Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30A 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

Build quality on the FX30 is exemplary. This camera is dense, feels hefty for its size when picked up, unlike many similar cameras that feel like a piece of plastic. This is a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship. It is fast and very responsive in operation. The lens is simply fantastic, 28mm (effective) wide angle is rare among such cameras. The lens is sharp edge to edge with very little, if any, in the way of distortion and chromatic aberration. Certainly, the lens is better than the sensor (and processing). The wide aperture (f/2.8) at the wide angle is great for low light [The lenses on the TZ3 and TZ4 are not as fast].
The flash is weak [all manufacturers are sadly underpowering the flash in order to gain on the "shots per battery charge" scale.]. Some hints: In low light, including indoor shots with flash, use the wide angle (zoom out) to make use of the f/2.8 aperture, and you'll get less dark underexposed pictures. Stick with ISO 100 and 200. Keep ISO 400 for emergencies, but never go beyond 400. In auto-ISO mode, you can limit the max ISO. You probably read a lot about image noise. Yes, it is there, but you will not see it in 4x6 or 8x10 prints. You won't see it on a typical 20" monitor (12"x16") unless you view 1:1 which amounts to viewing a 24"x36" print.

Optical image stabilization is very effective indeed. Video is very good.

I gave it 4/5 stars for: 1) Lack of full manual controls, 2) sensor noise and processing could be better.

Newer models like the FX33 and FX35 are essentially the same camera.

The more expensive TZ3 and TZ4 lack the f/2.8 aperture (they max at f/3.3).

If you like the size and build-quality of the FX30, but want a much better picture-taking machine look at the LX3. It has a larger sensor, manual controls, RAW, and a 24-60mm (equiv) f/2-2.8 lens. The LX3 is destined to be a big hit.

Super good purchase. Compact camera with tons and TONS of functions. Very intuitive operating system (had no need for user guide reference). Very good quality photos and unexpectedly for videos also. I liked the inteli-ISO function for low lighting conditions. Best of all, it felt like it had the best price in the market for what I got. I'd definitely recommend this item.

I knew how this camera worked. My boyfriend had one just like it a few years back, so I was obsessed in getting it myself. But in the meantime, the great little camera I knew turned into an even greater camera. Now it makes movies and has a lot of little features that help you take amazing pictures. In three words: I Love It! Always keep it in my purse handy. It's just the greatest little cam I ever had, and people just love my pictures.

great deal at $166. not as intuitive to use until you get used to wheel to set modes. i cannot see small symbols on wheel without glasses. screen is nice and big, but lack of viewfinder makes it harder for outdoor shots in sunlight. excellent battery life. fabulous quality pictures with no blur. excellent auto fill in flash for backlit outdoor shots. very pleased with it.

This is a great camera, that takes great pictures. I got one for Christmas, and decided we needed 2. The pictures are great, and the videos that it can take are good quality. I would not rely on it as a video camera, but it's handy when you need one.