Strengths: 5X optical zoom, SD cards, pocketable, good burst mode

Weaknesses: High ISO settings produce Noise, but that is to be expected.

Summary: Basically this is an average digital camera. However, it is the many features that make this camera an excellent choice for somebody just getting into photography and who needs a good camera to help their learning curve. I teach digital cameras and this is the camera that I recommend for those who on a budget and who are looking for the biggest bang for the camera buck. It is a fine camera for them to learn with and to experiment as the try new things such as Custom WB and the like. Yes, I also own a LZ-8 as well, and have taken some pretty amazing photos with the LZ-8.

Strengths: Aperture, Shutter Priority and MANUAL Exposure ModesAA batteries

Weaknesses: At this price... NONE

Summary: What is it with the dumbing down of digital cameras as of late? It seems that only very expensive point and shoots and digital SLRs have any manual exposure modes.I'd been looking for a small, well priced digital camera full creative controls (shutter, aperture, manual, program...). This little Panasonic does it all at a price that's hard to believe.The 8.1Megapixel sensor produces stunning images (so long as you don't have unreasonable expectations) and keeps the noise down over its more expensive big brother (LZ10).The fact it uses AA batteries makes this an ideal travel camera.If you are in the market for a small, inexpensive digital camera with full creative controls, check out this little gem from Panasonic!

Strengths: See below

Weaknesses: See below

Summary: I've only owned one other digital camera, a Canon a60. Although it was only 2mp it took some great photos (still does even after 7,000 shots). However, I wanted a new one and did research for about 3 months before deciding which one to buy. I was looking for a pocketable camera that preferably ran off AA's instead of a proprietary li-ion, and could use a SDHC card. I was also looking for a camera that had a nice wide-angle lens and took true widescreen (16:9) photos - which really narrowed it down. I really liked the TZ5 w/ the 720p video, but the twice-as-much price and extra heft and battery steered me towards this little guy. Here are my pro's and con's:Pro's:- 5x optical at full resolution, 8x at 2mp (which still takes decent pics, just not as good as my canon at 2mp). There's also an easy-zoom button that auto zooms to 5x then 8x with just one press each time. The third press will put back to the wide-angle.- size (very pocketable - much better than my a60 which was pocketed itself for the longest time)- lightweight- Runs off 2 aa's - in fact... I swear I've taken over 800 shots on my new set of Sony Ni-MH's (2600 or 2700 mah), but I'll just have to test that out again in case I did switch them at some point.- Venus IV engine vs the older Venus III for better images- Optical Image Stabilizer- boot-up time (from off to shot taken)- looks and price (both subjective)- great video (including the ability to do it in 16:9)- As mentioned above - ability to take true 16:9 images (all the way up to 7mp I believe)- full manual control, minus focus (something even the TZ5 doesn't have!)- Easy to use with intelligent auto function that will select the scene mode for you (which has worked really well so far)- 32mm wide angle lens to capture more. Works great for group photo's or 16:9 outdoors shots.- Leica lens (although that's like saying your speakers or receiver is "THX certified" - it's all subjective).Cons:- Slow shot-to-shot when using the flash- photo's don't have the canon color (subjective) - they just seem a bit dull.- blurry shots in low-light condition (more so than my canon a60, but better than my folks' SD400).- More noise than I'd like. It makes the 8mp necessary if you'll be cropping any of them.All in all I still think this is the best camera you can buy if you're looking for the same specs I was. I've recommended it to family and friends and even my girlfriend wants one (and she is very careful with big purchases). One way to tell you got a good deal is that the price actually goes UP 2 months after you bought it (especially if it's anything to do with technology). I'm actually surprised it's priced so low with it's bigger brother the LZ10 priced a lot more for just a few more bells and whistle's. If the big optical zoom, wide-angle or 16:9 capabilities aren't necessary than compare image quality to canon's before buying this. Everyone's opinion on a 'good picture' is different, judge for yourself. Otherwise, you'll be happy with this purchase just like I am!