The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 performs quite well for having such an extreme optical zoom. While it is normal that ultra-zooms compromise one image quality, this one compromise very little to pack an 18X zoom along an 8 megapixels sensor.

 

The major drawbacks of this digital camera are detail-destroying noise starting at ISO 400 and below average dynamic range across all ISO sensitivities. This is most limiting for low-light and action photography. However, the Panasonic FZ18 is extremely responsive, produces accurate colors and remarkably low optical distortion and softness for such a long zoom. The FZ18 is also packed with features making it one of the most versatile fixed-lens digital cameras.

 

The versatility of an 18X optical zoom should be weighed carefully versus the value of higher image quality when deciding or not on the Panasonic FZ18. If an 18X zoom is preferred, then the FZ18 will not disappoint. Otherwise, a higher quality camera such as the Fuji Finepix S100FS can produce much better results. There are several other ultra-zooms with at least 18X optical zoom. Unfortunately, those were not reviewed here yet but one current favorite is the Fuji Finepix S8100fd which is worth checking out along the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18.