Digital Home Thoughts: Review Of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5

"While it may look like just another digicam, albeit a small and attractive one, there's more to this 10MP compact than meets the eye. The FS range (also including the new FS20 which features a larger 3" LCD) is similar in most respects to Panasonic's FZ range, with the notable addition of a wider lens, offering the equivalent of 30mm in 35mm terms. This makes it ideal for those looking to shoot landscapes or large groups, or if you need to pictures in more cramped areas than usual. The wider angled lens is also ideal for adding drama to images, especially useful to the more creative photographer. Panasonic hasn't reduced the telephoto end though, offering an equivalent of 120mm, ideal for portraits and close ups. The added advantage of the Panasonic lens is that the Image Stabilisation is there to reduce camera shake, caused by using slow shutter speeds when the light is poor or from simply holding the camera at arms length to take pictures."

Definitely a cute camera though I am a little concerned that with the almost $400 price tag, it may scare a number of consumers away. Having said that, I have been looking for a powerful camera that combines the power of the Canon G9 into a thin body like this Lumix here. I am not sure this camera does that, especially with the lack of manual control that the G9 provides, but there are some significant advantages - the 10MP, the high zoom, the high quality lens, multiple shooting modes, great ISO range, and the list goes on. Hmm, perhaps it is time to go to the nearest camera retailer and try this camera out.