Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX33T 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Brown)

I bought this camera just over a year ago for my fiance', as an egangement gift. At first, we were both pleased, the camera was easy to use, and photo quality was good - not outrageous, but good. Then things started to go wrong.

First, the LCD viewing frame cracked. His fault, as he did not have a case yet, but the screen is so large that this is bound to happen; it took about 3 days.

Secondly, the lens case started sticking. Sometimes it does not close at all, sometimes it doesn't open all the way, leaving you with diagonal black frames at the corner of your picture (which do not show up in the viewing screen).

Thirdly, the lens itself refused to retract, and every time we turned the camera on, it would say "turn camera off and back on again." I spent many hours Googling and eventually figured out that I needed to physically "wiggle" the lens until it retracted.

Fouthly, the lens will now not focus properly. The telephoto is OK, but if you try to take a picture in wide-angle mode, it will not focus. We need to zoom out at least half-way in order to take any picture in focus.

I've attempted to contact Panasonic by phone and email with no response. My camera should still be under warranty (with Amex warranty extension), but I am unable to reach anyone at Panasonic! It is very disappointing, and even though all the camera reviews say that Panasonic Lumix is one of the best compact cameras out there, I will not buy another Panasonic.

This product would have had 5 stars if it hadnt stopped working withing a month of getting it. Thankfully Panasonic fixed it right up, but they never did tell me exactly what was wrong. I had to be without it for two weeks. One day it just couldnt open the lens cover and kept telling me to restart...

That aside, this camera is easy to use. The Auto features are great. And its intuitive. Its thin. It has good battery life. The face recognition works well. It has Leica optics. Best of all for me it has a stabilizing feature that for me worked great. I have shaky hands which can sometimes make for me messing up a great shot, no problem with this camera. Also it takes better low light pictures then my gf's Sony point and click. Dont expect miracles out of that little flash, but it does a superb job.

This is no DSLR, but for a great camera thats easy to pack, thats there when you didnt know you were gonna take any pictures its perfect.

This is the best camera I have ever owned. The wide angle lens is a definite advantage when shooting larger groups from close range. It takes great pictures inside in low light, which many small cameras fail to do. And the controls are easily understood. Can't go wrong with this one.

I've owned this camera for a year now. I'm not a "photographer" but I know what I like. This little camera takes great pictures all of the time. Stylish blue metal body attracts attention. picture stabilization is the best I've ever used, way better than the other canon or sony cameras of this price range. a good picture must start with a sharp picture. this camera does just that, hands down. battery life is great. i only wish it could zoom more, but that is a trade off when looking at cameras this small. the wide angle lens is great. i reccomend this camera for anyone who wants to take consistantly good, sharp pictures.

I bought this camera when it first came out last year. It's been great - photos are good. Photos with flash (i.e. in the dark) could be of better quality - certainly not the daylight quality, but I'm happy nonetheless.

The camera is not incredibly light, but it is small and is reasonably good-looking. Easy to use and takes great photos in sunlight.