Non-Pros Ok toss out your old cameras NOW-New Lumix Does it all!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

New Panasonic DMC-FZ45 – Powerful 24x Optical Zoom Hybrid Digital Compact Camera | PhotoClique.com

Well it sure does a lot, wished they posted a price point. Wonder how the other guys will combat this one!

This will cover a lot of territory as to what a shooter needs.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 reviewed, bests the FZ35 but falls short of the FZ100 -- Engadget
Says it's under $400!, just wonder how fast that lens is? Also does video!

[venchka]

The newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens in the DMC-FZ45 extends its optical zoom range from 27mm to 25mm at wide end and the zoom power from 18x to 24x to be even more versatile compared to the DMC-FZ35*.

Sorry, Murph. We won't buy one.

How big is the sensor? What will it do at ASA 1600 and up?

[venchka]

Deal breaker, unless you want to buy a bushel of batteries:

Despite its outstanding performance, the DMC-FZ45 excels in the energy efficiency extending the battery life up to 580 shots (CIPA) per a single charge.

Does it do RAW or TIFF files? JPEG only is another deal breaker.

This could work as a go anywhere substitute for the Beast.

The FZ45 retains the Power O.I.S anti-shake system, iA (intelligent auto) mode, manual shooting modes, RAW format support and ISO 1600 mode from its predecessor. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 is available in black and retails for £379.99 / $399.99.

The maximum apertures of F/2.8 at 25mm and F/5.2 at 600mm are pretty good for this class of camera.

Workable.