Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150

Despite the potential limitations of its short zoom range (3.6x), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 offers a host of features aimed to capture the attention of serious photographers. While the camera does offer point-and-shoot scene modes for quick snapshots, it adds options usually found only in the high-end price range or in dSLR models. The DMC-FX150 can capture images as RAW files (versus JPG , the typical file format for compact digital cameras). RAW files hold much more data and allow for higher quality images, but must be processed using software, making RAW photography a more labor-intensive process. The combination of a Leica lens, high resolution sensor and RAW file format will interest serious hobbyists looking for an alternative to a dSLR.