A DSLR IN DIGICAM’S CLOTHING
The FZ18 sits firmly between two worlds: DSLRs and point-and-shoots. The built-in Leica lens puts it in the point-and-shoot category, yet it’s precisely this lens—a whopping 18x zoom that extends from 28mm to 504mm (film equivalent)—that gives it the shooting flexibility of a DSLR. Image-stabilization technology kept the lens steady enough for tight wildlife shots at full extension, while the eight-meg-plus sensor did a great job of producing large prints. Add manual exposure control, a total weight of just 12.6 ounces, and a pop-up flash and you’ve got our favorite travel camera. 8.1MP; panasonic.com