Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Point and Shoot Digital Camera 4K Photo/Video Recording with Power Optical Image Stabilizer, Vlogging Camera with 60X Optical Zoom & 20-1200mm Wide-Angle Lens - DC-FZ80D

My first digital camera was a Sony Mavica that had 640x480 resolution and saved photos on floppy disks. That will give you some indication of how long I've been playing around with digital photography. For the past several years I had a Canon EOS Rebel T3 with multiple lenses. When I began to travel internationally for work, I wanted something smaller that I could take with me without having to carry both laptop and camera bags. I purchased a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 and absolutely loved it. It did everything I needed it to do in truly compact and low-stress "point and shoot."Recently, I've been debating whether to upgrade my Canon and investing in additional lenses or purchasing something new. After much research and soul-searching I opted for what many are calling a "bridge" camera. Although it felt a bit like a step down from a DSLR, I had to recognize that I simply don't shoot the same way that I used to. I no longer photograph weddings or senior portraits and really just needed a good, reliable camera that was compact enough that I would be more likely to take it with me when traveling. More often than not, I find myself using my iPhone because I didn't want to have to haul my camera bag around. There were three main reasons why I chose the FZ80 model. 1. Ease-of-use. I already knew from my previous experience with my point and shoot Lumix that this would be fairly easy to use. 2. Affordability. I couldn't justify the expense of the FZ2500, but felt the features and functions of the FZ80 would meet my needs. 3. Leica lens. Perhaps this is a hold over from my film shooting days, but Leica lenses have a reputation of being extremely high quality. If I was going to be giving up lens interchangeability, I wanted crisp, beautiful photos.I've only had this camera for a week and haven't had much of an opportunity to give it a good trial run, but so far, it's proven extremely easy to use and has resulted in some decent back yard photos. I only gave it 4 stars though due to the low F-stop range. I know it has a post-image editing tool to customize depth of field, but that seems like too much hassle right now for something that is a step above point and shoot. I haven't figured out the WiFi link, yet, but am looking forward to playing with that. I'm also looking forward to trying out the video function.The photos below show the "pink" moon on April 10th, a series of shots at different zoom lengths outside of my front door, and some flowers where I played with the various shooting modes.All-in-all, I'm very happy with this purchase. And the best part is that I was able to offset the cost a bit by selling my Canon EOS on eBay.

I have been quite pleased with the results of this camera.A main use for this cam is for parents and others who find themselves seated in the audience but wanting to photograph friends and family members while they perform on stage or a field (think kids soccer game, or marching band, orchestra, etc...). The 60x zoom is just incredible. In both sunny and overcast I get perfect pictures. I've used it for friend's child who is in a university marching band, we sit about 20 rows up on the side of the end zone and I am able to get super sharp close-ups of anyone on the field. I'm sure many parents know the feeling of when trying to take these kind of pictures with your phone and your loved one ends up a tiny ant in the picture.I would not count on this camera as much indoors and definitely not in low light. But for sunny and overcast outdoor, possibly well lit indoor arenas, it doesn't matter where you are sitting, the reach will give you great pics.I was concerned initially as some reviewers would say things like "better hope its not cloudy with a camera like that!". But I have several times gone full zoom in overcast skies and ISO doesn't budge above 80/100. The stability and being seated or using a string tripod can boost even more.Another advantage is that some venues, like college football do not allow "professional cameras" or cameras with lens over a certain length. This cam is a pretty safe to get into a stadium as is clearly for amateurs and retracted, is quite unassuming.If you accept it for what it is, it is a wonderful camera to make sure you always capture those moments and capture them up close and personal no matter you are seated.

