Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10

One of a new crop of Lumix cameras introduced near the beginning of 2008, the Panasonic Lumix DCM-LZ10 offers full manual exposure control (along with shutter and aperture priority mode) in a compact point and shoot body.

One of the only cameras in its price range to offer this degree of control, the DCM-LZ10 is likely to appeal to serious photographers on a tight budget or seeking a less bulky alternative to a full dSLR. The obvious limitations compared to a dSLR are a finite lens range (5x lens is equivalent to a 30-150mm lens) and a smaller CCD image sensor than a dSLR. A broad selection of scene modes, face-detection to assist correct focusing, intelligent auto-focus and optical image stabilization mean simple point-and-shoot photography is also offered by the camera. The battery life is higher than average and has been described as "best in class" versus its competitors.