The DMC-FZ20 succeeds in making a reasonably priced, super-zoom camera feel like something special. The magnificent optical system, coupled with its sheer ease of use, will win it plenty of fans, despite drawbacks with auto-focus, the electronic viewfinder and noise at high ISO settings. A great little camera.
Also consider: SOny dsc-H1

FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
BUILD QUALITY
EASE OF USE
VALUE FOR MONEY
FINAL SCORE

The DMC-FZ20

Reviewer: Kingsman, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

I am a seasoned Pro, shooting more than 2,000 shots per week. None of my film cameras would have held up to the demands I place on these cameras.

As for the DMC-FZ20, it is a tough workhorse, capable of the most demanding and rigorous work. The quality of workmanship, reliability, and visual output is outstanding. However, I've retired it for the DMC-FZ7 which is a truly phenomenal camera. This has become the backbone for all of my work. I've really been impressed by it's capabilities.

I've heard that Panasonic plans to unveil some very impressive successors to both of these in March using an improved Venus III engine that virtually eliminates noise from any lighting or shooting condition. My advice is to wait till March or April to buy! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20

Reviewer: fh66hm20ha45, Niagara Falls, Canada

This model is my first digital camera and I am very pleased with its performance. It took a little getting used to after many years of film photography but I am now getting the results I had hoped for. The lens is superb and focusses very well at 12x optical zoom. Meter readings are usually accurate. I would like a better LCD display in bright light, but I gather this is a common problem. My husbamd, a non-photographer, appreciates the camera, finding it easy to use.