*NOISE. In low light this camera is extremely noisy. You can cope with this somewhat with either noise ninja or neatimage but they are only a partial solution.
*The rear image viewer opens down then rotates. On a tripod I cannot fully flip the LCD down. They really should change this to sideways opening.
*Unique USB connecter. For some reason instead of using a standard USB mini they use a non-standard plug on the camera end. (This is a pet peeve)
*I would love it if I could charge the battery via USB. Most gadgets that have the mini plug allow you to do this.
*The aperture and shutter-speed dials are a little awkward and slow moving.
*Once in a while the camera won't focus and you need to shut it off briefly to correct.

Conclusion

I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a higher end consumer camera. Panasonic does have some work to do for their next version but they've made an excellent camera.

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PANASONIC FZ30K CAMERA, February 23, 2006
Reviewer: R. L. Smith "R L SMITH"

A VERSATILE CAMERA HAVING A GREAT VARIABLE LENS,STABILIZED OPTICS,AND A MOVIE FUNCTION ALL IN ONE CAMERA.
I ALSO OWN A CANON REBEL WHICH MEANS CHANGING LENS AND NO MOVIE OR STABILIZATION EFFECT.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HIGHER LEVEL DIGITAL CAMERAS, I WOULD CHECK OUT THE PANASONIC FIRST. IT WILL GET YOU STARTED AT A MUCH LOWER PRICE WITH EXCELLENT PICTURES.
THE PANASONIC NEEDS AT LEAST A 1 GB MEMORY CARD WHICH DOES NOT
COME WITH THE CAMERA.
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Panasonic DMC-FZ30 - The Camera Powerhouse, February 23, 2006
Reviewer: J. Flewellen "J. Flewellen"
This is the best camera. The photos that it can capture are just amazing! I consider myself a vacation photographer, in that the camera is stored until that time. I love taking pictures, but haven't mastered the aperture/shutter setting deal. But with the Panasonic DMC-FZ30, using the auto setting is all you need. I am so impressed with this camera - fully equipped with all the bells and whistles. How did Panasonic get so much in such a light weight camera is beyond me. One outstanding feature is the zoom - a whopping 420mm. All this without having to change the lens or any lens movement. Just a quick turn of the lens dial and you are there. I tried the manual focus for the first time at my local zoo - and even I was impressed. Speaking of my trip to the zoo, the camera was able to zoom/focus right on the monkeys in the cage so well, that you cannot see the cage railings at all, as if it was erased. How did it do that? To prove my point and brag on this camera, I will post some pictures from the zoo. The camera makes me look like a professional photographer. I just love it, and so will you. By the way, Amazon had the best price for this little powerhouse. So I am a happy camper. I cannot say enough good things about this camera. I will be taking it to South Africa in a few weeks and will expect it to continue to perform magnificently.
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This is a terrific camera! , February 16, 2006
Reviewer: Marsha Elder

This is my very first digital camera and I'm a beginner photographer. I say beginner only because there is no lower classification for me to put myself in. I was one of those "idiot proof" camera users who took pictures only on vacations and when I got a good shot, no one was more surprised than me.

I bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30 from Amazon in early Jan. 06 and I can't enough good things about it. Even Amazon's price was terrific. It's a powerful camera with TONS of bells and whistles. I WOULD recommend it even to a beginner like me. There's nothing wrong with using the auto mode, you can get some beautiful pictures that way. I would tell a beginner to get comfortable with it first, then get fancy and use all the features later.

PROS: super sharp images, nice zoom capabilities, great hi-res LCD screen, true-to-life color reproduction, you can put the lens about an inch away or even closer to your subject and take a completely clear photo, and the camera just looks cool

CONS: night shots can be a little grainy, for anyone who tends to have trouble with tendonitis, be sure to hold it correctly (with both hands) or you can flare up that problem like I did

I've posted 10 photos I took just around the house and some others of wild birds, all in total auto default mode, so anyone can see just how great that mode is. This camera is wonderful because it's one that you can "grow into" for years to come. Five stars!!
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Huh, that's pretty cool, February 10, 2006
Reviewer: Jason Bourne
That's what I said the first time I started playing around with this camera. I got it for Christmas and the last month and a half, I have not been able to put it away. The piture quality is astounding, the zoom is looooong, and the additional features are plentiful if not staggering. Yes I understand in dark areas with dark shadows and at high iso settings it will have a bit of noise, but if you are mainly an outdoor photographer, you shouldnt have a problem. All in all, I absolutely love this camera, though if I had to gripe about anything it would be the fact that the camera, when strapped around your neck, will point down at a 45 degree angle, and the lens cap is not tethered to the camera so you have to find a place to put it when you take it off, honestly I didnt think it was that big of a deal and now I'm about ready to make a tether for it myself. Other than that though this is the best camera out there for the features, quality and the price.

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