My reasons for buying this camera are as follows; I wanted a pocket-friendly camera to use as my main camera (not just a second camera) with good low-light capability, a wide angle lens and the auto focus and optical zoom in the HD video mode, The LX5 with the large sensor (large for a pocket-friendly camera), the fast f/2 lens (at the wide angle setting), and the excellent image stabilization meets my requirements.

Although I liked the pocket ability of the S95, I chose the LX5 because of the excellent build quality, wide angle bright Leica lens and the optical zoom.

The ability to zoom and focus track during video is a nice plus over the LX3.

With a superb f/2 wide-angle lens, a 10.1-megapixel 1/1.6-inch CCD sensor, a three-inch 460k monitor, full manual exposure controls, Raw capture mode and the best image quality in its class, the LX3 was an instant hit, especially with photography enthusiasts looking for a compact camera that could rival the performance of their digital SLRs.

Now, do NOT expect this to have the same performance as a DSLR or even a Four Thirds camera, because the LX5 still uses a compact, 1/1.63" CCD sensor, which cannot match the light and color sensitivity of a DSLR sensor that is larger - the LX5's sensor is about 45 mm^2 in area whereas a Four Thirds sensor is 225 mm^2 in area and, say, the Nikon APS-C sensor in DSLR's from Nikon, Pentax and Sony measure 370 mm^2 in area.

f/8..Especially on the edges...While the DSLR may still have a stronger signal/noise ratio because of the larger pixels, it's the pixel pitch of the LX5 sensor that tips the scales in it's favor for resolution...Panasonic has really improved their noise alogrithyms as in most cases I'm not afraid to shoot at ISO 1600 for prints up to 11x14"...The shutter lag is non existent and even in Raw/jpg with the review off you can shoot one shot after another with approx.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5's maximum shutter speed is 60 seconds in Manual shooting mode and the Starry Sky Mode scene mode, which is great news if you're seriously interested in night photography.

dynamic range REALLY is improved and EXCELLENT for a small camera, Highlight clipping or lack of, is REALLY good on the LX5 for such a small sensor (vs a dslr micro 4/3/nex etc.).

The LX5 seems to have much more accurate color.

As a Canon user, I immediately found the LX5 controls to be fully intuitive, although I must admit I'm still learning ALL of the menu controls as I crave manual control and creative flexibility!

I got the LX5 because I am traveling extensively and wanted something versatile, a camera that could be completely automatic, or totally manual, compact, flash, good zoom (90 mm), and fast shutter speed.

I thought I would miss the 12x zoom of the ZS1 but the LX5's 3.8x zoom seems to be adequate and I haven't missed the 12x zoom of the ZS1.

On the LX3, exposure bracketing is accessible through the exposure compensation screen.

If you're in the market for a great point-and-shoot camera that has all the manual controls you can use; and it does video really well - check out the LX5 it's one of the best.