Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera

I have owned the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Digital Camera for about a year and am absolutely thrilled with the quality and performance of this digital camera. The camera offers a range of options for taking pictures including a simple mode for those of us less experienced in photography. However, for more experienced photographers this camera offers a wide range of settings like program AE, Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority, Manual Exposure, Macro, Motion Picture, and Scene Mode. The LCD screen is large and clear, and makes it easy to take a great picture. The overall features and performance of the camera is outstanding. I also like the ease of reviewing pictures on the screen and having an easy delete or save option. Additionally, the camera offers other nice features like date and time stamp, power save, shutter sound that can be turned off when taking pictures in more formal settings, a protect option so a favorite picture cannot be accidentally deleted, as well as an option to resize or trim the photo. We have used the video camera to take short movies of a favorite event, while the camera offers an audio dub that allows us to narrate. I also like the power save option that keeps the battery from wearing down. Speaking of the battery, the life of the battery is terrific, I have used the camera on week long vacations taking loads of pictures without having to recharge. The only con is the actual size, although it comes with a neck strap, it is bulky and somewhat cumbersome.