The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5’s Leica DC Vario-Elmar 4.7-47mm F3.3-4.9 (28 - 280mm, 35mm equivalent) lens has a remarkable 10X zoom range and produces images with such low distortion that few, if any, other cameras in its price range can match it. Coupled with a 9.1 megapixel (effective) image sensor, in-the-lens optical image stabilization, and really intelligent AUTO exposure control makes getting good pictures the first time, every time a pleasure.

If total auto isn’t your thing, the DMC-TZ5 has 21 scene modes, 7 image parameters, 5 white balance presets plus custom set, 6 AF modes, 3 metering modes, ISOs from 100 to 1600 (up to 6400 with boost), and shutter speeds from 8 seconds (15, 30, and 60 in Starry Sky mode) to 1/2000th second. There’s even a built-in flash with 5 modes. Plus, there are movie clips up to 1280x720 (HD) at 30 fps and a fantastic 3” high resolution, 460,000 dot LCD to view everything on. It all makes for a pretty impressive little camera that will handle just about any shooting situation that comes along.

Of course, there are a couple of caveats. First, and it’s not really a bad point, but battery life is about average with about 300 shots typical, less if flash is used or image stabilization left on continuously, before it poops out. Since there is no optical finder, the LCD stays on for viewing and composing, and that eats power, too. But for your average snapshooter, 300 images is probably three times more than they’ll shoot in a day anyway.

The second caveat is a big one: image noise. As with all small, high density image sensors, not just this camera’s, noise is a real problem even at the lower ISOs, but Panasonic has controlled it well up to ISO 400 with images being sharp, of good color with minimal noise and smearing. Higher speeds should only be considered for emergency situations where flash is not possible or unwarranted.

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is the perfect, all-in-one camera for those on a budget who want a more for their money.