Bottom line, the DMC-FZ20 is a very capable camera that conveys a distinct sense of pro quality in a high-end consumer digicam, with an excellent 12x zoom lens, and optical image stabilization to boot. Recommended, and yet another Dave’s Pick (as one of the best digital cameras on the market) for Panasonic in the long-zoom category.

Bottom line – the Lumix DMC-FZ20 is a great addition to the Panasonic family. With its great image quality, speedy performance, and reasonable price tag of $599, its sure to make a great gift idea for your holiday gift list. If this is out of your price range and you’d still like to have a similar camera, check out our review of the 3-megapixel DMC-FZ3, which includes many of the features found on this camera, but can be had for about $399.

Larger than most superzooms, Panasonic’s top-of-the-line Lumix DMC-FZ20 is similar in size and look to a digital SLR. It combines very good image quality with top-notch specs and features. It isn’t perfect, but if we could take only one camera with us on vacation, it would be high on our list. With its impressive zoom lens and other capabilities, there are few scenes this camera couldn’t handle with aplomb.

The DMC-FZ20 earned high marks for exposure quality in our lab tests, but it fared less well in resolution-dependent tests like those for sharpness and distortion; this was mainly because it was up against several models with 7-megapixel or higher resolution, and the DMC-FZ20 has only 5 megapixels’ worth. However, the zoom takes a toll in battery life: In our tests, the DMC-FZ20 lasted long enough to take only 308 shots, which put it near the bottom of our current batch of cameras.

If you love supertelephoto photography, this Panasonic looks like the camera to beat.