I'm far from a super tech expert, but just recently did numerous hours of research and reviews checking of both the new FZ40 and FZ100.  The Z40 has the CCD senor and the Z100 a CMOS sensor, but from reading countless reviews, the Z40 pictures were much better regarding overall image quality.  I could see this hands down, though because of the CMOS sensor the Z100 is much faster (the Z100 has the moveable LCD screen, better EVF viewer and instant button for quick video recording and is generally $100 more).  But the problem with both the Z40 and Z100 is that the super zoom lenses are still too much for both sensors causing a lot of noise issues, especially in the background of the photos.

But if you go to Amazon you will see great deals for under $400 for the G10 micro camera with kit lens.  The G10 is the one I have and if you go to my photos you'll see the quality of the pictures.  Go with the G series, the future of photography.

Dec 18, 2010 -- 6:26PM, Plentyzero wrote:

I'm far from a super tech expert, but just recently did numerous hours of research and reviews checking of both the new FZ40 and FZ100.  The Z40 has the CCD senor and the Z100 a CMOS sensor, but from reading countless reviews, the Z40 pictures were much better regarding overall image quality.  I could see this hands down, though because of the CMOS sensor the Z100 is much faster (the Z100 has the moveable LCD screen, better EVF viewer and instant button for quick video recording and is generally $100 more).  But the problem with both the Z40 and Z100 is that the super zoom lenses are still too much for both sensors causing a lot of noise issues, especially in the background of the photos.

But if you go to Amazon you will see great deals for under $400 for the G10 micro camera with kit lens.  The G10 is the one I have and if you go to my photos you'll see the quality of the pictures.  Go with the G series, the future of photography.

Great review.  Thanks for the insight and your pictures are high quality.

With my G10 the shorter wide angle lens came with it (14-45mm).  I then went out and bought used a $200 telephoto lens via ebay (45-200mm) which is mostly the lens I use.  If you save up your rewards card winnings you can get a lens or something worth while.  Both lenses have been very good.

Good luck.  You won't be disappointed at all in the G series.

Dec 20, 2010 -- 6:31PM, dduck wrote:

Anyone have experience with the 14-140mm lens?

The 14-140 is an awesome lens.  It really is.  It's very bright and yields a great picture regardless of the zoom.  No chromatic aberation to speak of and very slight vignetting at maximum zoom.

It's our #1 go to lens!

Before buying a 14-140 lens, I'd wait till after the holidays.  The price is starting to come down.  For example, the current new 100-300mm lens is going for $500-599 amd the 14-140mm lens for much more, but is starting to drop down closer to $500.  If you keep checking on ebay or save your rewards coupon, you'll do best.