Excellent 5MP in its class - value for money

There is a proliferation of digital cameras in the industry. In my opinion, at the time of writing, they can be broadly categorized as

1. super small size digital cameras with all point and shoot
camera features plus some advance features, because of super small size they are exepensive in the $250 range
2. small size digital cameras for value buyers, these also have some advance features at times, $100-$250
3. digital cameras that don't focus on size but have good features that are sometimes also found in digital SLRlike cameras, ranging from $180-$300
4. digital SLRlike cameras like cannon S2 IS in $450 range
5. digital SLRs.. the most expensive and professional digital cameras, these start at $799

Panasonic DMC-LZ2 comes in category 3. This camera is an excellent value for money. I got mine for USD196 from circuit city.

Following are the adv and disadv to consider:

Adv
-Great Price for the camera in this category.
-6x zoom (this is the only small camera in its category with 6x zoom)
-Image stabilization
-Runs on two AA cells, you can use rechargeable NiMH cells, Oxyride or regular alkaline
-Solid make and finish
-Good speed and continuous mode shooting
-Excellent color and quality of images
-Good picturees in low light.
-Direct video out(comes with cable) can be hooked to TV.

DisAdv
-Lacks 640x480 video mode
-Not a super compact camera for those looking to buy one
-Some delay between pictures when flash is turned on
-High Speed USB 2 would have been a nice feature
-For those who care for viewfinder, this camera does not have a viewfinder, the lcd screen is your viewfinder

Overall for the price and features it comes with, its a really good camera in its category.