Looking for a holiday gift guide on the best cameras under $500?  If you are trying to find a camera for someone you love, you know how frustrating it can be to find a camera within your budget.  If you go to most stores like Best Buy or Amazon, you are likely overwhelmed by all the options that are available today.  If you know nothing about cameras, don’t worry, we can still help you find the best camera for someone you love, especially if you are looking for the best cameras under $500.

Best Holiday Gift Guide: Best Cameras Under $500

Has your husband or wife told Santa that they would like a new camera this Christmas season? While it would be easy to find a camera if you brought your favorite photographer with you, it is a bit difficult if you are want to keep it a surprise.  To help make things easier for our readers, we have created this holiday gift guide, helping you find the best cameras under $500.  You may even be surprised just how many features you can get on a camera for the money!

Best Cameras for Under $500

While all of us want to get our husband and wife the camera of their dreams, sometimes it just isn’t in our budget.  The best thing we can do is find a similar camera that has great features and is within our budget.  In our opinion, 2011 has been one of the best years for finding digital cameras, especially with all the great cameras that came out this year.  Our holiday gift guide consists of the best cameras under $500, allowing you to get a camera your favorite photographer is sure to love and get you major kudos this Christmas season.  Our favorite cameras that are currently on the market include:

• Panasonic GF3
• Panasonic G3
• Fuji F550 EXR
• Canon G12
• Nikon P7000

All of these cameras are amazing deals, making them the best cameras for under $500.  While you can find cheaper cameras on the market, very few of them have the amazing features of these cameras, allowing you to have a durable, light weight camera that is perfect for any photographer!

Best Holiday Gift Guide Tips

Since these cameras are going to be very popular this holiday season, we highly recommend purchasing them early.  There are rumors that some retailers may have deals on these cameras for Black Friday, making these cameras very desirable.  We have found that Amazon.com has the best prices on these cameras, allowing you to get a high quality camera for under $500, sometimes even with extra accessories that your loved one is sure to love this Christmas season!

Looking for a holiday gift guide for the best cameras under $200?  Nothing is more fun that watching someone you love open a gift you know they will love.  For most adults, nothing is more fun than opening a new digital camera.  If you are stumped on what to get your partner, a camera is perfect since it lets them take pictures of your children or other important things in their life.  The only problem with getting a camera, however, is that they can easily be out of a normal person’s budget, especially during this recession. Luckily, our holiday gift guide is filled with the best cameras under $200, most of which are under $150!

Best Holiday Gift Guide: Best Cameras Under $200

Struggling to find that perfect gift for your husband or wife without breaking your budget? What about that perfect gift for Mom and Dad? One gift that is sure to make someone smile this Christmas season is a new digital camera.  Many people assume that you can’t get a good digital camera for under $500, something that is not true. While they may not have as many bells and whistles, there are thousands of wonderful cameras on the market today that are under $200.

The trick, is finding the camera with the best features for the price.  While you can get just about everything with an expensive camera, cheaper cameras are made for specific purposes, being in many cases better for some photographers who focus on only taking a certain type of pictures.  For most families, however, you can get everything you need for taking great pictures of family for under $200, something that we are proud to prove with our holiday gift guide!

Best Cameras for Under $200

In our opinion, 2011 has been a great year for digital cameras. Not only has there been breakthroughs in technology, but many high end cameras have majorly gone down in price, allowing the average middle class photographer to have a high end camera.  In our holiday guide, we have focuses on only finding the best cameras for under $200, including older cameras that have had great price breaks.  The best cameras for under $200 include:

• Samsung SH100
• Nikon S3100
• Canon Powershot SX150
• Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ47
• Canon SX230

Best Holiday Gift Guide Tips for Cameras

To the surprise of many holiday shoppers, some of these cameras are already being planned to be on Black Friday lists this year.  Due to some of these cameras being under $100, you can expect to pay under $50 for some of these cameras during the holiday season, especially if you are willing to search for deals.   While looking, make sure to bring our holiday gift guide with you to make sure you get the best camera for the money!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Camera Review

Looking to expand their Lumix line of digital cameras, Panasonic introduced this latest product to wide acclaim.

With enough specialty features to appeal to professional photographers, and a fantastically user-friendly interface that won’t repel first-time consumers, the DMC-FZ18 digital camera is one that leaves everyone smiling.

Panasonic is a company that has long been trusted for its manufacture of high-end electronic products at reasonable prices, and the FZ18 is one of the reasons why.

