Having the appropriate camera to take on holiday can add so much to your already memorable time away from home, because it will provide you with the enjoyment that comes from viewing those excellent photos and videos. However, to find that "right" camera can be a frustrative experience. Of course the camera will not just be for travel, so getting the right features takes some thought and research. What about the Panasonic Lumix ZS7? This one may be just the camera for you.

Panasonic may not be the brand that comes to mind first when thinking about a point and shoot camera. Even though Canon and Nikon are the most recognizable names in cameras, Panasonic, while not as "visible" is a leader in the digital compact camera market. Need proof? Check the user ratings at the online stores. Panasonic ranks extremely high with their point and shoot models.

What should you focus on when looking for a good holiday or "all purpose" camera?

Your expectations for the type of pictures you will take says a lot about what you should look for. However, the general consensus about vacation cameras for a casual photographer is that they should have the following: a good price, image quality, camera size, telephoto range, video.

Would you believe that the Panasonic Lumix ZS7 has the right feature package in each of these areas? Take a look.

1. Good Image Quality - Super-zoom cameras tend to deliver less quality simply because of the wide range of focal lengths, nevertheless this camera is rated very high in the image quality area. The 12-megapixel sensor also delivers images large enough to be printed at optimum sizes.

2. Wide Zoom Range - you will experience focal lengths that range from 25-300mm (equivalent to 35mm standard), so if you need a wide-angle landscape or family photo, or you want a close-up of something far away that requires you to zoom, the ZS7 will provide outstanding results.

3. Video - Panasonic is becoming known as a leader in compact digital video excellence. You can take up to 30 minutes of excellent quality video with this model (1280 x 720p).

4. Dimensions - this camera is excellent for carrying in a pocket or purse. No weighty bags and equipment to lug around.

5. Price - at press time, this model was less than $250, which is quite a bargain considering the quality and features in the Panasonic ZS7 package.

As a camera shopper you need to know that there are others who have passed this way before you. And they have recorded their findings in the user comments section of the online stores (and also at the manufacturer websites). Take advantage of these resources. Take the time to check the Panasonic Lumix ZS7 feedback, and you will discover that this camera has very high user satisfaction, and if you look really close, you will notice lots of positive comments about the value of the ZS7 as a travel camera. There are lots of folks who have purchased it for just that purpose, and they have not been disappointed.