PROS
- Features:
I got this camera as a lightning deal here on Amazon and was very pleasantly surprised what all it offers for the price (even when one buys it at regular price it is still impressive). There is the Leica lens, for starters. Cheaper Panasonic cameras usually do not have Leica lenses so I am very happy. Moreover, the wide-angle is 24 mm - very nice as well. Add to that the 16x optical zoom, the Power image stabilization and the ability to shoot with Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Program and Panasonic's own iA mode (Intelligent Auto mode) and a variety of more or less useful Scene modes, the HD video capability, and many other features such as Macro and Macro Zoom mode, and one really gets a full-featured, very compact camera with a quality lens for a very good price.
- Custom Modes:
I like that this camera allows me to assign two of my preferred Scene modes to positions on the dial on top of the ZS9. My DMC-FH20 also has scene modes but I cannot assign them to any buttons, etc. This is definitely progress and appreciated. I tend to mostly photograph landscapes and pets, so my MS1 (stands for My Scene Mode 1) is set to Landscape mode, MS2 to Pet mode. In addition to that, the camera allows the photographer to define custom settings with all sorts of combinations to satisfy users who want more than just take pictures with the pre-programmed scene modes.
- Scene Modes:
These include almost every scene imaginable - from Portrait / Portrait Soft Skin to Food, Party, Candlelight, Landscape, Sports etc. and gimmicks such as Transform which elongates or widens motifs/subjects. There is a scene mode there for everyone, I'm sure of it...
- Auto Focus:
Very fast and accurate. I have not had any trouble to get it to lock, even in low-light, low-contrast situations. This is something I really value in a point & shoot because few things are more frustrating than not being able to get the camera to focus on the motif.
- Easy Operation:
As mentioned above, this is my third Panasonic Lumix, so I am rather familiar with the operation of their cameras. But I think that anyone would find operating this camera rather straightforward, unless the person is a total beginner or has not had much if any experience with digital cameras. Sure, there are always instances where one would have to consult the manual, but every-day point & shoot operation should not require too much thumbing through that. Note that the hard-copy manual that comes in the box only explains the very basics. The complete user manual comes in PDF format on the CD that is in the box.
After having enough time with the camera I decided that the flaws, at least in my situation, made this a camera not suited for my use. My house tends to be darker with a majority of the lighting coming from incandescent light. The low light photo quality was just not very good. Even when using the flash on auto the camera would sometimes set an ISO of 800 which I could not understand. At ISO 800 the pictures have noticeable noise. I would say that the low light quality even with flash would be best for facebook, etc. I would be afraid to blow them up to anything maybe beyond a 4x6. I also had an opportunity to review the video quality. I had once tried a Canon 230 HX and that quality was simply great. I did not see anywhere near that quality indoors - but perhaps it is a light issue once again. If you are planning on mainly shooting in the outdoors I am sure this may be a great option. However, if you are looking for a small camera that can be used in all lighting conditions a back sided CMOS camera may be a better option. I am still trying to find that perfect fit between my old Canon ELPH and my Canon T1i SLR. Still looking for something that fits right in the middle.
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