Hey! You should know that Panasonic has released a newer version of this product: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50.
The Panasonic DMC-ZS40S is a compact zoom camera--but offers a lot of the same features as the advanced category. With the exception of the smaller 1/2.3" sensor, the ZS40 could be considered part of both categories. Manual modes, RAW shooting and a control ring are features not often found among compact zooms but are common among advanced compacts. Those features together give the user much more control over the final images, but at a price that's a bit more affordable.
The ZS40S sports a 30x optical zoom, which is excellent for the category. That zoom is paired with a five axis hybrid image stabilization system, to help prevent shake from sneaking in at the end of that long zoom. Speed is also a positive, with a solid 10 fps burst mode at full resolution. That speed is limited to just six photos at a time, but is still pretty good performance for the category.
The downside of the ZS40S is that despite all the advanced features, it still sports just a 1/2.3" sensor, the average size found in point-and-shoots. A smaller sensor means lower resolution and a harder time shooting in low light. But as a slightly older model, it can be picked up for around $350, which is an excellent price for everything the camera includes.
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