Anyone using the new "economical" model Lumix LS-80 ? I'm considering getting one vs Canon P shot A470 and Nikon Coolpix L18. All using AA batteries.

Errr 10x ? do we really need that kind of zoom range ? I thought 3-4x would be enough. Is the stabilisation effective for that kind of range ?

I'm using FS6. A good camera with fast Auto Focus and a reasonably effective stabiliser + extended warranty 33 mths. Leica lens normally means sharper and less distortion.

DarkNite.... you can consider getting a sensor flash. Most of them should be able to sync with Lumix cameras. Will make a big difference in the ISO-200-400 range in low light.

Sensor flash works by using a sensor that is built into the flash. This will "sync" or fire the sensor or slave flash together with your built in flash. Sensor flash can ignore the "pre-flash" and sync with the second flash. No wiring or hot shoe (flash slot) needed




The one I'm using is the Sakure one above just set to pre-flash and it works with my FS-6. Hope this is helpful.

My Sakure is DG-50. The Metz one that you is in your post is a bit expensive (RM 500+) but Metz is a good flash. For sensor flash there is no need to sync it will sync automatically.

I bought mine some years back for RM 100 in Ipoh. I've used this for my older Canon Powershot and now using with my Lumix FS6.

The Metz one... you can buy it online here
hXXp://shashinki.com/shop/metz-digital-slave-flash-compact-digital-cameras-p-3070.html?manufacturers_id=94

Price RM 585.

If you have budget to take FS7 better buy the FS6 sacrifice the extra 1MP for longer battery life and maybe use the savings to get a sensor flash or extra battery.

For RM 600 it should be a good buy.

FS-5 older model with wider angle lens (30 equiv. vs 33 equiv.). Anyway... if you intend to take FS7 better you consider the FS6. They are exactly the same except for the extra 2MP (8.1 vs 10) FS6 will give you longer battery life.

GH1 is the one with the interchangeable lens ?

The GH1 is a good camera if you don't already have a system. The main problem is getting lenses as there isn't much of a following for Panasonic/Olympus 4/3 lenses. The GH1 uses the newer micro 4/3 system which may require you to get an adaptor to use other 4/3 lenses. Moreover... in that price range there are SLR options from Nikon and Canon that have a more established system and more choices of brand and 3rd party lenses and accessories.

Haven't seen the GH1 yet... but from what I read the sensor is a new sensor. Pricing here not announced yet. Anyway... for RM 4500 you can get a very decent kit or maybe 2 lens kit from their competitors (Canon, Nikon, Sony).

FS 15 is a step higher than the FS7. Test it... if you like what you see then buy it.

If I'm not mistaken RM 550. 3 years is optional have to top up to extend the warranty as Panasonic 33 month warranty promotion is over.

Why not get a 52mm and a 46-52mm step up ring, 52 and above are more common.