Panasonic / Lumix DMC-FZ5 - A decent new, novice camera?

Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

Hi,
I bought my first (first ever!) camera last november. Ready for a trip across the states. (im from the UK). Before this trip I always thought to carry even a disposable camera around was a burden. Anyway I bought a Konica Minolta Dimage x50. Mainly becasue of its size. I am very impressed with it and have taken some very nice pictures (I think at least!).
Im now well and truely hooked and looking to get my next camera - i'm looking to spend around £300 (about $500 I think) - I've had a look round and the best I can see is the
Panasonic / Lumix DMC-FZ5

does anyone have any views on this camera i.e Any particulary good/bad features? And will it be a suitable next step for a very novice holiday photographer? One of the main reasons for choosing the panasonic is the fact this will also make use of my large collection of SD cards.
Any views or recommendations are more than welcome!
Thank you - Great forum by the way

Joined: 21 Aug 2004 Posts: 572 Location: Windsor, Colorado

I'm probably way too late on this, but in case you're still looking I love my FZ5. It's probably the best value in its genre. Small, light....but with most of the same features as its big brothers, the FZ20 and 30. The Leica lens is fantastic as is the image stabilization. The biggest issue it has is noise at higher ISO's, but if you stay at 80 or 100 it is not a problem.