[macdaddy]

I have purchased the Panasonic DMC Fz-50 about five months ago and couldn't be happier. This is my first genuine jump into the digital market with the idea of taking fine fully controled images, and I think I've made a wise decision. I intend on purchasing a higher end DSLR but at this point my fz-50 seems to compete with DSLRs costing twice what I paid for my Fz ($500). All tests I have reviewed to date show the leica glass to be splended in all catagories, and puts kit lens to shame. I'm kind of peticular about dust and dirt (on the sensor), and the fixed lens on the panasonic is just the thing to ease my mind. The focus and zoom rings on the panasonic are top notch and give me the perfect control (unlike the motorized zoom lens cameras). To top it off the mirrorless EVF camera is silent as a church mouse and gives me special liberties in quiet situations or with nervous subjects where the standard DSLR would not. With that I also considered it would take a handful of lenses to do what the leica lens does with one (not to mention lost shots while switching between all those lenses). I beleive the market is set to make a significant jump in technology in the next year or two that will see great improvements with sensors, image noise, battery life, dust control, and maybe a host of other advancements that would improve the delivery of our craft.