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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is one of the newest additions to the great line of Lumix cameras. The FZ18 is a point and shoot digital camera, meaning that everything that the photographer needs, including the lens is built right into the camera. The FZ18 features Leica optics with an 18x optical zoom. An 8.1 megapixel sensor accompanied by high sensitivity ISO settings, image stabilization, and minimal lag time between shots enable the photographer to effortlessly capture young children or pets with incredible results. High-speed shutter settings, continuous shooting modes and wide aperture settings also make the FZ18 a perfect option for shooting sports photography or any other type of fast moving action. With so much zoom and features galore, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 has quickly become one of the most glorified digital cameras available for under $400.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
All 3 cameras have identical price tags, allowing us to truly compare apples to apples to apples.
The sony T200 may just be the best pocket sized point and shoot digital camera for under $400, but not necessarily the best camera for sports photography. Its zoom and speed capabilities are lagging behind those of the Panasonic DMC-FZ18 and the Fuji S8000fd. Between the FZ18 and the S8000fd, both models make a great case for shooting sports photography. Both cameras have 8 megapixels and 18X optical zoom. They also both offer ISO ranges up to 6400. Max shutter speeds in both cases go up to 1/2000 sec. Since we are looking for the best camera that can not only take great sports pictures, but also handle capturing young children and pets at precisely the right moments, the FZ18 suddenly takes over. The FZ18 offers nearly double the response time in 3 of the most important categories we are looking at: start up time, shutter lag and continuous shooting. More shooting and less waiting compared to the Sony T200 and Fujifilm Finepix S8000fd makes the Panasonic DMC-FZ18 the “Best in Class”.
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
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Best Price:
$750
See It »
Specifications
- Zoom: 18.0x
- Resolution: 8.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.4 - 0.5s
- Burst Speed: 3.0 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
| Product |
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| Customer Rating |
 
(from 185 reviews)
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(from 60 reviews)
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(from 85 reviews)
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| Price | $750.00 | $399 - $507 | $367 - $599 |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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8.1 million pixels | 8.2 million pixels | 8.1 megapixels |
| Max Image Resolution | 3264 x 2448 pixels | 3264 x 2448 pixels | 3264 x 2448 pixels |
| Shutter Lag Time (pre-focused) | 0.005 sec | 0.01 sec | 0.9 sec |
| Power to First Shot Time | 1.5 sec | 2.5 sec | 1.5 sec |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 3 fps | 1.3 fps | 2.1 fps |
| Optical Zoom | 18x optical | 18x optical | 5.0x optical |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/4.2 | f/4.5 | f/4.4 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec | 1/2000 sec | 1/1000 sec |
| Max ISO Setting | 6400 | 6400 | 3200 |
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LCD Screen Size
The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally.
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2.5 in | 2.5 in | 3.5 in. |
| Storage Media | SD | XD, SD | Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion Rechargeable | AA (x4) Batteries | Lithium Ion Rechargeable |
| Battery Life | 400 shots | 400 shots | 250 shots |
Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd
The Fuji FinePix S8000fd truly can do it all. The picture quality is outstanding, with an 8 megapixel sensor, a Fujinon lens (manufactured by Nikon) and an F2.8 aperture allowing for excellent light transfer. The camera offers an 18X optical zoom allows you to bring the action to you whether you’re on the sidelines or on the stands. This is the most optical zoom offered by any camera in this price range. You will never miss a shot with this camera as the lag time is practically non-existent. ISO speeds? Many cameras just offer image stabilization which helps prevent blurred photos caused by subtle motions made by the photographer. But what if the subject itself is moving, as is the case with any sports photography? Unfortunately those subtle motions are increased accordingly as the zoom range on the lens is magnified. That’s where the Dual Image Stabilization mode comes in handy. In addition to correcting the shaking motion made by the photographer, the camera will automatically select the appropriate ISO speed (up to 6400 ISO) to prevent the subject from blurring.
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd
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Best Price:
$399
See It »
- $399 - $507 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 18.0x
- Resolution: 8.0MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.9 sec
- Burst Speed: 1.1 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
Sony Cybershot DSC-T200
The Sony T200 provides desirable camera features that make this pocket sized camera suitable for just about any photographic situation. 5X optical zoom using a Carl Zeiss lens, an 8.1 megapixel sensor and lightning fast shutter speeds, make it ideal for shooting fast moving action. For photographing young children, the “smile shutter” function is one Sony’s newest creations. With this setting activated, the camera detects a smiling expression and fires automatically. This is just one of the many modes available on the T200. Remember Sony’s “no shaky thing” advertisement? The Sony Cybershot T200 uses double “anti-blur” which combines image stabilization with high sensitivity up to 3200 ISO. The LCD is a whopping 3.5” and pretty much takes up the entire back of the camera. The touch screen feature allows the simple menu navigation and many advantages like being able to touch the screen in the area of the subject that you want in focus. The T200 also allows a 1080 hi-definition resolution playback with compatible devices
Where to buy
Sony Cybershot DSC-T200
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Best Price:
$367
See It »
- $367 - $599 Compare Prices »
Specifications
- Zoom: 5.0x
- Resolution: 8.1MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.4 - 1.2s
- Burst Speed: 2.2 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
