Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8

Value (7)
Priced at around $170, the Lumix DMC-LZ80 represents decent value for the money, especially when compared with the Canon SD1100 ($249), Nikon Coolpix S51c ($299), and Fujifilm FinePix F50fd ($279.99).


Comparisons

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ6 – The predecessor to the LZ8 comes in at a super budget-friendly $149. It has a slightly lower megapixel count – 7.2 compared to the LZ8’s 8.1 – and a tiny 2-inch LCD with 86,000 pixels. It does have a longer 6x optical zoom lens, though, and features optical image stabilization, a rarity on budget point-and-shoots. It has 18 Scene modes, a Movie mode that records video with sound at 640 x 480 resolution and widescreen 848 x 480 at 30 fps. Like the LZ8, it’s powered by two AA batteries. Overall, pony up the extra cash for the LZ8 – your photo memories are worth the extra investment.

Fujifilm Finepix F50fd - At $299, the F50fd is more than $100 more expensive than the LZ8, but offers a much higher resolution of 12 megapixels. It only has mechanical image stabilization, however, rather than the LZ8's better-quality optical image stabilization. Like the LZ8, it also offers manual control options not often found on similar point-and-shoots. Although color on the F50fd was undersaturated, leading to duller images, resolution is amazing, grabbing some of the highest scores in detail and sharpening that we've ever seen. It also has trendy features like wireless transfer, which the LZ8 lacks. The F50fd certainly takes the better images, but the LZ8 has the more competitive price. It's a give-and-take situation here, but all things considered we'd go with the F50fd. 

Nikon Coolpix S51c - At $329.95, the Coolpix S51c is more than $150 more expensive than the LZ8, which should raise red flags immediately for consumers looking for the most budget-friendly camera. Released in September 2007, the S51c has 8.1 megapixels and a larger 3-inch LCD, along with a trendy feature the LZ8 lacks: wireless transfer capability. Testing on the S51c turned out decent results - the S51c produces good, but not great, color scores, and resolution is terrible. The priciness of the S51c comes from its wireless capability, which is more of a fancy gadget than a handy tool. The LZ8 is a better deal for your money, especially if you're on a budget.

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS – Announced in January and retailing for $249, the Canon Powershot SD1100 IS is a stylish, pocket-friendly offering with similar basic specs to the LZ8: 8 megapixels and a 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 pixels. It has a shorter 3x optical zoom lens but also has optical image stabilization and face detection, like the LZ8. The SD1100 certainly wins the style competition, however, with a sleeker frame and flashier color options. Color scores are good, as on the LZ8, but noise scores were terrible - the LZ8 performs much better in this regard. However, the SD1100 did a better job at capturing detail. It's a toss-up, but the LZ8 is certainly a less expensive option for many of the same features.



Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Point-and-shooters should absolutely consider the LZ8. Its Intelligent Auto mode makes pointing and shooting the simplest of tasks, even selecting the proper Scene mode automatically.

Budget Consumers – The LZ8 provides good bang for the buck - at $170, it will absolutely appeal to budget consumers.

Gadget Freaks – There's nothing here that will get gadget freaks salivating

Manual Control Freaks – Surprisingly, the LZ8 provides extensive manual controls for a point-and-shoot, making it a good choice for beginners who want to learn more about manual digital photography. Still, more advanced users will and should gravitate toward SLRs.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – Won't even give the LZ8 a second look.