However, like every other camera on the market, there are those consumers out there who aren’t quite as head-over-heels as the rest. Everyone has different opinions about different features and the way certain aspects of products function.

However, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 camera, those complaints are pretty minimal.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the Lumix DMC-FZ18 digital camera and its special features. We’ll also address the concerns that some consumers have had for the camera’s functionality. Then we’ll decide whether or not this camera is worth your money.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Camera Review: A Closer Look

This is a very decent camera. All told, it is probably one of the best products you can buy that isn’t a DSLR camera. That being said, there have been mention of some drawbacks.

One significant drawback of this Panasonic digital camera is the short (very short) lag time between pressing the button and it taking a picture.

Those photographers looking to take actions shots (whether of sporting events or animals in nature), might find this lag to be a bit of a problem. It is difficult enough to get a good shot of a running footballer or scampering squirrel without having to worry about a shutter delay.

This, though, seems to be a mostly specialized complaint. For those photographers not looking to take action shots, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 camera works admirably with every other function.

Another seemingly negative aspect of this camera is its price. A new Lumix DMC-FZ18 digital camera will run you a little over $400.

This may seem like a mighty high price to you (especially if you are a newbie to cameras and photography), but for the specifications and features included with the product, you are actually looking at a great deal.

For more about the mentioned specifications and features, let’s take a look at what the Lumix DMC-FZ18 camera has to offer.

Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera: Specifications

Here is an overview of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 digital camera’s features and details:

• 8.1 megapixel resolution
• 18x wide-angle, image-stabilized, optical zoom
• Intelligent auto mode with face detection technology
• Continuous autofocus
• Includes SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE
• Measures 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 inches
• 27 megabytes of internal memory
• Powered by lithium-ion battery

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Camera: A Worthwhile Investment?

So, what’s the verdict?

If you are looking to spend a few hundred dollars on a decent, mid-range digital camera, then the DMC-FZ18 should certainly be on your short list of products to look at.

But a word of caution: test run the camera for yourself first. And be aware of what kind of photography you to want to use the FZ18 for.

If you’re looking to take action shots, maybe you should find something with a faster snap speed. If you just want it for portraits and landscapes, give it a shot.

Always be sure, though, to thoroughly research the camera you’re thinking about buying. After all, why waste good money on a camera you won’t use?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is a great camera. Just be sure it’s the right one for you.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Digital Camera Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is a direct descendant of the ever-popular FZ series. Panasonic is known for its output of high quality products, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 digital camera is no different.

That being said, however, people who were already head over heels for the FZ5 and looking to upgrade, may want to think twice.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is a better camera than the FZ5, but not by much. There is nothing dramatically different with the new model. Yes, there are certainly some improvements, which are all appreciated changes, but there is nothing here that screams “Next Generation.”

But, if you are looking to buy your first FZ series digital camera, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is something to seriously consider.

Let’s take a look at it right now.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Review

As far as quality of design goes, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is at the top of its class. A rubberized handgrip on the side allows for steady control of all your shots, while the camera itself weighs less than half a pound and is easily transportable.

Like all Panasonic digital cameras, the Lumix DMC-FZ7 has a built-in stabilization mechanism so that camera shake is reduced.

Some of the great, but not outstanding, improvements over the FZ5 are:

• Better resolution – now 6-megapixels
• Addition of manual focus
• Twice the quality in movie mode
• 2.5 inch LCD screen (as opposed to the 1.8)

For all the good points concerning the Lumix DMC-FZ7, it is still less technologically advanced than a modern digital camera should be.

Panasonic has yet to join the ranks of its peers when it comes to providing a decent memory card with purchase of a digital camera. When you buy the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F7, you are given a mere 16 megabyte secure digital (SD) memory card, which can only hold four of the highest quality pictures. In this day and age, a 16mb card is just shameful.

The CGR-S006 lithium-ion battery that comes with the Lumix DMC-FZ7 is also pretty subpar. The battery life is just slightly below average, and it costs upwards of $50 to replace it.

So, the Pansonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is decent enough digital camera, but not nearly as good as people hoped it would be.

The question remains: is worth it?

Lumix DMC-FZ7: Best Price

For all the hype and positive hubbub over the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 digital camera, the price alone makes one take pause.

With only 6-megapixel resolution, should a consumer be willing to spend more than $300?

