The DMC-FZ20K also lets you shoot QuickTime Motion JPEG video at resolutions of up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound. The total video you can capture is limited only by the space on your memory card; you'll fit more at low-quality settings (10 frames per second) than at high quality (30 frames per second). The movies aren't camcorder quality, but they're fun and convenient, and are perfect as e-mail attachments. You can also record audio comments up to five seconds in length for your still pictures.

Additional features include flip animation, which lets you create your own frame-by-frame animations; unlimited consecutive shooting, which lets you shoot as many consecutive shots as you can up to the SD memory card's capacity; a 2-inch diagonal polycrystalline TFT LCD display (130,000 pixels); a hot shoe external flash attachment; and Mega Burst shooting mode, which shoots up to seven images at three- or two-frames-per-second in standard resolution or up to four images in fine resolution. The latter option is designed to provide you with the best selection of photos during action, such as a sporting event.

Images and video are stored on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (the bundle includes a 16 MB SD card). Photographers can download picture files to either a Mac or PC via a USB connection, meaning you can connect the camera to any USB-based PC running Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP or a Mac running OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing-wise, the camera supports the PictBridge standard. PictBridge is a technology that lets you transfer pictures from a digital camera to a compatible printer without a PC or image-editing software. Because PictBridge is an industry standard, users can connect PictBridge-compatible devices made by many different manufacturers.

The camera is powered by lithium-ion battery pack (included with charger). It measures 5.02 by 3.43 by 4.18 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 1.14 pounds. It's also backed by a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
DMC-FZ20K digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, 16 MB SD memory card, lens cap, lens hood with adaptor, A/V and USB cables, strap, CD-ROM, user's manual.