Click on the Lumix LZ2 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The very affordable Panasonic 4-megapixel DMC-LZ1 and 5-megapixel DMC-LZ2 feature a DC VARIO lens with 6x optical zoom (equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm camera), with capability of up to 24x magnification when combined with the 4x digital zoom, and MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer automatically detects and optically compensates for hand movement.

These cameras have a large 2.0 inch TRM (Transmissive with Micro Reflective) crystal-clear LCD display which is extremely easy to view, even outdoors on bright, sunny days. Even with the optical 6x zoom lens unit, the cameras' body size is as compact as an ordinary AA-battery operated 3x optical zoom camera.

You can take up to 7 images in Standard Mode and 4 images in Fine Mode with full resolution. In addition, the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function lets you continue shooting until the memory card or built-in memory is full. All this is made possible by the Venus Engine Plus, which reduces power consumption by about 50% compared with our previous Venus Engine™. The multi-task image processing in the Venus Engine™ Plus LSI has accelerated response speed, giving you more comfortable shooting with a release time lag of 0.006 second minimum.

Auto angle detection, a new feature, records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically and displays it accordingly, whether viewed on the camera's LCD or on a connected TV. Other features include Burst Shooting Mode, four spot focusing modes, Simple Mode for automatic settings, built-in flash and more.

The DMC-LZ1 can be powered by two AA alkaline or two rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Included are two Panasonic Oxyride batteries that allow you to take up to 215 photos. Alkaline batteries let you take about 140 photos and nickel-metal hydride batteries allow up to 370 photos. The built-in memory holds up to 14MB of image data, which can be greatly extended with an optional SD Memory Card. You can also use the built-in memory like a photo album to keep and view your favorite pictures on the camera's LCD monitor anytime you like.

Major DMC-LZ1 Features:

• 4-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2304 x 1728 pixels
• 6x optical zoom, equivalent to 37-222mm on a 35mm camera
• Optical image stabilization to help prevent camera shake and blurring
• Venus Engine II LSI for robust camera operations
• Macro focus with autofocus down to 1.9 inches
• 2-inch TFT color monitor
• Macro, Portrait, Sports, Panning, Night Portrait picture modes
• High Speed and Low Speed Continuous, AE Bracketing and Timelapse modes
• 320 x 240 QuickTime movies, 30fps or 10fps w/out audio
• Shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 8 seconds (Shutter priority and Manual modes)
• Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow synchro and red-eye reduction modes
• Intelligent Multiple and Spot exposure metering
• TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
• 14MB internal memory plus Secure Digital memory card slot
• Plug-n-Play USB, Mass Storage compliant
• PictBridge Direct-Print compatible
• Powered by two standard AA type batteries

The Lumix DMC-LZ1 is available with a suggested retail price of $249.00. The camera comes with two AA batteries; Video cable; USB connection cable; carrying strap and software on CD-ROM.