Panasonic DMC-LS1B Digital Camera - Silver [4 MP, 3x Optical Zoom]

The size and weight are really what you'd expect of a budget camera, especially one that runs on AA batteries. If you're looking for a fashion camera that's lightweight and will fit easily into your pocket then this camera probably isn't for you, but you'd need to spend considerably more to get a camera that performs as well as this for the money. The controls fall easily and naturally to hand, and although the battery bulge makes it look untidy, it works well as a grip. All cameras get through batteries like they're going out of fashion, so make the investment in some high capacity NiMH rechargables and a fast charger, and you won't be disappointed.

Buying a camera at this price, I was worried about shutter speed - the time it takes between pressing the button and it actually taking the picture. I'd read a few reviews on this camera which seemed to contradict each other ("fast"; "average"; "slow"), and I can now see why. The issue is with the auto-focus. When you press the shutter button part-way the auto focus kicks in, and in low light it does sometimes need to hunt around to focus before you can take your snap. This is no different to other digital and 35mm compact cameras. However, when it's focussed, pictures are taken with minimal lag without any problem.

The powerful flash makes easy work of red-eye reduction, and even has a 'slow sync' mode that lights the background and your subject - very handy for parties. The camera has a neat trick when it comes to white balance. So long as you're not using the flash, the camera can take 3 shots in succession; one at standard brightness, one reduced and one increased - you can then delete the ones you don't want. It even has a histogram which pops up in the corner of the screen that let's you see the balance of photos before and after you take them. And speaking of screens, the 2" LCD you get on this machine lets you see your subject clearly, without the on-screen information displays appearing obtrusive. The colours are clear, and the playback of the movie recordings are particularly sharp and smooth - it's just a shame you can't record any sound.

You only feel the benefit of the image stabilisation tool (M.O.I.S.) in low light - when the shutter needs to stay open longer to let more light in - which is when the risk of blurring increases. This seems to do a good job, and I've struggled to even intentionally take a blurred shot. It's certainly a useful function that you wouldn't find on other budget cameras.

Although you get a small amount of internal memory, buy a SD card with reasonable capacity and fast read/write speed. You can get 512MB cards with 80x speed if you hunt hard enough, and the fast speed helps to exchange snaps and movies between the card and camera quickly.

Finally, a few words on how simple this camera is to operate. If you spend 20 minutes skim reading the instructions then you'll be able to explore the full potential of all the handy modes and gizmos this camera has. If instructions just aren't your thing, then simply take the camera out of the box, stick it in simple mode, and start snapping.

Overall the highlights of the camera for me is the ease of use of the menu, although it takes a bit og getting used to. Also the pciture quality is stunning for a 4.0 megapixel. The LCD screen kind of makes up for not having a viewfinder becuase its so big and clear.

A few things I would recommend thought, although this applies to most digital cameras is that you get some decent batteries as it will drain their power, although the camera has a handy economy mode which doesn't affect the picture qualtiy, it just darkens the screen so less power is used. Also I suggest getting a decent SD card with the camera as it will write much faster improvig the camera's performance, I got a SanDisk 512mb card and it can store lots of pictures quickly.

The camera comes with a USB cable to connect to the computer and a video cable to connect to your T.V for slideshows and movie playback. However one thing that is quite disapointing is that a power adapter isnt included so that you can run the camera off the mains, but then again its a camera and how often is there going to be one around! Also a carry case is not included to carry the camera around and I suggest getting one to protect that lvely 2.0in screen! All in all though its a great deal.

The video capture is also great but there is no way to capture sound. But I have to say you really are getting your money's worth here and its well worth the price! You wont be disapointed with this!