I have 2 DSLR and 3 P&S. This LZ8 is a new addition, mainly for video. My Fuji (E55) is not bad but it uses XD card. The Nikon L11 is horrible and lacks exposure control. The LZ8 is capable of 4:3 and 16:9. Other than not able to zoom while taping, it meets and exceeds my expectations. I can now completely forget about my camcorder. With a 8G card, I can take almost 1hr of video which is good enough to be played back on a 46" 1080p LCD screen. It is so compact that it is a joy to take video.
Still image in not bad either. At ISO 100 and sometimes 200, it is capable of producing images that come quite close to my 10 MP DSLR. Noise rapidly becomes an issue at ISO400 and faster.
I highly recommend this little camera especially in situations that you don't want to carry a DSLR.
Problems:
Focus is a little slow. This is my second copy because the first one developed a lens problem within days. The lens would not retract. The second copy has been working fine so far.
Still image in not bad either. At ISO 100 and sometimes 200, it is capable of producing images that come quite close to my 10 MP DSLR. Noise rapidly becomes an issue at ISO400 and faster.
I highly recommend this little camera especially in situations that you don't want to carry a DSLR.
Problems:
Focus is a little slow. This is my second copy because the first one developed a lens problem within days. The lens would not retract. The second copy has been working fine so far.