Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ6S 7.2MP is smaller and lighter despite using AA batteries.
The new Venus Engine III image processing engine gives them even higher image quality and speedier processing. The LZ6 also incorporates the Intelligent Image Stabilization system, which which comprises two features — Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control — that together make it easy to capture beautiful photos every time you shoot. Mega O.I.S. compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, when taking macro close-ups, or using high powered zooming — situations in which hand-shake is most likely to be a problem. Even Mega O.I.S., however, cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being snapped. That’s where Intelligent ISO Control comes in. In this system, the camera’s Venus Engine III image-processing engine detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the degree of movement and light conditions. This happens automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. Lumix and its powerful Intelligent Image Stabilization system do all the work for you. You enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The LZ6 offers a range of features that enhance usability and add convenience. The new Quick Setting function lets you quickly and easily access and set the functions used most often. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 6x zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button. With the new Date Stamp function, you can simply stamp the date on photos or you can take advantage of two new, original Lumix features. When travelling, you can stamp the day of the trip on the photos you take. Or, if you have a baby, you can stamp his or her age in months on your photos. The stamped information appears on photos that you print yourself at home or have printed at a photo shop.
Effective resolution has been increased to 7.2 megapixels in the LZ6, supporting enhanced functions. It features approximately 27MB of built-in memory and accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards for extra shooting convenience and flexibility. Powered by two of Panasonic’s original, extended-life Oxyride dry cell batteries, the LZ6 can take around 260 shots (CIPA). The menu and its graphical user interface have also been redesigned, with the colours brightened for easier viewability.
Combining a powerful 6x optical zoom with Panasonic’s blur-fighting Intelligent Image Stabilization, the DMC-LZ6 makes it easy for even digital camera beginners to take clear, crisp, beautiful photos every time they shoot.
Helpful consumer’s review
But there is one weird thing: it has Panasonic’s well-known high-resolution video capabilities, but no microphone. Seems odd to have great video resolution (even widescreen) but no sound to go with it. This is not mentioned anywhere in product promotional literature. Buyer beware… 
So, if you want a digital camera that can pull double duty to record short video clips, take a look at the LZ7 instead: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 6x Image Stabilized Zoom (Black).
Other than a slightly smaller LCD and the sound issue, the LZ6 and LZ7 are the same camera. Thus, the remainder of this review is from my review for the LZ7 (which I purchased after re-selling the LZ6, since it couldn’t do video).
1) Noise – the big problem reported by many Panasonic users is noise. I’ve found that keeping the camera set to 100 ISO is fine for reducing noise in general outdoor conditions. Indoors, there is some noise when using the flash or not, but it is not a show-stopper — especially if you’re planning on printing mostly 4×6 prints.
2) Size/Build – the camera is a bit bulky. It’s nice for those of us with bigger hands. It won’t fit in your pocket, but it’s small enough to easily fit in a bag. It also feels a lot sturdier than most other compact digital cameras.
3) Zoom/OIS – The 6x zoom works really well in conjunction with image stabilization. I get sharper 6x 7.2 MP pictures than when I was taking 3x 3 MP pictures with a Canon PowerShot.
Another benefit of the zoom is that the camera has a larger-than-average lens (to let in enough light for zoom shots, I imagine). This is nice because it lets more light in for all pictures, which means you don’t need the flash as much. I’ve even been able to take 6x zoom pictures in dusk lighting at 100ISO that come out reasonably noise-free!
