On Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:14:59 -0800 (PST), jcarlyle
wrote:

Hi, Brian,

I'm working with Norm on his panel project. I'll contact you off-line,
and send you a photo of the panel, with measurements. I'll use my
Panasonic TZ3, which has a 28-280 mm lens (35 mm equivalent figures).
I really appreciate your help; I'm a neophyte with AutoCAD.

You're lucky: the TZ3 has a very low "barrel" distortion. Avoid 28mm
and you'll be fine. See
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicTZ3/page3.asp
Make sure the sensor/lens is accurately placed in front of the
geometrical center of the panel, and that it's pointed precisely to
it, otherwise you'll have huge perspective distortion.