6. Lightweight And Plasticy, But Solid Feel

The Panasonic DMC-FZ18 weighs a little less than one pound, which is light for a bridge camera. The reduced weight is partly the result of the materials used. Unfortunately, the plastic parts are poorly constructed and too light. The hollow-sounding body almost makes the camera seem like a toy. But the different slots and covers (battery, memory card, TV out, etc.) are solid and the buttons don’t show any play or noise. So despite the materials used, the overall impression is one of solidity.

Heavy-handed Visual Design

The least you can say is that visual design mustn’t have been a priority for Panasonic with this model. The overall looks are crude and massive. Still, it’s more compact than earlier models and also lighter, which is a real plus.