Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 and LZ5 First Impressions Review

Panasonic's line of image-stabilized compacts with substantial zooms has grown at the low end with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-LZ5 and DMC-LZ3. Both cameras feature the 6.1 to 36.6mm Lumix DC Vario 6x zoom lens, with MEGA O.I.S. Image stabilization, and they are built on the same frame – size, controls, and body materials are identical. For example, they both offer 14MB internal memory, direct printing, and a movie mode that can record 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 at 30 and 10 fps. The major functional difference between the two is resolution: the LZ5 has a 6 megapixel chip, and the LZ3 has a 5 megapixel one. The LZ5 also has a 2.5” LCD that’s a clear upgrade to the 2” display on the LZ3. Panasonic wants an extra $50 for the higher resolution camera. The LZ5 lists for $279.95, while the LZ3 is $229.95.