There is a lot to like about the FZ18. It has an incredible zoom range, and is light weight and feature-packed. The lens and image stabilization are among the best you can get in the SuperZoom class of digital camera. Expect fabulous image quality when taking photos in good light. Image quality in low light is disappointing when using high ISO.

What I like about the FZ18

• Dials and modes are intuitively placed.
• Joystick gives quick access to important camera settings - no more stopping what you’re doing and having to wade through a menu system, though the option still remains.
• Dedicated AE/AF Lock button - Yippee!
• Fast and accurate focus, though can struggle at full tele in low light.
• Mode Dial display- when enabled, as you switch to a different mode via the Mode Dial, each mode appears on the LCD or Electronic Viewfinder; eliminates the need to look at the top of the camera when switching from one mode to another.
• Excellent viewfinder; easy to see and use; I protect it with an anti-glare screen protector.
• High Angle LCD mode can be used as a Low Angle Mode by turning the camera upside down. Images remain right-side up thanks to the camera’s orientation sensor.
• Not too heavy, not too light.
• Built-in memory - only a measly 27MB, but is really great in a pinch when you forgot the memory card in the card reader. (Of course I’ve never done that!
• Price includes Lens hood and Lens adapter.

What I dislike about the FZ18

• Noise issues have improved but there is still some visible noise at all ISO numbers if you pixel peep; ISO 800-1600 barely usable but at least are there if you have no other shooting options.
• LCD can easily scratch - get a screen protector.
• The EVF/LCD button doesn’t let you temporarily shut off the LCD or Electronic Viewfinder.
• Ho-Hum movie mode - fixed focus during video recording; can’t zoom the camera while recording; not a fan of MOV file format.
• Viewfinder cup is made of plastic; rubber would be more comfortable; the plastic may scratch eyeglasses.
• There ia a bad lag when using the flash in iA mode, long enough miss part of a slow moving subject such as when photographing a child.
• Index in the camera manual is awful; the manual can be overwhelming, so go slow with it; it is packed with helpful information and photo-taking tips.
• The PhotoFunStudio Software that comes on the CD is the worst I ever used; so I use it only to download the FZ18 images files (JPEG, RAW, Video) then use another viewer to view JPEGS.

Wish list for the FZ18

• Twist and tilt LCD
• Larger sensor; less megapixels (six - eight would be ideal)
• Better high ISO performance