Features:

• 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
• 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
• Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
• Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
• Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
The DMC-FX30 is a remarkably more slim and super-stylish camera than previous models. The body features a distinctive finish with a different texture to match its cool design and lightweight. The 7.2 Megapixel DMC-FX30 houses a 28mm wide-angle f/2.8 Leica DC lens with seven elements in six groups. The DMC-FX30 is equipped with a bright 3.6x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 28mm to 100mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) that captures beautiful shots of people or landscapes. Use the Extra Optical Zoom when you want to pull the subject in just a little closer. With this powerful zooming function, you can easily capture and magnify distant subjects. Low Energy Consumption Venus Engine III reduces noise level for crisp, clear images ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode 3200) White Balance - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen and White Set Self-Timer - 2 & 10 seconds Recording Format - JPEG and DPOF corresponding Built-in-Flash - Auto, Auto & Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync & Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Dimensions - Width 3.74 x Height 2.04 x Depth 0.87 inch (94.9 x 51.9 x 22.0 mm) Weight - 154 grams (0.34 pounds) with Battery and SD Memory Card

Rating : - Superb build quality, responsive camera, great lens.
Build quality on the FX30 is exemplary. This camera is dense, feels hefty for its size when picked up, unlike many similar cameras that feel like a piece of plastic. This is a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship. It is fast and very responsive in operation. The lens is simply fantastic, 28mm (effective) wide angle is rare among such cameras. The lens is sharp edge to edge with very little, if any, in the way of distortion and chromatic aberration. Certainly, the lens is better than the sensor (and processing). The wide aperture (f/2.8) at the wide angle is great for low light [The lenses on the TZ3 and TZ4 are not as fast].
The flash is weak [all manufacturers are sadly underpowering the flash in order to gain on the "shots per battery charge" scale.]. Some hints: In low light, including indoor shots with flash, use the wide angle (zoom out) to make use of the f/2.8 aperture, and you'll get less dark underexposed pictures. Stick with ISO 100 and 200. Keep ISO 400 for emergencies, but never go beyond 400. In auto-ISO mode, you can limit the max ISO. You probably read a lot about image noise. Yes, it is there, but you will not see it in 4x6 or 8x10 prints. You won't see it on a typical 20" monitor (12"x16") unless you view 1:1 which amounts to viewing a 24"x36" print.

Optical image stabilization is very effective indeed. Video is very good.

I gave it 4/5 stars for: 1) Lack of full manual controls, 2) sensor noise and processing could be better.

Newer models like the FX33 and FX35 are essentially the same camera.

The more expensive TZ3 and TZ4 lack the f/2.8 aperture (they max at f/3.3).

If you like the size and build-quality of the FX30, but want a much better picture-taking machine look at the LX3. It has a larger sensor, manual controls, RAW, and a 24-60mm (equiv) f/2-2.8 lens. The LX3 is destined to be a big hit.