If you are serious about your craft, and willing to spend some dollars on a high quality piece of equipment, then yes. If you only want a digital camera to take casual shots with every once in a while, then no, it isn’t worth it.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is a better camera than the FZ5, there’s no debating that fact. But, hopefully, the next generation will be more of a gigantic leap forward. And one well worth the price.

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Return from Panasonic Camera Reviews to Best Digital Cameras: Reviews and Ratings

It seems that every major camera manufacturer stretches their camera lines from the lowest end of the point and shoot to the highest end of the prosumer camera. Panasonic is one such manufacturer, and their most revered line of cameras is the Lumix.

One of their higher end Lumix cameras is the FZ8K 7.2-megapixel prosumer digital camera. This camera has an average price of $585, which is high for many, but considered low for a professional camera. When it comes to spending such a large amount on a digital camera, it only makes sense that one would want a camera that can satisfy in as many ways as possible – zoom, low-light shots, burst shots, long exposures, etc.

Does the Lumix FZ8K live up to it’s price and claims, or is it a camera that is better avoided? Read the review below to find out.

Body

The body of the Lumix FZ8K very much says ‘I want to be a professional’, and it does it in a fairly compact size. The camera isn’t too much bigger than a point and shoot, and average size for a super zoom. It comes in silver and black, and the black by far looks more professional.

The lens is large and nearly centered in the camera, with a pop-up flash installed above it. The mode dial is located next to the shutter button, and strap clips are available on both sides of the camera.

The back of the camera is intuitive and easy to use, with a nice digital viewfinder mounted above the LCD. There’s basic controls on the right side of the camera.

Features

The FZ8K features a 2.5″ LCD display, 12x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom, and 7.2-megapixels, which is moderate for modern cameras (though more than enough for most people).

Other, better features include tele macro, which allows you to get macros shots at zoomed distances. It also have the mega OIS image stabilization, which allows for very steady shots. The zoom has to different speeds, depending on your needs.

There is a blur indicator for questionable shots, exposure compensation for those times when there’s too much light or shadow, long battery life, intelligent ISO, full manual operation (allows you to control everything), exposure metering, manual focus (a big plus, and saves battery life), continuous auto focus (ideal for burst shots), and many, many more features.

Image Quality

Image quality is a mixed bag. Some feel it is disproportionately bad when compared to over cameras. Others say that it is excellent. I reviewed a few dozen photos, and they all suffered from artifacts, which were very noticeable and made the photo appear to have been taken with a far cheaper camera. Shots are very dependent on the user, and an individual who shoots manual will need to understand how to get a good shot. With that said, no matter how good the photographer, artifacts can’t be removed.

Cons

Aside from the questionable image quality, there are little complaints about the camera.

Conclusion

As with any camera that has mixed reviews, it is best to try the camera out for yourself. The images may be perfectly fine for your needs, or they may not. Sample shots always depend on the shooter, so it’s best to use yourself for the shots.

By: Blair Mathis

Panasonic has really been pushing the point and shoot digital camera into a new realm, with high quality lenses, super zoom ranges, astounding features, and image quality that leaves other cameras in the dust.

One of the many ways they are pushing the market is by adding features that other consumer camera have ignored – one example would be the ability to zoom while recording video. This is just one example, however, and the Lumix line of cameras is vast.

The DMC-TZ5K is a point and shoot camera that has an average price of $250. It is aimed at the average shooter, and for photographers that need a small, high-quality back up camera should their first choice become damaged or unusable.

If you’re considering the TZ5K digital camera for yourself, read on. Below is a review of this camera, including image quality and problems that previous users have reported while using the camera.

Body

The body of the TZ5K very much wants to be a prosumer, but it is trapped in a point and shoot size. There is a rounded out, rubber grip handle to make grasping the camera simple, yet the actual body of the camera stays fairly small and compact. The lens is large and impressive, and is located to left of the body, with the flash and logo to the right.

The mode dial is placed in the top center of the camera, which is a perfect area for comfortably extending and moving the thumb. The back of the camera is very similar to just about every other camera on the market, with a screen to the left and navigational buttons to the right.

Features

This camera is not chocked full of feature like other point and shoot cameras, such as the Cybershot line. That is because it’s aimed for those who are mostly concerned with getting good photos, and it gives you all the options you need to get the best pictures possible.

Features for this camera include: face detection, continuous auto focus, scene selector, mega OIS, intelligent ISO, digital red-eye correction, and intelligent exposure.

In addition, this camera has a built-in wide lens mode, allowing for wide shots without an additional lens. It does very good, and can capture all angles of the photo without distortion.

