Pros: Nice video. The 720p video looks even better than the photo! Quick zoom and always focused. Some other big zoom cameras take a second to focus.

Cons: Can not set flash on when use auto mode which could result to dark face;
Lost details in bright area.

Summary: I bought a Panasonic Lumix ZS6 before Christmas and brought it to a cruise vacation. Since it costs twice as a typical point and shot, I expect better picture quality and performance. I don't care about big zoom. Actually, big zoom causes image distortions.

I use iA (intelligent auto) mode all the time. It starts up quickly and the shutter lag is minimal. However, it could take 5~6 seconds between shots when flash is used.

I'm a little suppressed to notice the lost of details in the bright area. In one photo, the detail of a white sculpture is quite vague, no direct sun shine on it. In another photo, part of a dark colored door has sun shine on it and you cannot see those big door knobs. What you see is a flooded white area. Again, those are outdoor photos and I use the auto mode. Wish I could post my photos here.

Indoor photos are good as a point and shot camera. One big issue is that you cannot set flash on with auto mode. You can set flash to OFF or AUTO, but you cannot set it ON!? This makes it difficult to take pictures when the subject is against a window. The face and the interior will be too dark.

Bottom line: this is a nice point and shot camera especially good at video and zoom. I know it is not fare, but it is too early to expect a compact DSLR.

Updated on Jan 2, 2011

I bought a Panasonic Lumix ZS6 before Christmas and brought it to a cruise vacation. I expect better picture quality and performance. I don't care about big zoom. Actually, big zoom causes image distortions.

It starts up quickly and the shutter lag is minimal. However, it takes 5~6 seconds between shots when flash is used.

I'm a little suppressed to notice the lost of details in the bright area. In one photo, the detail of a white sculpture is vague, no direct sun shine on it. In another photo, part of a dark colored door has sun shine on it, you cannot see those big door knobs. What you see is a flooded white area. AgThese are outdoor photos with auto mode. Wish I could post my photos here.

Indoor photos are good as a point and shot camera. One big issue is that you cannot set flash on with auto mode. You can set flash to OFF or AUTO, but you cannot set it ON!? This makes it difficult to take pictures when the subject is against a window. The face and the interior will be too dark.