Rick, I had narrowed it to this model and a Fugi . I had only been watching the FZ28B(black) in my Amazon shopping cart, and discovered they had the same model in silver $30.00 cheaper($259.00). As we would say here in TN., I jumped on it like a "chicken on a June bug "!! It is a good thing I did , the next day it went back up $30.00 !! I think it has come down $10.00 again. That is Amazon for you..
I priced this camera at a local Ritz retailer for $399.00 !! This retailer also raved about the camera. I would highly recommend it .
I am blown away that the flash is seldom needed..so no wash out or glare on flower shots. It also does great portrait shots...I haven't tried all the settings it has, that will take awhile !