The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera is remarkable in that it contains a 10x wide-angle optical zoom lens in a compact, stylish body for the ultimate in picture performance and user convenience. With 9.0 effective megapixels of resolution for incredibly detailed images, and a wide-angle Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28 - 280mm on a 35mm film camera), this versatile camera is well suited to a broad range of shooting opportunities.
You can easily capture a large group of people, or expansive architectural structures and landscapes with the wide end of the zoom range, or zoom in for sports, wildlife and event photography. In addition, the Optical Image Stabilizer feature (Mega O.I.S) minimizes the jitter from shaky hands that causes many photos to look blurred, ensuring that your images are always beautifully clear.
The DMC-TZ5 is incredibly fast thanks to the Venus Engine IV processor, which provides fast consecutive shooting, and boasts outstanding response time thus enabling easy capture of spur-of-the-moment shots. The image processor also provides for efficient power consumption, contributing to the cameras ability to take 300 pictures on a single charge of the included lithium-ion battery. The camera also includes a huge, bright and high resolution 3.0" LCD display to easily frame and view your images.
| Camera Type | Compact Ultra-zoom Wide-angle Point-and-shoot Digital Camera with Optical Image Stabilization |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/2.33" 10.7 Megapixel CCD with Primary Color Filter |
| Effective Resolution | 9.0 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 24-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Standard, Natural, Vivid, Cool, Warm, Black & White, Sepia |
| Image File Formats | JPEG (Fine, Standard) |
| Recorded Resolution |
4:3 Aspect Ratio 3456 x 2592 3072 x 2304 2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 3:2 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Video Recording |
QuickTime Motion JPEG with Audio HDTV (1280 x 720 @ 30 or 15 fps) Wide VGA (848 x 480 @ 30 or 10 fps) VGA (640 x 480 @ 30 or 10 fps) QVGA (320 x 240 @ 30 or 10 fps) Clip length limited only by available memory to a maximum of 2GB |
| Audio Recording |
WAV Format Up to 5 seconds record time with image, up to 10 seconds dubbing |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmar Lens |
| Optical Zoom | 10x (up to 16.7x Extra Optical zoom with 3MP or smaller image) |
| Lens Focal Length | 4.6 - 46mm (28 - 280mm equivalent) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2" (5cm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.3-4.9 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (MEGA O.I.S.) |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | No |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL Auto Focus System with AF Assist Lamp |
| Focus Modes | Normal (Face, 1 point, 1 point high speed, 3 points high speed, 9 points, Spot), Macro, Quick AF, Continuous AF |
| Focus Range |
Normal: 19.7" (50cm) - infinity Macro: 2" (5cm) - infinity wide |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600) High Sensitivity ISO Mode (1600-6400) |
| Shutter Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Speed | 8 - 1/2000 seconds (15, 30, 60 seconds in Starry Sky Mode) |
| Aperture Range | f/3.3-4.9 and f/8.0-11.0 (2 steps) |
| Exposure Metering | Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, SCN, Intelligent Auto (w/ Backlight Compensation), Exposure Compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 EV increments), Auto Bracketing AE (±1/3EV-1EV Step, 3 Frames) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, White Balance Adjustment (10 steps) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Fireworks, Starry Sky, Beach, Aerial Photo, Snow, High Sensitivity, Baby 1&2, Underwater, Sunset, Pet, Hi-Speed Burst, Multi-Aspect Shooting |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync. Forced On, Forced Off) |
| Effective Flash Range | 1.0' (0.3m) - 20.7' (6.3m) wide |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| External Flash Control | Not Applicable |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 0.95 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.006 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability |
Continuous: 0.7 fps Standard Burst: 2.5 fps up to 7 images (standard) or 4 images (fine) High-speed Burst: 10 fps (2.5M or less resolution) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds or 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Built-in Memory | 27MB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compatible Memory Cards |
Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) |
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| Recording Capacity |
Includes 27MB of Built-in Memory Still Image Capacity
Video Capacity
|
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| Battery Type | CGA-S007 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (3.7V, 1000mAh) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Adapter | DMW-AC5 AC Adaptor (Optional) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | No |
| Video Output |
NTSC & PAL HDTV Out with optional DMW-HDC2 component cable |
| Web-Cam Capable | No |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.1 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | No |
| LCD Display | 3.0" Polycrystalline TFT color LCD (460,000 pixels) with Power LCD and High Angle LCD Mode |
| Language Options | English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese |
| Playback Options | Single Image Thumbnail display (12 or 30-up), Calendar Display, Zoomed Playback (16x max.), Playback of Favorite Pictures, Category Playback, Slide Show, Image Rotation, Resizing, Trimming, Protection, Aspect Conversion, DPOF Print Setting |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.4 x 4.1 x 1.5" (61 x 109 x 38mm) |
| Weight | 7.4 oz (209g) without battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
Less To Lug
I bought this pocket-sized, 9.1 MP camera for travel with restricted luggage, because of its low cost yet impressive range of features. Its HD video can zoom while filming, using its 10X zoom....Read complete review
I bought this pocket-sized, 9.1 MP camera for travel with restricted luggage, because of its low cost yet impressive range of features. Its HD video can zoom while filming, using its 10X zoom. I tried it out for stills and video at home and discovered that video files did not import directly into iMovie but if I opened the file first in QuickTime the .MOV files could be imported. (Note that I am a Mac user and did NOT use the software that comes with the camera.) This was an easy work-around. The camera saves a low-rez thumbnail photo plus the video. It has image stabilization, which was impressive. I hand-held the camera, indoors, yet the video was not jerky. The microphone was sensitive. I learned that when I was filming outdoors, walking, it captured my breathing, so I will note the microphone location and be careful about that.
