Sorry to be late; didn't check in for a couple of days. Yes, the Panasonic makes extremely sharp photos, thanks, in part to the Leica lens. It offers two types of image stabilization, both optical (the best kind): 1. continuous and 2. at the moment of shutter let-off. Of my six non-DSLR cameras, the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 is the best one. Like most digital cameras, it has a wide range of shooting modes, most of which I never use. But they're there. It also shoots video, but I've never done it; I do know that it lets you zoom during video filming - I understand that many cameras will not zoom during video. As I said, the flash range is limited and the camera DOES NOT have an optical viewfinder. One other drawback - which you can overcome by careful "holding" - is that the flash is located below the shutter button, and it's natural to put your middle finger over it. You've got to get used to that. Panasonic has packed so much into this little camera that I don't think there was any other place to put the flash. And by-the-way, like most small digitals, it does not have a hot shoe for using an auxillary flash. If you'd like further info from me, go to My Page and email me directly. Javert

Sharon, Since I just got my Nikon D50 last month, I can assure you I was in the same boat! I had been using a Fuji point and shoot, but wanted more. The good news is that the automatic mode on my camera is easier to use than the old point and shoot camera. I was able to take great pictures the first day, even though I didn't know much about my camera. And, those first day pictures were of better quality than anything I had taken before. The colors were much more accurate. The camera did a much better job of keeping light colored objects from being overexposed. I was able to enlarge pictures without them becoming grainy. Knowing that you can take great pictures on auto mode, takes the pressure off. I will slowly work on the other modes, beginning with aperature priority. So, get out there and start shooting! We are waiting.

I have the Canon A720 IS and like it very much. The only complaint that I have is the battery compartment is hard to open and close. I bought it online for $169 back in the spring, so you should be able to find it for less.

I've got a Canon Power Shot S2 IS. Its a great point an shoot camera, but with a few gripes. The good stuff: 1. Fast boot up. Ready to go 1 second after turn on. 2. Quick auto-focus. If the auto-focus is turned off for general viewing and composing, it will focus when the shutter button is pressed to the first detent and immediately fire the shutter when the button is pressed all the way down. You press to the first detent, wait for focus, then shoot. Focusing in good light takes nore more than a second or so. Focus lag can be eliminated if the auto-focus is set to full time, but uses more battery power. Usually, by the time you compose the picture it is waiting for you. 3. Auto-focus continues while shooting a video. 4. Great lens 12 X Zoom, 6.0 - 72.0 mm; f/2.7 - f/3.5. There aren't many lenses out there (in this price range) that will have an arperature of f/3.5 at 12 X zoom. 5. The S2 model has 5.0 MP. This has been plenty for what I do. Later models have more. 6. Battery life is average with the Hybrid NiMH rechargeable cells. Regular NiMH cells are disappointing. These do not hold charge very well. The Hybrid NiMH cells leak rate is acceptable and superior to the regular NiMH cells. 7. The view finder brightens in low light to aid composition. The amount of brightening is amazing. When the shutter button is pressed to the first detent, a small green led light beam turns on to aid focusing and turns off for the shot. 8. Raising the flash lamp activates it. It needs a few seconds to charge. 9. Lens distortion is low. Swing-out and swivel rear screen. The agravating: 1. The sensor does not seem to have as much dynmaic range as a Nikon or Kodak. 2. Default settings causes burn out of highlighted items. This can be remedied by switiching to the "P" (program) mode and adjusting exposure down by 1/3 F stop. 3. Although the lens has 12X zoom, I would sacrifice a litte zoom on the long end to get wider at the low end. The low end is not wide enough for close-in group shots. 4. The worst failing for the S2 model. Viewfinder is too dim in bright light and the rear screen is hard to see (and increases battery drain). 5. There is no optical view finder; it is electronic. It is a little short of pixels to make good judgements about fine focus and there is a lag as one adjustes the focus. However, since the viewfinder is using signal from the main sensor, it accurately frames the scene. These comments apply to the S2 model. Improvements have been made in later models. It will be difficult to beat the performace of this camera in this price range.