Full Review

In getting this camera, I did a lot of research. What it basically came down to was the zooming capabilities. It was a decision between this, the FZ18 and the FZ50 (only 12 zoom but 2 more MPs). I chose the FZ18 and have had no regrets. I find that this is a great camera, it can zoom in to see almost anything that I would want and takes great pictures. Even the video it takes is amazing (but does not zoom while recording).
It holds a charge for quite a while and takes pictures fairly quickly. I tend to use it in Intelligent Auto for everyday use find that it only blurs pictures occasionally.
With the quality of a SLR and the ease of a point and shoot this was definitely the camera for me. I can zoom in and capture everything even far away. I can put it into IA (intelligent auto) mode and not worry about having to focus the camera on my own. However if I do want to use it manually there is that option, and in everyday life it's not practical but if you want to get a little artsy you have the ability. It even has a leica lense, which surprised me.
The only problems that I have had with this camera is that it is hard to find a camera case that isn't going to take over your bag.