Should I buy this?

[snow]

I've been looking at all kinds of cameras lately, and I am seriously considering
getting a Panasonic DMCLZ2. My husband bought an HPM307, and although it's an okay camera and easy to use, I don't think it gives the best image at 3.1 megapixels.  Aside from that, my main problem is unsteadiness in my hands at times, and this Panasonic model (in fact, all the Lumix cameras) have stabilization to compensate for that.

What are your thoughts?   

[SensoVision]

Hi Snow and welcome to Webmaster Key once again!
regarding your question let me ask you for what purposes you're going to use your camera mostly? As if believe to the review posted on DCResouce(it's one of the best sites which in my opinion accurately reflect how camera working it's strong and weak sides) this camera wouldn't be the best choice for shooting people because of red eye problem but it seems to be great choice for landscape photography as provide good details and colors from what I can judge lookin on files at gallery http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_lz1_lz2-review/lz2/gallery.shtml
So right now I'm advicing you check this review and see what do you think about this camera http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_lz1_lz2-review/

Also do you plan any night shot photography or slow shutter speed photos, as LZ2 is completely automatic, which is good if you're not planning on using advanced features as it result in a cheaper price.
Not sure like O.I.S. stabilization system but AntiShake which I had with my Konica-Minolta Dimage Z3 camera really help me make sharper shots with slower shutter speeds(I've heard that OIS is actually more effective but couldn't confirm this as none of my friends have Panasonic made cameras so I wasn't able to try it myself).

BTW I also advice you to look at the side of Nikon cameras, as I've bought to my girl Nikon Coolpix 5600 this year(same model as Texas Bev have) and although it's not very fast at taking pictures, photos made with this camera have much better detail and color reproduction than Z3 which cost me 3 times more one year ago
I'm mentioned Nikon as they recently produce camera with built in VR (vibration reduction) system which previously could be found only on high end models, but now it's built-in on the P&S model with have only some manual features like Aperture priority mode.
I'm talking about this model: Nikon Coolpix P4
unfortunately I wasn't able to find review for this camera as it appear on the market not so long ago, but hopefully they would be posted soon.

[snow]

Sorry to be so long in replying, but my monitor was fried on March 30 and I got a replacement only today.  Luckily it was under warranty!

I asked at a local store, and the camera I was interested in will no longer be made.  It is being replaced by another model.  I will be shooting mostly landscapes and closeups of flowers and insects, but I will also be shooting people.  Luckily, the HP software I use can get rid of red eye, so that won't be a problem. I will look at what Nikon has to offer, too.  It's really hard to decide what to get.  Probably the biggest factor will be image stabilization and price.  I'm not an expert in photography by any means, so something fairly simple will be best.  I'll leave the expensive, fancy cameras to those who are not as amateur as I am!
Thanks for the links.  I will check them out.

[SensoVision]

Sorry to be so long in replying, but my monitor was fried on March 30 and I got a replacement only today.  Luckily it was under warranty!

seems that fried monitors are world wide problem lately I'm saying so since my friend and member of this forum Suezie also got in the same problem, and from what I know she still waiting for repair.

Regarding your original question. I think that Nikon should meet your expectations as it's one of the best brands I have tried myself. Camera shouldn't be complicated, at least my girl didn't have any troubles with using it and didn't look into the manual yet(it's her first camera). Nikon alway had very good macro mode(I would say leading if comare to other brands) so I'm sure that you can shot good closeups of flowers with their cameras.
My suggestion would be if you're are not in hurry wait for review of Coolpix P4 and see if it what you're looking for.
Also if you don't need very fast camera you can check Fuji FinePix F10 which doesn't have image stabilization but have something maybe more useful, low noise matrix which allow you to use high ISO.
If you're not familiar with ISO term it's something like sensivity of your matrix to light, e.g. the higher ISO number you'll use the more sensivity from CCD you'll get and therefore you can shot in a place with lower lights with safe setting which would let you avoid blur in image. It will also let you shot without flashlight in the places where you had to use it with other cameras.
Hope I didn't confuse you with all these things, but this camera seems to be promising one, it has very little noise comparing to competitors and if Fuji would be available here probably my girl would get this camera as it make shooting more versatile in my opinion(not sure like others but I really miss that my camera has useable ISO from 50-100 and marginally 200, this make impossible to shoot in theater or museum and other places where flashlight wouldn't help or forbidden). BTW Fuji maximum ISO is 1600 like in dSLR camera

BTW recently I've read in Photo magzine I've subscribed to review of Fuji Z30 which is newer model of Z10 and they telling that it's really improving in terms of speed(if I'm not wrong). If you interested I read this magazin once again to refresh my memory.

Snow, maybe you have other Panasonic model on your mind, please let me know about it, as I don't wish to draw you from your original choice just becase I prefer other models

And regarding red eyes it's always better to have lens which doesn't produce them as it's really possible to remove this effect in the time when taking picture(I'm not talking about anti red eye mode but wisely developed lens like I had in all my cameras from Minolta), as if they are removed by software you still can spot small artifacts and maybe eyes wouldn't look so natural and it takes extra time to edit photo...

[Lola Frangelino]

Hi...can the lens be changed on the digital camera as on the analog SLR cameras?

[Andy]

Hi Lola,

on Digital SLR's you can change the lens but they have a different type of mounting to the analog cameras so you can't use analog lenses on digital cameras. The smaller digital cameras have fixed lenses that can't be changed only by a repair shop.

This is just what I learn't when I was looking into buying a digital camera.

[12noon]

Some none SLR digital cameras such as the Kodak P850 can add on lenses and filters.
 
BTW a new Kodak camera will be out soon, so the price should drop on this model.

[Hope]

Keep in mind that when you buy an SLR, you might or might not be able to use your old film camera lenses. Some of the SLR are not compatible while others are just fine. If you want to use your old lenses, please research the SLR options carefully.

[SensoVision]

Hi...can the lens be changed on the digital camera as on the analog SLR cameras?

Hi Lola! Digital SLR lens can accept lens from analog SLRs in most cases, at least company usually tells what mountings are supported by body. From what I know Pentax try to make models compatible with most of their old lenses, same thing with other brands but I'm not sure how many mounting types they support.
So it's all would depend from lenses you have and model of camera you're trying to get.

[12noon]

Have you ever thought about digital camera lens adapters ?
 
You might be able to get an adapter ring that lets you fit lenses and filters from your analog SLR. Anyway let us know how you get on and what camera you decide to go for.

[Lola Frangelino]

Thank you everyone. You've been quite helpful.

[Hope]

One thing to remember about your old lenses, if they are not autmatic focus, they will most likely not work on the new digital SLR cameras.

[Stacey]

My advice is to work out exactly what you want to do with your camera .... and make sure the camera meets these requirements ... If you plan on doing macro close ups choose one that meets this ...