The 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 is the latest ultra zoom point and shoot camera to be added to Panasonic's range. It comes with a 12x Optical Zoom (equivalent of 36-432mm) with Panasonic's new 'extra optical zoom function' that provides additional magnification up to 18x when taking photos with 3-megapixel resolution.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 features image stabilization, 27 megabytes of internal memory, a 2.5 inch LCD display, ISO range of up to 1250 and a total of 18 scene modes.

Panasonic's proprietary MEGA O.I.S. technology has earned high praise from users around the world, and has become a standard feature of all Lumix digital cameras. Today, Panasonic is merging this technology with Intelligent ISO Control to create the Intelligent Image Stabilization system which compensates for both hand-shake and motion blur, making it easier than ever to capture clear, sharp, beautiful images.

"Panasonic is continuing to make its mark in the digital camera arena by improving on our already successful line of FZ series long-zoom cameras," said Alex Fried, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Corporation of North America. "The enhanced features of the compact FZ8, coupled with advanced Intelligent Image Stabilization technology, allows for trouble-free shooting in any situation for the advanced photographer or hobbyist alike."

The stylish Lumix DMC-FZ8 features a large, 2.5-inch LCD for easy viewing while monitoring and during image playback and it has been redesigned to include a multi-purpose joystick for improved usability and simplified exposure compensation. The joystick control allows a host of additional settings, such as manual focus and exposure, to make for quick and easy shooting.

Along with easy operation, the DMC-FZ8 also features the Panasonic LSI Venus Engine III, an advanced image-processing engine that can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 with full resolution -- greatly improving noise reduction, with picture noise removed in stages during image processing. With its multi-task image-processing capability, the Venus Engine III also has outstanding response time with a shutter release time lag as short as 0.005 second, and the shutter interval as short as 0.6 second. This fast response makes it easy for users to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment shots.

In addition, a host of other features make the DMC-FZ8 ideal as a tool for creative photography:

* Date Stamp: Allows users to utilize the Lumix date stamp feature in
three ways: (1) Simply stamp the date on photos, (2) Stamp the day of a
trip or event on the photos, and (3) For those precious baby photos,
stamp the child's age in months on the image itself.

* Added Scene Modes: Offers a total of 18 scene modes, including the new
Pet and Sunset modes, making it easy to get beautiful photos in a range
of photographic situations.

* The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE Software Application: Gives users
the ability to edit and develop images in the RAW file format by freely
adjusting RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even
after shooting.

* Long-lasting Battery Life: Allows approximately 380 shots to be taken on
a single charge (CIPA.)

* Increased Memory: Accommodates large-capacity SDHC Memory Cards and
boasts approximately 27 MB of built-in memory.

DPReview has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "the FZ8 is a welcome upgrade to one of the best 'super zoom' cameras on the market, even if it doesn't address some of the fundamental issues we had with its predecessor (namely the inability of the sensor/processor to deliver results to match the lens). But it's a very well-priced, very well-designed, wonderfully versatile, fast and responsive photographic tool that offers SLR features - and an effective image stabilization system - in a very compact package. If you accept that the size and convenience of this type of product means a certain level of compromise you won't be disappointed. Viewed on-screen at 100% the output often leaves a little to be desired, but for 'normal' use (standard sized prints, full screen viewing) the excellent lens and reliable focus/exposure systems cannot fail to impress."

CNET has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8S and writes, "Even at its lowest sensitivity setting of ISO 100, we saw some noise in our test images, along with other image artifacts, such as the tell-tale jaggy lines that often come along with substandard JPEG processing. Colors were well-saturated though, and we saw an adequate, though not stellar, amount of finer detail. ... We suggest you stick to ISO 400 and below whenever possible with the DMC-FZ8, and don't expect to get decent prints with the camera set to ISO 1,250. While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 has problems with noise, in many other ways it is a very nice camera. Its controls make it easy to use, and it packs a very impressive feature set. If you're not persnickety about noise or image quality, it makes a nice camera for beginner and intermediate photographers to learn on. Advanced shooters who want pristine image quality should look elsewhere."

Unbeatable.co.uk has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "We were particularly impressed with the overall image quality produced from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8. Colours were reproduced brilliantly, and were sharp with fine details. Digital noise was kept to a minimum; however it did start to appear at around ISO 200 and was evident at ISO 100, but definitely not off-putting at all. The image stabilisation worked really well and images were completely blur free. The battery life is good with 380 shots compared to 320 shots on the FZ7 and the response times were also pretty impressive with a start up to shoot time of 1.8 seconds and focus is very speedy. The speed from power on to shot taken is an outstanding 2.7 seconds and the shot to shot time is 1.3 seconds without the flash on."

Megapixel has a review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ8 and notes, "the DMC-FZ8 seems to be a bit more prone to noise than we would like. It does offer, however, a RAW format that makes it possible to circumvent most of the problem with minimal effort using the software included with the camera. Moreover, an adjustment to the camera's default settings — as long as the camera is used in the more advanced modes — usually produces good images, and will allow users to take full advantage of a good and powerful lens and and an effective stabilization system."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "At the maximum quality JPEG mode and the minimum ISO setting, image noise was visible in almost every shot, which is unacceptable in a camera aimed at enthusiast photographers. The extremely limited dynamic range meant that highlights were burned out while shadows were featureless areas of black. Overall colour reproduction was good, but there seemed to be some problem with the blue channel processing which produced very blotchy colour in mid-tone and darker areas. At higher ISO settings the results were even worse, as the frankly sub-standard noise reduction system produced a brush-like effect that smoothed out fine details in mid-tone areas despite the lens’s best efforts, while over-sharpening produced artefacts around highlights and high-contrast edges. All in all this was a very disappointing result, and wasted potential from a camera which could have been so much better."

DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 follows the FZ7 in the ultra-zoom line with the same Leica 12x optical zoom lens and Mega O.I.S. The new model offers more resolution than its predecessor with 7.2 megapixels on its image sensor, but is otherwise very similar. Both cameras are currently priced at $349, so it makes sense to buy the higher resolution FZ8 if the choice is between the two ultra-zoom models. When the Panasonic FZ8 is up against other ultra-zoomed competition, it still does well. It has manual modes, RAW shooting, and plenty of included software to play with the images. It caters to advanced photographers in this way, but is still very easy to use with its 20 scene modes and intuitive interface."

Let's Go Digital has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ8 and writes, "The operation of the camera is friendly and I don't think that users will need to refer to the instruction manual very often. Despite the extensive settings options, it's all very easy to oversee. The image quality is very good with great resolution and brilliant sharpness. Colour reproduction is natural and lively and is accompanied by excellent exposure. The large, clear LCD screen provides photographers with a great tool for judging the quality of pictures even in daylight. When you add the new possibility to record in RAW, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Panasonic Lumix FZ8 is nearing perfection."

Steve's Digicams has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "Like all of the "FZ" series models from Panasonic, the DMC-FZ8 is one awesome digicam. With excellent image quality, blazing fast performance, generous 12x zoom range, MEGA O.I.S, and wealth of user-friendly/advanced exposure modes, the FZ8 is hard to beat in the "ultra-zoom" category. With 7-megapixels of resolution, you'll have no problem creating beautiful 13x19-inch or larger prints. With a street price of only US$349 (May 2007), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 offers and outstanding value for such a capable 7-megapixel model!"

DCResource has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "The most important feature on a camera is its image quality, and its here where the FZ8 stumbles a bit. Set the ISO to 100 and give the camera plenty of light, and the results are very good. You'll get nice, saturated color, perfect sharpness, and no purple fringing. While you'll see a bit of noise reduction artifacting in these situations, it's nowhere near as bad as when the ISO hits 200 or above, or when light levels drop. Then the Venus III's overzealous NR system will either smudge or mottle the details in your photos, which reduces your print sizes, and makes viewing the images on your computer a less-than-pleasant experience. Setting the noise reduction option to low helps, and shooting in RAW mode helps even more, but in my opinion workarounds shouldn't be required to get the best quality images out of the camera. As I said in the first paragraph, this won't affect the small print crowd, but for those making larger prints, you might want to consider a non-Panasonic camera."

ePhotoZine has a review of the Panasonic DMC-FZ8 and writes, "The image quality is mediocre, you certainly won't be printing anything larger than A4, but at least colour fringing is kept under control. There is plenty of manual control and it's good to see that exposure compensation can still be used in the scene modes, unlike, for example, most of the Samsung range. What's good about the camera is that it's easy to use and the controls are all right where you want them, so making adjustments is fast and enjoyable. That, I think, is a key point to this camera, that besides the lure of the superzoom, it's genuinely fun to use. Yes, the image quality isn't great, but it isn't awful either, so if you're looking for a camera with that extra reach then this one should be considered."

DigicamReview has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 is an excellent ultra zoom digital camera - image quality is very good with great colour and detail although noise and lack of detail at the higher ISO settings causes some concern. The camera offers an excellent Leica 12x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, helping you get sharp, crisp, blur free images even in low light. The camera is very solidly built and feels comfortable to use thanks to a decent hand grip and good button layout. The camera has a clear and easy to see screen, and excels in ease of use, providing quick and easy access to all it's features. The camera responds quickly with a quick focusing time, fast shutter response, and extremely quick 3fps continuous shooting mode. As well as offering all this, the Panasonic is one of the cheapest ultra zoom digital cameras to feature optical image stabilisation, making this an excellent choice!"

CameraLabs has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "if you’re seriously considering the FZ8, you need to ask yourself two questions: are you the kind of person who likes studying images on-screen at 100%, and will you find the 36mm wide angle restrictive? If you answer yes to either, then you’ll probably be disappointed by the FZ8, but if the answer to both is no, then the FZ8 offers a highly compelling proposition and almost unbeatable value. As such we can confidently award it our Highly Recommended rating and rank it as the best affordable super-zoom camera around."

DigitalCameraReview has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "I really liked the the super compact and lightweight FZ8. This snappy little digicam provides an SLR-like level of photographic control and creative flexibility, but without the bulky bag of lenses that would be needed to cover the same (36mm – 432mm) focal length range with a dSLR. ... Some potential purchasers may be put off by the FZ8’s slightly above average noise levels and Panasonic’s failure to include a hot shoe. Image noise, blotching/smearing, and purple fringing are (to a lesser or greater degree) present in all digital images and serious outdoor shooters rarely use flash for anything more than fill lighting. Overall, I believe the FZ8 may be the best choice (at this point in time) for those looking to move up to a megazoom digicam."

Imaging Resource has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and writes, "There's a lot to like about the Panasonic DMC-FZ8, and with few exceptions it won't disappoint. Its advanced feature set, ease of use, good performance and 12x image-stabilized optical zoom make for a nice photographic package. Designed to be usable by novices, yet equipped with sophisticated manual features for experienced photographers, the FZ8 offers enough to please a range of consumers. The biggest drawback is its propensity for image noise and an overly aggressive noise reduction system than can turn high ISO shots from a sharply focused picture to a soft and fuzzy painterly image. That's an issue onscreen, but even our large prints looked pretty good, and really good at 11x14."