Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 10.0 Megapixel

It's a bit slow which can be frustrating at times, but the images are sharp and the macro is very good. Also, importantly, it shoots in RAW format. Overall an excellent point 'n shooter.

The LX-2 is a serious photographer's point-and-shoot camera. In my experience, including 4 other "serious" P&S cameras, the Panasonic excels in user control, quality construction, classic design, and ease-of-use. It's image quality (in halfway decent light) is equivalent to many dSLR's. In poor light, I often took this camera in lieu of my dSLR (which has a slower lens) because its excellent IS and low-light capability makes after-dark pictures not only possible but fun. As in all small-sensor cameras, noise can be added at high ISO's. However, in practical results, I believe that more has been made of this problem than perhaps should have been. Unlike its successor, the LX-3, it has a usable zoom, and its 16:9 format actually ADDS pixels, instead of masking the built-in format, like the LX-3. Wide angle shots are superb. A wonderful landscape camera and pretty darned good on macros as well.