<p>I love the Lumix (Panasonic) cameras. About a year ago I bought an SLR-type FZ20 used, and I LOVE it. The best camera I've ever used.</p>
<p>So when I wanted a smaller camera for college, I got the Lumix DMC-FX12. I like it a lot. Very similar in menu style and it has that great image stabilization that Lumix is known for. I also love that you can switch into the grid mode for making nice compositions. I got it on sale at Costco for $169.</p>