The Lumix ZS1 looks, feels, and performs very much like its sibling, the Lumix ZS3, which is a great camera. The main differences are the ZS3's slightly larger 3.0" LCD and its support for HD video. The ZS1 has the same amazing 25-300mm image-stabilized zoom lens.
The ZS1 is solidly built and is comfortable to hold and use. It's also relatively compact for a superzoom. Its lens's huge zoom range - 25mm extra wide to 300mm telephoto - should cover most subjects. A Lumix feature that we really like and use for night photography is the STARRY SKY mode which allows the choice of three slow shutter speeds: 15, 30 and 60 seconds (see the night pictures in the photo gallery).
The Lumix ZS1 is easily one of our favorites under-$250 cameras. Given the versatility, it makes an excellent travel camera.
MIND