Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ6 7.2 Megapixel

The 6x optical zoom got and kept my attention. The 6x zoom can be extended up to a 9x optical zoom if you go to 3.0 Megapixel image recording mode thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom function. It gets better. Panasonic is known for a high grade Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS), which minimizes the jitter from shaky hands that causes photos to look blurred. This camera has been phenomenal for taking pics of the kids playing, because kids refuse to pose. Got really great shots at an outdoor concert thanks to the LZ6's "Intelligent ISO" working with the OIS. That means while I was enjoying the band, the camera did all the thinking for me. It steadied my hand, adjusted for the lighting and the movement of the subjects, let me zoom in on the band and snapped away. Perfect picture every time. I use super fast batteries (Energizer lithiums and Panasonic oxyride) to speed up flash recycle time, so no complaints there. This camera is so good in low light and natural light, I don't often use the flash anyway! I like the LZ5 (previously reviewed), but since the LZ6 can be had for close to $50 now, the price is right. It is so easy to use, my 10 year old uses it to make professional quality stop motion animation with action figures. I'm thinking Hollywood is on that kid's horizon!

With the scene mode function, I select from 18 shootings situations, so I'm ready for just about anything, anywhere, anytime.

As for me, I used to be really into photography, still have my Canon FTB QL 35mm (good for "semi-pro" photographers), with zoom lenses, wide angles, macro filters, the works. The old girl has been sitting in the closet for awhile now. . .