Have had camra for about 2 months and have taken a few hundred shots. I'v had lots of poit and shoot cameras in the past. This one stands out for its quality. In my view, most point and shoot camers w/ more MPs do not make better pics because they r limited by lense quality, and electronics. This camera makes very good use of its 6 MP. fotos r sharp. colors are good. The macro mode makes wonderfull close-ups.
The camera is bigger than many compact camers, but in exchange u get a solid feel, 6X optical zoom, quality lense. Battery life is also good w/ NiMH AA.
I am very happy w/ the purchase. For the 100 Washingtons that I paid, I dont think I could have done better!
Panasonic - 6.0MP Digital Camera, Lumix, Gray is recommended by hikerbiker
The Panasonic DMC-LZ5SD combines a compact, easy-to-carry size with a powerful 6x [HE_opticalzoom] lens - equivalent to a 37 to 222mm lens on a 35mm camera - for dynamic closeups or great shots from a distance. The Extended Optical Zoom function, which magnifies the image with minimal deterioration by using the center part of the high-resolution CCD, boosts the zoom power to 8.3x 1in 3-megapixel images.