My first recent digital camera (I have a Kodak DC120, but that doesn't count...was never my primary camera and didn't buy it new) was the Kodak DX6490. I was usually happy with that camera. It had 4 MP, a 10x zoom, and a baby SLR form factor. I expected it to act like the 35mm EOS SLR that I was used to using. And it generally did. Aside from some automatic features which couldn't be disabled, it was pleasant to use. I found the Panasonic on clearance for $125, and sold the Kodak for $100 and bought the Panasonic-sight unseen. I knew that Panasonic had Leica lenses, and this model had 5 MP vs my Kodak's 4 and matched the Kodak's 10x zoom by looking at the specs on the box. I assumed that all superzooms were mini SLR shaped and would have manual features to match.

When I got the camera unwrapped, I was a little put off by its appearance. It was small, and wasn't SLR shaped. It looked like a (gasp) point and shoot! However, it had a pretty metal body and the Leica DC Vario Elmarit had all the right words on it, so I gave it a chance. It had a nicer screen than my Kodak, and it was quite a bit lighter. My initial tests were promising, but I quickly started running into frustrations.

Firstly, it didn't have manual modes. It would show exposure info, and had several scene modes, but wouldn't actually allow full manual control of exposure. It's not often necessary, but pretty vital when seriously needed.

The more I played with it, the more I was sure that there was something wrong with it. I had never had a camera with image stabilization, and I was playing with it a lot. To do so, I was zooming way in. The pictures I was taking were soft and didn't have strong contrast. I double-checked focus and settings, but zoomed in pictures never had the dynamic look that ones more modestly zoomed had. I had recommended the camera to another friend (based on price and reading the box), and his was the same. I checked online, and found this to be a common problem in reviews, but users didn't seem to mind. I shrugged it off and resigned myself to using less zoom, but I was disappointed. I had relied on the Leica reputation for optics, and this particular one was a big letdown. I now know the particulars of its novel design, but it's a triumph of style over substance. I know that Panasonic still sells similar models, so this may have been fixed.

Frustration loomed again with shutter delay. My Kodak had not been stellar in this respect, but the Panasonic was an obvious step backward. I was missing good shots because of camera delays. Pictures of pets and children were difficult to time, because you had to think a half-second ahead of an unpredictable subject.

I'm through picking on it now. If you could limit your subjects to fairly still ones that were close, it was excellent. It did fabulous macros for such an easy camera. It was very easy to use in all of its available modes.

It's video modes are still some of the best I've seen in the digital still cameras I've used. It's mechanics are very quiet and are never distractingly loud in videos. My other digitals often have focus noises on their videos, but the Panasonic videos were not distracting that way. The videos were also sharp and had clear audio of the subject, but used high bit rates and filled cards rapidly.

Unlike many cameras, this one has an underwater case available from the manufacturer. Expect to pay more than the camera. This case is supposed to allow all controls to be operated while under. The availability of that accessory alone would make this a fine choice for many. Long zoom, where this camera falters, isn't useful underwater anyway.

Lastly, I should say that I sold my Lumix to my brother to buy the Kodak P712 that I still use. He and my friend who bought this camera at my urging are both still very satisfied. If you aren't as critical as I, you might really love it. For novices who only use scene modes anyway, it's perfect. It's compact, good-looking, and usually gives good pictures. If you crave more control and often use longer zoom settings, then look elsewhere.