Panasonic 14.1 Megapixels Lumix DMC-ZS8 Review by DigitalReview

With a better sensor, the Lumix ZS10 supports a fast 10 fps shooting speed and supports an active image stabilization mode in video recording. It also comes with a 460,000 resolution LCD display (versus ZS8's 230,000 dots) with touch-screen capability, and a built-in GPS receiver which allows the Panasonic ZS10 to geotag its images with the location at which they were shot. It can record Full HD (1080i) movies with AVCHD Lite video compression and stereo sound, while the Lumix DMC-ZS8 offers only 720p in QuickTime Motion JPEG with monaural sound. There is the LUMIX Image Uploader for instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). The LUMIX ZS8 is available in black and silver colors and currently selling at around $178. Here's the summary of review by DigitalReview:

"The Panasonic Lumix ZS8 falls into the category of being one of the smaller yet full featured cameras available on the market. Considering its user friendly operation combined with more advanced features, the camera lends itself well to travel and family type photography. Based on our tests with the Panasonic Lumix ZS8, the 16x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer delivers good image quality throughout the zoom range. The camera's intelligent resolution technology allows the zoom range to be extended digitally to 20x (480mm equivalent in 35mm terms), offering the ability to zoom in even closer on the subject from far away with little loss in image quality. The Lumix ZS8 is quick to respond making it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Lumix ZS8 also features a short startup time of approximately 1.1 second. The Lumix ZS8 is a good performer In terms of metering and auto focus, with the exception that under bright lighting conditions the camera does have a tendency to loose some highlight detail in favour of maintaining detail in the shadow areas of the image. An example would be loss in sky detail when capturing a landscape scene. The high ISO sensitivity capabilities of the Lumix DMC-ZS8 are a little disappointing versus competitor's models. Images captured at 400 IS0 and above exhibit a fair amount of digital noise (grain like effect). While suitable for small print sizes, web or email use, the high ISO image quality from the ZS8 does not lend itself to producing larger sized prints. We would recommend setting ISO manually, and try and keep it between 100 and 400 ISO. If you do a lot of low light shooting you may want to spend a little more and consider the Canon Powershot SX230 HS, a camera that provides better high ISO capabilities and 1080p HD movie recording with stereo sound, although offers a slightly shorter 14x zoom range.

At lower ISO sensitivity settings the Panasonic ZS8 is capable of delivering good image quality with plenty of detail. The 720p HD movie quality delivered by the camera is also good, and the ability to use the optical zoom while video recording is a very nice feature. Taking advantage of the camera's extended scene mode options, or using the manual exposure settings, allowed us to get the desired results that might not have been possible by simply using basic iA automatic mode. Although the 3.0-inch LCD screen offers below average 230K resolution, we found no real issue with composing and playing back images on the camera's monitor. We recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 to those that are looking for a user-friendly solid compact digital camera that offers good image quality combined with an extended telephoto zoom range, and that can be easily brought with you wherever your travels take you."

Great video recording, Eric W "ewannama" - May 11 2013
This replaced our old Lumix, and we would buy another. This one does feel a bit lighter (thinner shelled) than one from ~ 2007, but has thankfully survived a few clumsy falls. Battery life is excellent and loads of pictures and videos will fit on 8GB card. Capable of good pictures with a steady hand and proper lighting. Pretty quick for point and shoot, but flash can...

My husband loves this camera, Bev - May 10 2013
Works well for the point and shoot person. Does nicely in low light and is light weight, small and quiet....

Great, Denise Reider - May 09 2013
I had several other cameras, sold them all and bought this one. I have not used it a lot, but have taken lots of photos of birds eating from my feeders out the kitchen window and the zoom is wonderful. I want to learn how to use all the features it offers someday....

Takes Nice Pictures But Defective Camera, J. Arnold "ja139" - Apr 30 2013
I bought this camera in July 2011 and it takes excellent pictures. Recently it will not connect with the USB cable to my computer. I called Panasonic and they told me it was probably a defective cable. I bought a new one for approximately $10 including shipping. The cable took a week to arrive and it still does not connect to my compouter. I called customer service...