Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 (also known as the DMC-FS30) has a couple of advantages over other under-$200 pocket digital cameras, reviews say: it comes with an 8x zoom lens, and experts say its 14.1-megapixel sensor produces reliably good photos in bright light. Like the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS (Discontinued), the Lumix DMC-FH20 shoots 720p HD video (neither camera allows you to use the optical zoom while shooting movies) and has a myriad of modes you can select for various shooting situations (Starry Sky, Fireworks, etc.), or you can let the camera analyze the scene and automatically pick the right settings. At just over an inch thick and 5.6 ounces, the Lumix DMC-FH20 is slightly larger and heavier than the PowerShot SD1400 IS, but reviewers don't have a problem with its size.

The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS offers only a 4x zoom lens, but its photo quality fares better overall in reviews than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. While some professional testers declare the Panasonic a winner in dim light -- Brenda Paro said its Auto mode even manages to take excellent photos in "a closet about as dim as a bar or a room after sunset without any lamps turned on" -- Imaging-Resource.com testers say the Lumix DMC-FH20's low-light photos look best printed at smaller sizes, and they describe its flash photos as "mushy," "dim" or "blotchy." Testers there also say the Lumix DMC-FH20's autofocus takes a while in single-shot mode. More than one tester wishes the Panasonic had included an HDMI port to allow the user to hook up the camera to a TV to watch videos in HD, as the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS does.

PhotographyBlog.com publishes a very thorough, expert review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. Tester Gavin Stoker bases his opinions on data and points out better-performing cameras. Tests at PC World, About.com and PCMag.com aren't as detailed, but they still give valuable alternative opinions about the Lumix DMC-FH20. Amazon.com posts both positive and negative reviews.