Anyone on here know anything about digital cameras?

better in what respect?

lighter
smaller
quicker
better zoom
etc??

mrs wants me to buy a new one , she wants something with a decent sized viewing screen , any ideas for one at a decent price

Digital camera or video camera?

Neither does the other particularly well imo.

This camera is brilliant, my girl friend has it, I was just wondering if there is anything out there for a similar price that does everything it does but better. Eg the 12xs zoom - anything bigger? The video quality is quite brilliant, I can't imagine there is anything better but perhaps there is?

Not really mate, the TZ7's are standout cameras.

thanks treble. Decisions decisions

Some Reviews;
I already asked Panny to replace my first TZ7 because the zoom motor started to make a VERY big noise. After waiting a month, I got a new camera. Guess what - after 3 more months and a lot less pictures (~2500) than the first one (~5000), I got the damn noise from the zoom motor again ! The camera is very well taken care of, there's no dust or other debree inside
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However, I am very disappointed by the comments regarding the mode dial. The TZ1 dial was very loose and frequently shifted between modes in the case and in my pocket. Now, two or three updates later, the problem has not been resolved! At least I know what to expect! It's not that big a problem - I got into the habit of checking the dial every time I used the camera, but it should have been resolved a long time ago.
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not in my experience