This list is in no way exhaustive, but these are the main features you can expect when purchasing this camera.

Image Quality

You know a camera is good when the viewer gives your photos a doubt-take. The TZ5K produces photos that cause just such an effect.

In addition, the other modes work well, and make shooting a breeze. This camera can capture fast moving objects very well with it’s normal setting, but when the sports setting is used, you can capture cars blazing past at 70mph with amazing clarity.

Cons

The biggest problem with this camera seems to be shots taken in a very dark room – users complain that the shots have off colors, and that they’re not very saturated or good. The flash doesn’t seem to help much, as it doesn’t illuminate subjects more than a few feet away.

Conclusion

If you want a camera that is easy to hold and fun to shoot, that can capture fast moving subjects with clarity, that can fit in a pocket and go with you anywhere, then this camera is certainly a good option.

By: Blair Mathis

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 is one of the latest entry level digital cameras from the house of Panasonic. The entry level digital camera market is packed with lots of offerings from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Samsung and host of other manufacturers. So how does Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 compare with the other entry level digital cameras? Read the review given below to get answers to your questions.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 Review

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 has a good design and it can fit into most pockets with ease. The camera is available in variety of colors such as silver, pink, red, blue and black. Lumix DMC FS6 has a 2.5 inch LCD screen that is somewhat smaller than available in other entry level digital cameras but gets the job done perfectly.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 has a 8 Megapixel lens that is less when compared to 10+ Megapixels offered by other entry level digital cameras. However please do not think that this camera is bad just because it has fewer number of Megapixels. The Lumix DMC FS6 offers 4x zoom which is more than what many other entry level cameras can offer. You can also increase the amount of zoom if you are willing to sacrifice the number of Magapixels for a photograph. This will come in handy for those snapshot sized pictures as you can get close ups of distant objects without compromising too much on detail. The picture quality of images captured by Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 is good and the images are sharp and very clear.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 also offers standard video recording. Even though there is no option for high definition video capturing, you can select aspect ratios. For instance you can shoot movies for playback on a computer screen or on a widescreen television. The video quality is good for an entry level camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 has most of the features that have become standard for digital cameras. It has image stabilization and face detection features that can greatly improve the portrait photographs. The Lumix DMC FS6 also has an auto mode that can detect scene, motion and shaking automatically and capture the best possible photograph under those circumstances. Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 has an intuitive menu and it is very easy to scroll and locate the option that you are interested in. The menu options are easy to read as well as they are designed in black color on a white background. The Lumix DMC FS6 has good battery life and you can take upto 400 shots before recharging the camera again. This is possible due to improvements in battery technology and lower energy consumption by the camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FS6 has many good features that offer great value for money. While it may not have the highest number of megapixels or the biggest LCD screen, it offers great pictures without being exorbitantly expensive. If you are looking for a good and inexpensive entry level camera then Lumix DMC FS6 is a very good bet.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 camera comes with everything the TZ5, its predecessor, had plus some upgrades like a wider angle lens, faster performance, and better overall image quality, making the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 even competitive to some Canon models.

Comparing it with some of Panasonic’s other own models, it’s no surprise that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 will have certain common design features with its ZS1 counterpart. But since the two digital cameras have a $100 difference in price, it’s only fair that we get a greater difference in some design features like the 12-megapixel sensor, a bigger 3-inch LCD, and a 720p HD movie mode.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 is generally smaller and lighter despite the fact that it has more features compared to its relatively heavier predecessors. This makes the digital camera much easier to carry around in your pocket. While some of the manual features have been tweaked a bit, such as when they moved the microphone nearer the center and they placed the shutter next to the mode dial, you can easily get used to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3′s manual features after a short while.

All the available settings for of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 such as LCD brightness, intelligent exposure, burst shooting, and more can be accessed conveniently through the digital camera’s Quick menu button so that you can toggle between the more commonly used settings easily, leaving most of the less used settings with the main menu.

With respect to video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, you get to record HD videos, saved in AVCHD format. The format might be a problem with respect to software compatibility, since most players need to be able to detect the AVCHD path of the media, but this can be fixed with some manual settings.

As to performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 gives of an average feel to it, but it’s definitely better than the TZ5. The time between shots take about 2 seconds, but a few milliseconds longer if you add in certain scene settings and flash built in the digital camera.

We could say that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 could use a bit more manual settings for better shooting flexibility, but as it is the digital camera can give models from Canon a run for its money because it’s a great option for those who enjoy point and shoot.