I've read some very excellent reviews about the Lumix FX line over the past few months. Two other features worth mentioning - it comes with a Leica lens which even in today's world is still a quality high performance lens. Also the battery life on the Lumix FX line is rated to be excellent. Costco carries the FX50 which is an slightly upgraded version of the FX7 with a rubberized black surface and larger 3" LCD. Price if I remember correctly is around $350. If I could get my wife to give up her awful Sony T1 (it was good 2 years ago), this is what I'd advise her to get.