Panasonic Lumix cameras are super--this is my third and I wouldn't buy any other type.  When my old Lumix finally died, I wanted something with a better optical zoom and a viewfinder (LCD screens don't work when the sun is out).  I liked this camera but was worried that it might be a bit big for hiking and backpacking.  Well, it is a bit larger than my older camera, but it isn't very much larger and it does so much (smaller than it looks in the picture)!  I've been using it for almost a year now and have found it to be the best Lumix I've ever had.  The photos are clear and bright, and the "distance" photo options produce really clear pictures even when it is a bit hazy.  I do a lot of close-up photos of plants and have found that the close-up lens isn't as good as my old Lumix, but I've also found that standing back a little and using the fantastic zoom more than makes up for this shortcoming.  And, I don't have to get down close to the plant (a plus for us "seniors")!  I've never tried the video beyond seeing how it worked, but one of these days I'll do it. It does really good video from what I can tell.  I'll buy another when this one turns in its lens! 

Question: How is the photo?
Answer: The photos are clear and bright