Welcome to PR! I learned everything I know about photography on PR........and I hope you enjoy being here and learn as much.
I have the Panasonic DMC-FZ3 and use it as my 2nd camera as I have a Canon Rebel XT as my main camera. The FZ3 has the IS lens also and is similar to the LZ3. I have 2 IS lenses for my Rebel along with the IS on the Panasonic P&S. Since others have shared what Image Stablization is and what it does - I'll just share my experience with it - and what you can expect using it.
I actually love IS. I have a slight camera shake problem and using IS, I get very sharp images. It is extremely helpful with camera shake. Many people like the IS especially on P&S cameras because being smaller, it is easier to get a blurred or soft picture. IS normally prevents that.
Bottom line - IS is wonderful. Here is a picture shot with the FZ3 with no flash. The light in the background is sunlight. Most of my images are sharp. I'm sure the LZ3 is similar.
Liz
Originally Posted by klick76