I decided that I need a backup camera for these types of situation.
Number one: If I have my D90 with 70-200mm lens on it I can’t take a photo of any action around me!
Number two: Some times it’s better not to be as visible in the crowd as you inevitably are with a large camera and lens.
Number three: Going to a party, or supper.
Number four: Last year on our vacations in Dominican Republic walking on the streets I was not feeling too comfortable caring the large camera.
So, that explains the white color. I like it to look as any regular $50.00 point and shoot camera.
I did a lot of research on the internet and I decided that this little Panasonic should be what I need.
Being used to a large DSLR like Nikon D90 with some special lenses the backup camera was not just an easy pick.
I need to have some manual functions, enough megapixels, speed, and the best possible lens to be able to shoot without flash as much as possible.
This camera is just what I was hoping for. After testing it for a couple of days shooting some Macro outside in late afternoon.
Also I tested it indoors at my work shooting details of some machinery.
It does amazing job in low light.
Also the movie quality is just perfect.
I can recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a small package with lots of guts.
If you feel like it see this YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsCKa94X3kw

You sound just like my husband, he has a Canon EOS 5D with all the lenses and for exactly the same reasons he now has a Panasonic Lumix too...(in red) great minds think alike! Great pics BTW... What happened to your cat, poor thing! Annbramwell · 2011-10-20: 12:37

My camera before going DSLR was a Lumix.. I bought one for my husband as well.... almost regardless of the model, it's a fantastic line of cameras, great lens, and fantastic macro shots.. I absolutely would recommend the Lumix .... Its also one of the only cameras around (that's I've seen) in the p&s category that have a viewfinder, which is important ,at least to me. McMommy · 2011-10-20: 12:54

Great choice! I will have to remember that if I am ever in the position to purchase a b/u camera. CONGRATS AND GREAT SHOTS! Patricia132 · 2011-10-20: 12:56

Jé, já mám taky Lumix!! Byla to láska na prvni pohled, pÅ™esnÄ› foÅ¥ák do kabelky, mám ho poÅ™ád pÅ™i sobÄ›:) Jediný na co jsem ještÄ› nepÅ™išla, jak s ním fotit Ä�ernobíle... Eiram · 2011-10-20: 13:09

Great shots! love the new toy! i'm in the market for a smaller camera as well i'll have to check this one out:) jennyLit · 2011-10-20: 13:36

It is INCREDIBLE what a small camera can do these days... I'm with you. I RARELY carry my DSLR any more unless it's a situation where I WANT people to know I'm photographing. It sounds like you're going to love this new toy! Great shots! DancingDolphin · 2011-10-20: 14:35

Good luck with the new toy! Looks like you are already on your way to mastering it!!! danrav · 2011-10-20: 15:29

Oh! I thought your new toy was 'Ernie'! or the jeep! LOL! beeacooker · 2011-10-20: 17:08

cool camera makes great pics... Yves51 · 2011-10-20: 17:51

Isn't it great what they are able to produce compared to a few years ago? The quality of the small cameras is amazing. Enjoy your toy and share a few with us. stabeez · 2011-10-20: 18:16

Yes, I have my trusty Canon Power Shot that I like to keep in my purse, or in the car. It is what I used before I got my Nikon. It's a great little camera, so sometimes I slum........ IShuttertoThink · 2011-10-21: 03:33

Very nice information,Thank you,great set~!~ mallusatish · 2011-10-21: 05:14

Good choice! Andrealolita · 2011-10-21: 12:16

Yea I have been thinking about getting a small back up cam too, then maybe I would not get kicked out of the mall haha thats a nice camera takes good captures mystic1 · 2011-10-21: 17:41

Great! liveandletlive · 2011-10-22: 23:07

Great camera! Nothing like a new toy! Keryl · 2011-10-24: 18:19

Tagged: test lx5 camera lumix panasonic