For the serious amateur - Leica V-LUX 1 10MP Digital Camera 12 x Optical Zoom & Image Stabilization - 18313

This camera is a surprize, a good one. Look into it. It's not a professional camera, but it is top-of-the-line serious amateur. It's not possible to make this choice from photos and price. Hold it, use it, look at the Leica images! I am a professional photographer, using Leica M and R, but for privately capturing travel scenes, when I do not want to carry lenses, this is tops, and I've tried and owned (past tense) all its competitors.
Pros: Lens, lens, lens, and Leica build.
Cons: For this category, none.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.