Value (7.5)
For $299.95, the Panasonic LZ2 offers image stabilization on a 6x optical zoom lens with a 5-megapixel CCD to back it up. Coupled with the 2-inch LCD screen and stylish compact camera body, the LZ2 is a strong package deal for the price. However, if you’re looking for manual functionality, there’s not much value to be found in this camera. Even with all of its fantastic features, it is still built for the automatically inclined point-and-shooter.

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 – For fifty bucks less, the 4-megapixel LZ1 still lingers on the market. The advanced LZ2 has a similar 6x optical zoom lens and 2-inch LCD screen. The cameras have the same modes and very similar body shapes. The biggest difference is the megapixel count; however, the predecessor does not offer any form of audio recording.

Fuji FinePix A350 – Introduced in February 2005, the automatically oriented Fuji A350 comes with a similar $299.95 price tag and 5.2-megapixel CCD. The A350 contains a 3x optical zoom lens, an optical viewfinder, and a 1.7-inch LCD screen. It can record movies at 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 resolution with sound. For the majority of consumers, a near identical price tag with additional zoom capabilities and a larger LCD screen seems like the logical selection.

Nikon Coolpix 5600 – The Coolpix 5600 lacks manual functionality, but has 16 scene modes and built-in features like red-eye fix and D-Lighting shadow compensation. The 5.1-megapixel digital camera has a smaller 3x optical zoom lens and smaller 1.8-inch LCD screen, but comes with long battery life and 14 MB of internal memory. Retailing for $279.95, the 5600 has three movie mode resolutions that shoot at the same 15 frame-per-second rate.

Olympus Camedia C-5500 – The C-5500 sells for a more expensive $349.99 price, but has extremely similar options. The 5.1-megapixel C-5500 has a 5x optical zoom lens with an image stabilization system and a nice 2-inch LCD screen. The extra fifty bucks on this camera are justified with additional manual functionality. This camera adds full manual and priority modes to its automatic and scene mode selection for a more complete pallet of options.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This is an ideal camera for beginners, offering a hefty selection of automatically oriented modes and menus. The auto mode is easy to use and the long zoom lens and image stabilization only make things better – without getting complicated.

Budget Consumers – At a retail price of $299.99, budget consumers will be happy with the affordable 6x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, and 5 effective megapixels included on the LZ2.

Gadget Freaks –Image stabilization is the coolest feature on this camera and could keep gadget freaks busy shaking the LZ2 for about ten minutes. But it’s all downhill from there for the gadget lovers. Keep looking. 

Manual Control Freaks – White balance can be controlled, but most freaks are looking for at least shutter speed and aperture control (at bare minimum). The LZ2 does not offer that, and though it does have a short Slow Shutter menu, it’s not much consolation.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists – This is not the camera for a serious hobbyist. If you can’t figure out why, you’ve missed the bulk of the article.