has a fake "SLR" sound when you press the shutter (is this common?) I couldn't resist the Leica lens. Read the reviews on the net. It just plain looks impressive, too.
->Deals Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I did so much research before buying this camera. I wanted something small, lightweight, but as good as I hear Sony and Canon are but can be bulkier. It is a very fast camera. The burst mode is all I expected. The 18x was fantastic - I was truly amazed at how close it could get. The disappointed came in when I uploaded the pics to my computer. They were grainy, just awful. Not sharp, crisp. I have used my Canon A95 for several years & have never had to play around with my pics to get the color right or sharp. I could just shoot, upload & enjoy. I spent more time trying to get these to look decent. I just returned this camera. I will be trying the Sony next.
->Sale Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This is a great camera!! Easy to use, complete in functionality, great performance, very good results. Nearly unbelievable low light performance even completely zoomed in and crazy-slow shutter speeds. Good manual control. Fast shutter response and repeat picture. Video feature allows one to create a "Harry Potter" photo album - the photos of your friends waving at you. Has RAW format function. The only thing that would improve this camera would be if it had a flip-out and rotate screen for shooting over one's head in a crowd or down in the dirt for those low-angle shots.
->Purchase Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I wanted something more than a point and shoot. I seriously considered the Nikon D40 but in the end this camera does everything I want it to do. The optics are first class. The user interface is the best I have seen in any DC I have used so far. Build quality is excellent and the zoom is simply amazing. The ability to shoot raw was a big factor for me and you usually have to spend a lot more money to get this feature. The comparable Canon and Sony feel cheap by comparison.
-> Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
my first digital camera and i love it! i've had it for about a half a month so far, so i can't comment on long term reliability. however, i can say that you can get up and running quickly. i've had an easy time so far learning how to use the camera. i have found the menu system to be very easy to use. the little joystick is great!
right now, i'm holding the camera back. i'm still learning the ins and outs of photography. personally i've had a very easy time using this camera as i learn. i am extremely glad i bought it and highly recommend it to anyone.
->Deals Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
To date this is one of the best camera's i have purchased. I previously owned an FZ1 panasonic and loved the pictures, but it was only 2megapixel. This one has 7, the same stabilized lens with many new helpful tools. I love the large display that you can instantly change the brightness to work in any setting. I also like the ability to change the focus from auto to auto macro or manual. The more i use it the easier it gets. Another nifty tool is the 18x zoom at 3 megapixel. What a lifesaver not having to carry around extra lenses. [...]
->For Sale Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I bought this camera after my Canon camera died on me. I did alot of searching for quality digital cameras. I haven't had this camera long enough to tell how well it will hold up, but I can say it takes very good pictures and it's easy to use. It has lots of preset settings for picture types. No complaints yet!
->Buy Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This is my 3rd. Lumix camera with the 12x Leica lens. I have enjoyed them all. The first was the DMC FZ10. Wonderful camera but a little large to carry all day, so I bought the FZ5 I like the FZ8 better and so far have not had complaints with CCD noise. My pix are mainly of Birds and animal closeups so the Leica lens is the boy to call on. as long as Panasonic continues to make camera,s with the Leica lens it will be the first camera I check out when looking for the next model
->Deals Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I have owned the Panasonic FZ7 for 1 year and was excited to purchase the FZ8. There are so many excellent qualities this camera offers.
It is very simple to use for a beginner and offers features to suit a professional. The preview screen is a perfect size with its bright and vivid colors. Settings are easy to change,Including: shutter speed, aperture, time and date, changing the focus point, and many other awesome features! The picture quality is awesome, even with the 12x zoom, my prints do not turn out grainy. Nice light weight and easy grip.
Now, the dislikes....only one. This camera does not offer an automatic pop-up flash. I have to remember to open it.
I cannot comment on the video of this camera, I use a Sony Handycam for all my video needs.
Overall, I would highly recommend this camera and even the FZ7 to anyone interested in starting out with a simple to use camera.
->Discount Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
This camera is wonderful. For the novice that I am, it's perfect. The basic mode is very user friendly. LCD and menus are great. I purchased this model primarily due to the 12X optical zoom and have not been disappointed. This model has advanced modes that I hope to master as my digital knowledge grows. If you're looking for a camera that is easy to use with excellent features, I highly recommend the DMC-FZ8.
->Best Price Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I have received this camera for serveral weeks. It's a good long zoom digital camera. I can use it for 18x optical zoom when I set its photo size less than 3M EZ. the photo isn't blur as I use image stabilized. The picture is sharp. Image quality is good. However I have to set the ISO at 100 or 200. When the ISO is 400 or above, I can see the noise, and the picture lose detail. But every camera has its own defect. Overall, I am satified with this camera, and I am enjoying using it to take pictures.
->Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
I just got this last week and the quality of the photos are excellent! The videos are really good as well! No complaints so far. This is perfect for point-and-shoot folks but then the camera features a whole a lot more if you want to get creative. Just be careful in buying SD cards larger than 2Gb, but just make sure the SD card has 'SDHC' stamped on it. I made the mistake of buying a regular 4Gb SD card and it did not work on the camera. Good thing the SD card worked on my Nikon D50. Live and learn!
->Comparison Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Grainy ISO 100 pictures at any light conditions. Usage of 5mp and low sharpness options partially solves the problem, but if you take pictures with Panasonic DMC-FZ7 and compare ... it will be clear that a garbage trash is the right place for this camera.
I had Panasonic DMC-FZ7 and the only cons. is really noisy high ISO sensitivity mode.
In FZ8 camera Panasonic implemented the Venus III processor (FZ7 has Venus II processor). As a result picture quality really improved at high ISO sensitivity modes but DRAMATICALLY changed for the WORSE in ISO 100 mode.