I just came across this and the price stood out as the RRP is $699. It is marked as 15% off, but in reality it is more like 40% off their previous pricing based on the Internet Archive. The next cheapest I can find is around $150 more, and that is a grey import. Sony price is $699, and Ted's Cameras sells it for $649.
If you registered for the AMEX Offer, you can get it for $372, which is just over half price.
I own the HX200V, and find that it takes very good photos. I like having GPS locations in my photos. After-market batteries can be had for a few dollars, and mine have lasted for years.
These type of cameras are great if you want zoom without carrying a lot of SLR equipment around, and with a bit of knowledge of photography you can take very nice shots with it.
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz70-supeā¦
Wouldn't the Lumix FZ70 be better value?