It's all going to depend upon your lighting conditions.
Samsung's plasmas are very good this year. They continue to have excellent color accuracy (better than Panasonic's - at least with Panny's lower-priced models). Samsung's plasmas don't have quite as deep black levels, but they are still very good and noticably deeper than the "A" models from last year.
I wouldn't go for an LG plasma. They are a step behind in black level performance for sure.
It's pretty much Pioneer at the top, Panasonic close behind and Samsung just behind that. But in the lower price ranges, I'd go for Samsung over Panasonic just because of the color accuracy.
Now, there is one BIG caveat. As I said, it's all about lighting conditions. Samsung's screens are more glossy and prone to showing reflections. Glare isn't an issue, but reflections are. If your room is dark (or at least dim), I'd say it's not problem and to go for the Samsung plasma. If your room is "normally" lit or bright though, I would avoid a Samsung because of their glossier screen. Panasonic's screen is a bit less reflective, making it a better choice in a "normally" lit room.
Hope that helps and best of luck in your decision!
