Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Review

Announced just in time for PMA (February 2005), the Lumix DMC-LZ2 (and the 4 megapixel LZ1 launched simultaneously) is a major upgrade to the DMC-LC80 that doubles the lens reach (now a 6x optical) and throws in Panasonic's proven Mega Optical Image stabilization to boot. Other significant changes include a larger 2.0-inch (though lower resolution) screen, 14MB of internal memory and boosted burst mode and battery life. All this, and the price - at around $277 on the street - is well below its predecessor, and firmly at the 'entry-level' end of the market. Here's a quick run-down of the headline specification:
5 megapixel CCD
37-222mm equiv. (6x) Lumix DC Vario Optical Zoom
4x Digital Zoom
Advanced Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
Mega Burst Mode
2x AA batteries
14MB of internal memory
2.0-inch LCD
8 scene modes
Orientation sensor
Venus Engine Plus
5-area autofocus