ThailandPR

 View profile

Good quality (revised remarks)

Nov 4, 2007

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: Wide angle, easy to use
Cons: Auto settings not so great
Opinion:
I should update my previous review. After experimenting some more with the manual settings, I am able to get significantly better quality from the camera. On Auto settings, I find the output acceptable for websites though disappointing otherwise, but when I utilized the SCN (Scenery) feature (Day scenery, night scenery, beach, etc.) and tried various settings, I am able to get some good photos. Actually, the colors are better than with some of my other cameras when I use the best SCN setting, and I am very happy about this. The sharpness is comparable and not worse, just as clear.

In SCN mode, Panasonic gives you many options, and I suggest you get familiar with these from experimentation. The quality of the photos is so much better when you use these, in both color and clarity.

Compared to other cameras, this camera is relatively easy to use. Panasonic has designed the menus for relative novices. I feel confident my staff can use this camera well.

The main plus, though, is the 28mm wide angle that Panasonic offers in its Lumix line, which is almost unique. Fuji also has a new wide angle compact which I reviewed at a store, but the colors of this Panasonic seem better.

I would rate this camera about a 5 or 6, but since I first rated it as a 3 (based partly on the defective one they gave me first), I will give it an 8 here in my second review to average it out.