Value (7.5)
At a retail price of $499.99, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 seems to be hanging in the same price bracket with a lot of other extremely similar cameras (as you probably saw in the previous section). This model has the longest zoom lens and most megapixels in this type of package – and comes with the attractive image stabilization system. However, other cameras are more valuable for their ease of use or larger LCD screens. Every manufacturer has to decide where to cut the costs; on the FZ5, it was the memory and LCD. So if those are not essential features for you and you'd prefer a stronger lens and imager, the FZ5 could be perfect. However, if a large screen and long shutter speeds are important to you, keep looking for a better value.

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 – The predecessor of the FZ5 looks extremely similar since it has the same measurements and weight. However, the old model had a 3.1-megapixel 1/3.2-inch type CCD as compared to the FZ5’s 5-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD. Both cameras have the same Leica 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. They share the same modes and love of small LCD screens, although the FZ3 is slightly smaller at 1.5 inches. The FZ3 comes with an even tinier 8 MB SD card and retails for $399.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 – For the same $499.95 retail price tag, Sony will release its H1 in June. This 5-megapixel Cyber-shot will have many similar features to the Panasonic FZ5. The Sony H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization and a full range of automatic and manual functions. The H1 also packs a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen, 32MB of internal memory, and compatibility with several conversion lenses and filters. Both cameras have similar body shapes, although the Lumix FZ5 is considerably smaller and lighter.

Kodak EasyShare Z7590 – Kodak packed 5 megapixels into a similarly shaped camera body with a Schneider-Kreuznach 10x optical zoom lens. Although the camera lacks image stabilization and the zoom range is slightly less, this camera is compatible with several conversion lenses, which is a plus. Like all Kodaks, the Z7590's ace in the hole is ease of use with intuitive menus and a Share button made for easy printing. This EasyShare is compatible with both PictBridge and ImageLink compliant printers. The cameras have similar modes and nearly identical burst rates. The Kodak comes with a larger 2.2-inch LCD screen, 16 scene modes, and 32 MB of internal memory. It will be available in April for a retail price of $449.

Fujifilm FinePix S5100 – Released last August, this SLR-shaped digital camera had a retail price of $499, but now sells for about $280 online. The S5100 has similar automatic and manual features, but only carries 4 megapixels. The camera has a 10x optical zoom lens in a similarly-sized package and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. Fuji’s camera can shoot RAW files, which can’t be said of the FZ5. However, the S5100 does not have the highly coveted image stabilization.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This digital camera isn’t the easiest to use straight out of the box, but could become a point-and-shooter’s best friend with the Simple mode. The FZ5 would provide point-and-shoot users with room to grow, as its modes range from Simple to Manual with everything in between along with a healthy variable focal range.

Budget Consumers – At $499, this may be a bit too steep for consumers on a tight budget. However, it always depends on what you’re willing to pay for. If you want flashy features like flip animation and sleep mode with your 12x optical zoom, this could worth the splurge.

Gadget Freaks – Gadget freaks of a more playful nature would have fun indulging in this toy. They could probably take a few colored lumps of clay and sit around for hours on end making clay animation movies and uploading it to their blogs. Gadget freaks will also be wowed by the image stabilization and audio dubbing.

Manual Control Freaks – With a wide range of options, users can adjust pretty much whatever they want on the FZ5. They even have to manually open the flash. So if it’s all about control for you, you’ve found a decent match in the sub-$1,000 range.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This could be a backup camera for a pro or serious hobbyist, but not a main model. I’m pretty convinced that users who fall into this category will want interchangeable lenses and external flash accessories and such, along with manual focus, which this camera does not have.