Panasonic Lumix DCM-TZ8 - thoughts?

I don't know if anyone saw my previous reply to an earlier thread, but hoepfully my compact budget has now gone up to around £200 as I'm asking for money from all relatives rather than presents to fund camera.

Most reviews of cameras I've read seem to contradict each other, but most seem to be in agreement that the TZ8 is a really good p&s and value for money.

Anyone got any test shots/opinions? I've seen some of Moonstones which are fabulous, love the colours it brings out. Anyone got any moving shots to share? I'd particularly like any dog shots as that's one thing I'll be taking lots of pictures of. Also, any people portaits, as I have a new neice I'm dying to be creative with!

I've looked on pbase.com but they only had 2 shots from this camera and all the reviews only really have scenery pictures - which are great, but not what I'll mainly be shooting.

Thanks for any help, I'm really excited at the prospect, my camera has had it's day and needs to retire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iyvta33edQ

Try this link

Bazza

All the good quality compacts will produce similar results despite the advertising. The Lumix models are good as most compacts are in good light. It is one of the better choices. Flash and dull, lower light conditions are generally when you see differences between good and lower quality models.

If you can afford a secondhand DSLR (SLR's have bigger sensors, better lenses), or maybe a Canon G9/10/11 (has a bigger sensor than a compact but smaller than a DSLR) you will see a difference in quality.



This is a bit of a generalisation, but you get the idea. On a bright sunny day, some people won't notice the difference between a compact and a DSLR.

They are great little cameras BG, I had the TZ7 for a while, but missed the DOF you can't really get with a compact. Check out these threads:

Canon SX210 vs Panasonic TZ10/TZ7, TZ8

First few shots with the Panasonic TZ7

Thanks for the link Bazza

Thanks BlackCloud - but I really am pushing the boat out at £200, I just can't stretch to those, plus they're not quite the pocketable size I need. I know I won't get as good pictures as an SLR, but I'm having to aim for what I can afford and get the best for that. Sounds like the TZ8 could be it

Thanks Azz, great pictures! I know, I'd LOVE the dof you can get with an SLR, I really would, but sadly that'll be a dream a long way off. I've managed an ok dof sometimes with my current camera, but still nothing compared to SLR results As I'm no professional, dof would be for my hobby, which makes it out of my league sadly

Have you thought about getting a second hand Nikon D40? They are a lot of camera for the money

I have it, and it's a great teeny camera to keep in your pocket, I take it with me everywhere, it is awesome for a walkabout camera,the large picture thread "Old Town"nearly all of those where shot on this camera.

You have to be totally realistic, you can get quite good DoF, but it's never going to be brilliant, having said that, you do have a lot of control over the settings, IF you want to delve into the menus.

Personally, I think for the money, the size, the image quality, it's a great little P&S.

I got one a few months ago just to keep with me when out with the dogs on holiday Some photos taken are in the link below. Not great but taken in the first few days.

http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=10996

Thanks Azz, I'd love one, but it wouldn't really fit in my pocket or price range

Thanks Moonstone, sounds just great! I know I won't get a perfect Dof but it's not as essential as decent focus and detail I guess. I know I won't get slr quality and dof, but the creative control is something I want to learn for when I can eventually afford an slr!

Thanks Carole, some great pics there too