This is a GREAT camera FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE. Please read before buying.This camera is a "superzoom bridge" camera. That means it has a small sensor (it's physically impossible to get this much zoom out of any portable camera with a large sensor). So, it is NOT a professional grade large sensor camera to get the best depth of color and pin sharp detail. BUT, it IS fantastic to take traveling or hiking to get ALL the shots you cannot get with your phone.Your phone is amazing at wide landscapes, panorama vistas, portraits, low light, etc. HOWEVER, your phone SUCKS at natural looking macro shots (close ups of small things) and it REALLY sucks at long zoom shots - that wildlife off in the distance for example.This camera does a great job of taking the pictures your phone simply can't. It takes really good macro shots - like really good. Not expensive DSLR or mirrorless quality, but pretty close. AND this camera has lots (tons!!!) of OPTICAL zoom and high enough resolution that you can still crop to zoom in even a bit further and still have very solid resolution and quality (though not professional level by any means).Superzoom bridge cameras are, in my opinion, the best travel companion to your phone when you really need long zoom reach. And I believe this one is the best option for many people. It is cheaper, lighter, and smaller than the competition that can compete for image quality.Problems with (ALL) superzoom cameras:They SUCK in low light especially when zooming in - don't bother, get out your phone instead - it's great in low light. Once you get into twilight this camera will be mostly useless - but so will all similar cameras.They are a niche tool. Consider carefully whether you really need this amount of zoom. You can find 20X or even 30X large sensor compact cameras that will get better image quality and be even more portable, and 20x is still quite a bit of zoom, plenty for most uses.Problems with (THIS) superzoom:The physical and digital interface is not intuitive. You will need to spend some time learning how to use this.Having to push a button to switch from viewfinder to LCD screen is annoying (but not a big deal really).Taking any control over ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc is a bit wonky.It also lacks some bells and whistles like wifi connectivity.Great things about (ALL good) superzoom cameras:Optical zoom is the ONLY good kind of zoom. Digital zoom is just cropping down your picture and losing resolution. It has its uses, but it's better to just do it in the computer when you'll have more control. These cameras have TONS of optical zoom in a small package, making it possible to get shots that are simply impossible with anything else you can afford or carry around - to give you an idea, the Canon 1200mm zoom costs about $20,000 and weighs a "surprisingly light" 7.4 lbs and is 21 inches long. This camera will get you the same distance optically at 1/50 the price of just the lens, less than 1/5 the weight of just the lens, and at a size you can pop in a purse or day pack.Good things about (THIS) superzoom:It is cheaper by far than all other options that get this kind of quality. Half the price or less of the Nikons that are only marginally better.It is smaller and lighter than the competition. The Nikons are nearly twice as long when turned off (lens retracted fully). They also weigh about twice as much (the Nikon P1100 weighs 3.1 lbs compared to this camera at 1.4 lbs). Weight and size really make a big difference in a travel/hiking camera.The Image Stabilization on this one is as good as it gets in a superzoom, which REALLY REALLY matters when zooming. I've managed to get very acceptably sharp photos at 1200 mm (full zoom) while handheld with NO support. That is incredibly impressive. You'll need good technique - holding the camera properly, watching your breathing, and pressing the shutter without jiggling the camera body.To sum up, if you have been frustrated with the limitations of your phone when traveling, hiking, etc. and want something that can get all those pictures your phone simply can't without having to carry around a dedicated camera bag, this is a FANTASTIC option - especially when out in nature to capture the wildlife that can often be very far off in the distance.If you don't really need all this zoom, then maybe look at some of the more compact large sensor options that still have good zoom and can do good macro shots.If you have lots of spare money, and want the maximum possible zoom, and don't care about carrying a larger heavier camera, then consider the Nikon P1100.But for the sweet spot of those who need the zoom that goes well past 20 or 30x, and want the most compact lightweight option, or people who have a budget to stay inside, this is the best option on the market, in my opinion.I'm a backpacker who is also a photography enthusiast, and after doing tons of comparisons and research, this is the camera I choose to carry on the trail because it solves all the problems I had with every other option.I'm giving it 4 stars out of 5 only because of the lack of wifi and the less than intuitive interface. Otherwise, I think this is a perfect camera for my needs.