The Panasonic Lumix FZ5 has a lot to like but its best feature is its optically stabilized, 12x zoom lens. Optical stabilization helps with the #1 problem photographers have, camera shake. Without a tripod, it's hard to hold a camera still for tack sharp photographs. This is especially true in low-light situations like when shooting indoors. The lens of the FZ5 has computer controled sensors that will lock on to the subject and compensate for camera movement. The result is often amazing and usually the difference between getting a good shot and just wasting your time. The lens also has a wide aperture throughout all of its zoom range (12x) which is a bonus.

The camera also has a lithium battery and full controls for aperture and shutter settings. It's small and light. The effective zoom range is 36mm-432mm which makes this small camera a complete package. Resolution is 5 mega-pixels. The only feature lacking on the FZ5 is a swiveling LCD display panel. It has a fixed panel on the back of the camera.

These cameras are currently (Dec. 2005) selling new on ebay for under $350. That's more than twice the price of a Canon G2 but the advantages of the Leica lens on the FZ5 may justify that price depending on how the camera is used.

• Panasonic Lumix FZ5 on eBay
• DCViews.com FZ5 Review
• DPreview.com FZ5 Review