For a digital camera that you might be able to find for around $200, Panasonic's Lumix DMC-LZ5K offers a couple of outstanding, high-end features, including a 6X optical zoom lens. But this unit's other features are a bit of a disappointment, limiting the DMC-LZ5K's overall appeal. (The Lumix DMC-LZ5S from Panasonic is the same camera, in silver. The DMC-LZ5K is black.)

You'll find very few digital cameras in this price range with a 6X optical zoom lens, which is far more powerful than the typical 3X lens. To go with the DMC-LZ5K's high-end zoom lens, Panasonic has included very good image-stabilization technology, which helps prevent blurred photos.

The DMC-LZ5K offers 6 megapixels of resolution, which is plenty for photo-quality prints up to 8x10 or 11x14 inches. Photo quality was average for this unit, at least compared to other 6-megapixel digital cameras; photos seemed to be a little soft, regardless of the lighting conditions. Colors were realistic, and exposures were accurate most of the time, though.

For a camera in this price range, the DMC-LZ5K's response times were a little above average. You can shoot your first photo two to three seconds after pressing the power button, which means you might miss a few spontaneous shots. Shutter lag is less than one-half second, which shouldn't affect your photographs in most instances. Shot-to-shot delays range from about 2 seconds with no flash to about 5 seconds when using the flash. The LCD also goes blank between shots when using the flash, which makes it nearly impossible to frame the next shot ahead of time.

The DMC-LZ5K's other features are aimed at beginning photographers. It's a point-and-shoot digital camera with very few manual-control features. One feature you can control is the autofocus, which can be handy in certain shooting conditions.

If you find ultra-thin cameras to be uncomfortable to use, you'll appreciate the DMC-LZ5K's design. At just under 2 inches in thickness, it should be easy to hold for most people, and it will fit in some pockets.

Much like the remainder of this model, the DMC-LZ5K's 2.5-inch LCD is good, but it has a couple of problems. The screen is large, and it's easy to view from odd angles. But its images definitely could be sharper, which is a potentially big problem because the LCD serves as the camera's only viewfinder.


Pros: 6X zoom lens is great in this price range, resolution is good for unit in this price range, image-stabilization feature works well
Cons: LCD serves as only viewfinder and could be sharper, shot-to-shot delays are problematic, photos are a little soft

Warranty
1 year, limited