So I went on a consumo-binge, again.

For years I've wanted a Leica. Any leica, it didn't matter. I just wanted one. Then I found out that the many of the panasonic lumix branded digital cameras are in-fact leica cameras! Oh joys of joys.

Now that I've had some time to adjust to the camera (leica version). I gotta say it was the best $407 I've ever spent. Yes that number is a little high but here's what you get:

- 10 MP
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- *small*
- huge 3" screen
- long battery life
- 30fps video at 720p
- leica lenses

It's just a point and shoot. It works great as a point and shoot. The manual mode relatively simple once you get used to it. All adjustments are done via the thumb-stick and not a traditional lens barrel rotate thingie. I've been using the RAW setting to take HUGE pictures that I can then edit in the (included and free) SilkyPIX software. SilkyPIX works better than the photoshop noise reducer plugin thingie.

All that is left for me to do is to learn how to take good pictures... It's hard, but w/ a 4GB SDHC card I can take about 170 raw photos which is plenty for me to just waste a couple of dozen. When I have some that I'm particularly proud of I'll post them somewhere.

My name is timball and I'm a consumer. I've been consuming for almost 30yrs now and I've learned that buying completes me. Amen.

Oh I should mention I got the all black model. It's _WAY_ cooler looking than the silver one.