Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8

Like it's higher-resolution sibling, the Panasonic Lumix DCM-LZ8 offers full manual exposure control at a very affordable price. Coupled with a lens by Leica, generally accepted by photographers and hobbyists to be one of the highest quality lens manufacturers, this camera seems designed to appeal to serious photographers on a budget or seeking a portable camera for situations when a larger dSLR would be inconvenient.

The DCM-LZ8 does also feature a wide array of scene modes, intelligent auto-focus, optical image stabalization and facial recognition to offer quick point-and-shoot photography when more precise control over the image isn't a concern.