Panasonic has created a stylish line of point and shoot digital cameras with its Lumix family. In addition, the company has a few advanced interchangeable lens models, including intersting DIL models. These cameras have been released in the past 18 months, and they represent the best new cameras from Panasonic, both in its Lumix point and shoot camera lineup and in its DIL lineup.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 DIL
Panasonic
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G2 camera is a rare model, as it offers touch-control shooting. When Panasonic announced the G2 a few months ago, it was the world's first interchangeable lens camera that allowed shooting photographs by touching the LCD.
The G2 includes 12.1 megapixels of resolution and a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen. You can use any Micro Four Thirds system lenses with the G2, which also includes an EVF. The G2's mirror-less design means it is not a DSLR camera; you can call it a DIL or EVIL camera instead.
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 DIL
Panasonic
The Lumix DMC-GF1 is an interesting addition to the DIL family of Panasonic cameras. It's a compact interchangeable lens model, measuring only 1.43 inches in thickness (with the camera body only). The GF1's small size makes it a lot of fun to use. It can record HD video using AVCHD Lite, and it can shoot still images at a variety of ratios. The GF1 offers 12.1 megapixels of resolution, which will create great photos with its larger image sensor. The zoom capabilities of the GF1 depends on which Micro Four Thirds system lens you're using.
3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 DIL
Panasonic
The Panasonic Lumix GF2 makes use of the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning it uses interchangeable lenses, like a DSLR camera. However, because of its mirror-less design, it's not a DSLR. Panasonic calls the GF2 a DSLM (DSL micro), although DIL and EVIL are common acronyms, too.
The Lumix GF2 features a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, which combines the low power usage of a CMOS sensor with the image quality of a CCD sensor. You'll also find a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD with the GF2.
4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 DIL
Panasonic
Panasonic's latest DIL camera -- the Lumix DMC-GH2 -- is also compatible with the company's new interchangeable 3D lens.
The GH2 can shoot full 1080p HD video, and it can record video at variable frame rates, allowing for speeding up or slowing down of frames for creative videos.
This award-winning camera also offers a touch screen 3.0-inch LCD that allows you to select the focus subject by touching the screen, which is a great feature.
5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 (FS22)
Panasonic
Panasonic has touted the Lumix DMC-FH7 -- called the Lumix FS22 in some parts of the world -- as a great point and shoot camera for portrait photography and, thanks to this camera's "cosmetic" modes, it does work well for portraits of people.
In addition, you'll find a touch screen LCD with the FH7, which isn't common in the sub-$200 price range. These two features alone make the FH7 a pretty good camera.
I found in my FH7 review that this camera's image quality in indoor photos isn't as good as it could be, as images are a bit flat, but this thin camera compares well versus others in this price point.
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8
Panasonic
Panasonic offers beginning photographers a lot of features to like in the Lumix DMC-FP8. Its image quality is very good, especially in macro mode, and its response times are as good as you'll find in a point and shoot camera. The only slightly disappointing features with the Lumix FP8 include its 2.7-inch LCD. However, with a recent price drop on this model, it's a very good value. The FP8 shoots at 12.1 megapixels of resolution, offers a 4.6X optical zoom lens, and includes a 2.7-inch LCD.
7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90
Panasonic
Panasonic has paired a wide-angle, high-quality lens with Wi-Fi capabilities in the Lumix DMC-FX90. This camera allows photographers to upload photos immediately to social networks, thanks to its Wi-Fi connection (which works with the 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11n standards).
Additionally, the FX90 features a high-resolution, 3.0-inch LCD, a 12.1MP CCD sensor, full 1080p HD video, and a 5X optical zoom lens, which includes good wide-angle capabilities. The F2.5 lens should yield very good image quality.
The Lumix FX90 is available in black only.
8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700
Panasonic
The Lumix FX700 can record full 1080p HD video, which isn't common in a camera measuring 0.97 inches in thickness. You'll also find 14.1 megapixels of resolution, a 5X optical zoom lens with wide angle capabilities, and 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD.
Finally, Panasonic has included a high-speed MOS image sensor with the Lumix FX700 that should improve low-light photography.
9. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
Panasonic
The Lumix DMC-FZ40 from Panasonic 14.1 features a 24X optical zoom lens. It has 14.1 megapixels of resolution, a lens with some wide angle options, and a 3.0-inch LCD. It has an AVCHD Lite HD video option (720p), and the FZ40 includes a fast start-up option, so you won't miss spontaneous photos waiting for the camera to be ready to shoot.
If you have a little more money to spend and want a similar camera, Panasonic has also introduced the Lumix DMC-FZ100, which also includes a 24X zoom lens with even more speed.
10. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150
Panasonic
The Panasonic Lumix FZ150 is an extremely impressive ultra-zoom camera, offering a 24X optical zoom lens. Its image quality is outstanding, and the FZ150's autofocus is sharp and accurate.
As I found in my Panasonic Lumix FZ150 review, this camera works well for either beginner or intermediate photographers. It offers 12.1 megapixels of resolution, a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD, and 1080p HD video.
11. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Panasonic
The "tough" features found in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3, when coupled with the stylish look, will give users looking for a rugged model some interesting options.
The Lumix TS3 is waterproof up to about 40 feet, can survive a fall up to 6.6 feet, and will work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
This camera carries 12.1 megapixels of resolution, full 1080p HD video capabilities, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and a 4.6X optical zoom lens. Finally, the TIPA award-winning TS3 includes Panasonic's "3D Photo" mode, through which the camera shoots 20 consecutive photos and then creates a 3D image from the two best images. Look for the Lumix TS3 to be available in orange, red, blue, or silver.
12. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10
Panasonic
At first glance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 looks like many of the other point and shoot cameras introduced in 2011. It is a thin model (1.31 inches in thickness) that's available in many body colors (black, blue, brown, red, and silver).
However, it's the features that aren't immediately obvious that make the ZS10 stand out from the crowd.
Panasonic included a built-in GPS with the ZS10, allowing you to easily track the location of all of your photos. In addition, the ZS10 offers a 16X optical zoom lens, something that's rarely found with such a thin camera, and a 3-inch high-resolution, touch screen LCD.
