Panasonic Lumix DMC FH-8 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

This review will not focus on the quality of the photos - I am NOT a photography expert, and I'm okay with that. I'm just an average guy who wants a small camera that fits in my pocket and takes decent photos wherever I may be. The main reason I was looking for a new camera is because my previous camera (Canon PowerShot SD1300IS) stopped working consistently, and it had some usability issues that really got on my nerves. Again, I am NOT an expert, just trying to offer my opinion as an average everyday user. As far as I'm concerned, most compact point & shoot cameras take decent photos, or at least I can't tell a huge difference between them. OVERALL: I've only had it a week, but I really like this camera so far. The main reasons are some HUGE design/usability differences between the Panasonic Lumix and the Canon ELPH camera families, which are detailed below. - power switch - I really like that this camera has a SWITCH instead of a button. Here's what I wrote in the review for the Canon SD1300IS - "as some people have already mentioned, the on/off button is WAY too easy to accidentally push. For anybody like me who wants a subcompact camera specifically for the ease of carrying it around (in their hip or jacket pocket), this is a HUGE annoyance - almost reason enough to look for a different camera. I am constantly afraid that I will continue to accidentally push the ON button while it's in my pocket and damage the lens motor. I purchased this as a replacement for a broken SD1200, and I never had this problem with that model." - battery release door - I like that the battery release door has a locking switch. To open the battery release door on the Canon SD1300IS, you slide the entire door laterally. I didn't realize this was a problem until recently, when I had problems turning the camera on. Apparently, the wear and tear has messed up the sensor that indicates the door is closed - so now I have to firmly squeeze the door inward while holding it, otherwise the camera won't turn on. - separate picture/video button - I really like that these are SEPARATE buttons. Everybody knows that sometimes speed is of the essence when trying to capture a moment. With my Canon, I can't tell you how many times I forgot to switch the slide from video to photo, tried to take a photo, then realized it was still in video mode, and before I was able to switch it back to photo mode, the moment had passed. VERY FRUSTRATING! But the Panasonic's separate buttons prevents this from ever being a problem again. - panoramic setting - apparently this is a feature in most other cameras, but not with the Canon - but I really like the automatic panorama photo feature! great for beach and scenery pics. So for anybody with the same complaints about the Canon Powershot ELPH models that I detailed above, this camera definitely addresses those. I have no idea which camera takes better quality photos but I am not able to tell the difference.

When I first saw the Amazon listing for this product, I was immediately captivated by the idea of small pocket point & shoot that had the capability of a 16.1 MP picture. After ordering it, when I opened the package I was again impressed by the size of the camera but just a bit concerned about the sturdiness of the camera. Within two weeks of receiving the camera, my wife and I went on a vacation trip to Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone, Colorado. We hit the countryside at the peak of color change with the Aspens. The photo's taken with this camera outside were superb! The panorama setting was outstanding! The only thing that I did not care for with the camera was indoor pictures - they all seemed to be overexposed and when the flash was used it tended to be a bit too strong/harsh for indoor shots. The camera held up well during the vacation trip and seemed to use very little battery power. Within two days of getting home the camera started having problems. The motorized lens cover did not want to open. The lens (which when the camera was turned on) would protrude beyond the camera's body quit extending and there was a grinding sound which would only stop when you turned the camera switch to off. Again, the photo quality was fantastic - several of our pictures will be blown up for wall size hanging - but the durability issue was a real deal killer for me. I think the camera would be fine for somebody who just picks it up every now and then to take a photo but not for someone who will use it most every day. Amazon's customer service was fantastic! They helped me thru the return process from start to finish and credited my account back for the purchase minus a restocking fee (which I thought was a bit odd since the camera stopped working). Overall, I am totally satisfied with their customer service and will absolutely no doubt buy again - just not this camera.