Quote Originally Posted by chas berlin
Thx guys,
After some more talk w/ a friend I realise I really don't want to pick the lenses back up, though I love the results, so I'm turning again to the P&S types.

I just read the DP Review of the FZ8 and I'll probably go check it out when I can at the local shop. I did see a gal using one at a concert last wk, and she seemed to think it was really the ticket. If nothing else it's weight is fantastic! When I 1st felt her's I wondered how it could be so light?
Yes, the low weight and all-in-one design is why I have been spending more time with the P&S than I have with my DSLR. I'm getting weird in my old age. I was unsure about trusting Panasonic, almost went for the S5 just because it was Canon. But I am extremely happy now.

The long zoom lens, Leica designed (not built!) is the best I've seen on any P&S.

There is one feature I really love that I forgot to mention in my review. The viefinder (and LCD) has the option to display a grid of lines. This allows you to make sure that image elements are not crooked, simple but very effective.

Michael, I see the lens barrel is threaded, so I assume it accepts filters directly (w/out adapter), and what is the lens diameter?
Nope, you still need an adapter. Why the threads? Beats me.

Is it USB 2?
I think so. Personally, I always use a card reader for both CF and SD/SDHC cards.

Do you typically shoot RAW, and what size mem card do you use w/ it?
As I mentioned in my review (and also stated in the DP Review report), the RAW write speed is very slow, 3-4 seconds each. Weirdly enough, Phil mentioned however that is was the top speed of P&S cameras he measured! I use RAW for the tough stuff but JPEG most of the time. The supplied converter, Silkypix, is excellent as a RAW converted.

I have two 2G SD cards. Actually, I never use the second one. The 2G card holds 544 JPEG images that I've never reached in one day.

And lastly, would you post a link w/ some of your shots?
The review is quite impressive, and the camera appears to be loaded.
I have posted Panny images on the Photo Critiques site. When I have some time (its been very busy around here), I'll take some more and post them. Also, read the review I wrote for this site. I tried to give the camera a balanced user report.