You don't have to look around at digital cameras very long before you realize that Panasonic and Leica have an interesting partnership. They each produce cameras under their respective brands that look physically identical. Not only do they look identical, but the Panasonic versions use Leica lenses with the Leica brand etched into the rim. And when you go to compare the spec sheets...there is no difference. The only difference seems to be the brand logo and the huge price difference.

For example, at this writing the superzoom Panasonic FZ200 can be acquired new for $499. The Leica V-LUX 4, which is the Leica version of the FZ200, is $899. They look the same and the specs are identical...more

The superzoom "bridge" camera is one of my all-time favorite camera designs. Nothing beats the superzoom for light weight, convenience, and maximum flexibility to compose the image you want. It's not for everything--it's no good for studio work, you wouldn't use it for professional portrait, wedding or fashion photography, and if you're shooting an NFL game for Sports Illustrated you need a fast high-res DSLR. But for the fine art street photographer or travelers who want to travel light but want to capture an African safari or the mountains and ruins of Machu Picchu, the advanced superzoom is it.more