Excellent Dcam

If you're looking for a pocketable camera that delivers excellent results in demanding conditions, check out the DMC-FX7. I've been looking for a handy camera to carry around to capture the many photo opportunities that show up in everyday life. I started with a Canon Ixis/ Digital Elph 4Mpx, which worked OK, but isn't designed for more demanding situations such as very low light. I also had some problems with camera shake, even in daylight conditions
The DMC-FX7 features 5Mpx, and more importantly, an optical image stabilizer that enables sharp pictures to be taken handheld even at quite long shutter speeds. Shutter speeds of 1/6 second will produce shake free images, and, with care, it's even possible to get sharp images at 1 second (the longest available shutter speed). This makes the DMC-FX7 an excellent available light camera, even at night, although the shutter release is quite heavy compared with pro cameras
I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of 'photographer's' information available on the 2.5" LCD. A half press on the shutter release shows the aperture and shutter speed, The display also has the option to show every relevant setting including a histogram. I've found it easier to figure out what settings are in use compared to the Canon. I've also found it easier to get to the menu settings I wanted than the Canon (and the DMC-FX7 also has a battery level indicator, unlike the Canon)
The Leica lens seems to produce sharp images (based on screen viewing only), and appears to have less barrel distortion than the Canon. Power consumption seems OK- 70-90 hi res pictures, and well over 100 medium res shots are possible.
Startup time is very fast, and there is imperceptible shutter lag.
There's no eyepiece-type viewfinder, but these tend to be too inaccurate for any serious work
Overall, very pleased so far, and looking forward to stretching the capabilities of this camera to its limits