A terrific feature is that it takes a 16 gigabyte, Class 6 (fast) card! Tip: Buy one that offers a small USB reader along with it, as my multiple-format card reader did not read this high capacity card. I was glad I bought a card that came with a small reader, half the size of a flash drive, because it made downloading easy and takes up less space than a stick of gum. I bought an extra card too, since video eats up memory. This should take me through a day of almost constant image captures. I also travel with a spare battery, but always run the current one until it has no more juice to be sure I don't shorten the life of the battery. New batteries claim this is not a problem but I play it safe.
The video quality may not prove to be as fantastic as that of a dedicated camcorder, but it will be perfect for catching that unexpected opportunity and you'll have it at hand. Word of caution: Keep the camera in a plastic sandwich bag in your pocket if traveling in hot, humid climates or damp places; it's not waterproof.
I cannot believe how versatile this camera is, particularly at this price. I will leave my camcorder at home and appreciate the size, weight, features and portability of this innovative camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Window hard to use, miss view finder
This is my first point & shoot without a viewfinder... really miss it. Was surprising difficult to use this camera in the sunlight because you could not properly judge the subject from ...Read complete review
This is my first point & shoot without a viewfinder... really miss it. Was surprising difficult to use this camera in the sunlight because you could not properly judge the subject from the lcd... especially while using zoom photographing wildlife.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
Super for snapshots.
10x Zoom kicks it.
EXCELLENT picture quality.
Oops - wish it was quicker to boot up to the first shot!! BUT, I can live with IT!
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
GREAT CAMERA EASY TO USE THE ONLY PROBLE I FOUND WITH IT WAS WHEN U ZOOM IN ALL THE WAY ITS A LITTLE HARD TO FOCUS.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
This is my first point & shoot without a viewfinder... really miss it. Was surprising difficult to use this camera in the sunlight because you could not properly judge the subject from the lcd... especially while using zoom photographing wildlife.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
Best choice i could've done this year buying electronics. SUperb quality of the product for a reasonable price.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
The only two reasons I gave this camera a four-star rather than five-star rating is the newer version (ZS3) is out and I would have probably ordered that if it had not been backordered, and I do occasionally find the subject is blurry when set on the Intelligent mode. Other than that, the video is nice and you can zoom while recording, the photos are generally beautiful, the zoom is absolutely amazing (both at the wide and tele ends), the downtime between photos is relatively short, and the battery life is pretty great.
Thank you, Panasonic.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I was convinced I wanted the Sony DSC-W290, but was told to give this Lumix a chance. Not only is it more affordable, the pictures are great and the zoom is outstanding! I am thrilled with this camera, and find myself lugging my Nikon D80 SLR around far less and still capturing great shots. This puppy does it all.
It seems bulkier, but the capabilities are well worth the size. Also, some photography die-hards might be turned off by the limited controls on the settings dial, but the auto setting is great and selects a setting far better than I would have on a moments notice. Plus, there are plenty of self controls that come easily once familiar.
All in all, with HD video, 10x zoom and all around great performance, this camera exceeded my expectations.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
The pictures come out crisp and clear, and you can take several in a row very fast. My only complaint is that it's a bit heavier than I expected, but at least it's still small enough to fit in my bag.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I use this camera for travels and family photos. I liked the high quality of the photos. The only problem I guess, is the location of the mic. It could be in another place.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
Requests for reviews usually arrive soon after the product. I've waited to respond until I had time to know the camera well. The camera has very many options that allow people of varied expertise (from the novice who will stick to "IA" automatic camera programming to the pro who will adjust white balance, etc.) to fully satisfy their expectations. The focus range, from extreme close-ups to 16X telephoto is impressive, the Zeiss lens is very good. My only regret is the lack of a viewfinder...like other cameras, daylight washes out LCD screen even when set to bright.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
Using the camera for family photos is great indoors and out. The wider angle allows indoor photos with ease and the X10 zoom with image stabilization allows for face closeups from afar.
The camera is a bit on the heavy side other than that is an awesome camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I bought this pocket-sized, 9.1 MP camera for travel with restricted luggage, because of its low cost yet impressive range of features. Its HD video can zoom while filming, using its 10X zoom. I tried it out for stills and video at home and discovered that video files did not import directly into iMovie but if I opened the file first in QuickTime the .MOV files could be imported. (Note that I am a Mac user and did NOT use the software that comes with the camera.) This was an easy work-around. The camera saves a low-rez thumbnail photo plus the video. It has image stabilization, which was impressive. I hand-held the camera, indoors, yet the video was not jerky. The microphone was sensitive. I learned that when I was filming outdoors, walking, it captured my breathing, so I will note the microphone location and be careful about that.
A terrific feature is that it takes a 16 gigabyte, Class 6 (fast) card! Tip: Buy one that offers a small USB reader along with it, as my multiple-format card reader did not read this high capacity card. I was glad I bought a card that came with a small reader, half the size of a flash drive, because it made downloading easy and takes up less space than a stick of gum. I bought an extra card too, since video eats up memory. This should take me through a day of almost constant image captures. I also travel with a spare battery, but always run the current one until it has no more juice to be sure I don't shorten the life of the battery. New batteries claim this is not a problem but I play it safe.
The video quality may not prove to be as fantastic as that of a dedicated camcorder, but it will be perfect for catching that unexpected opportunity and you'll have it at hand. Word of caution: Keep the camera in a plastic sandwich bag in your pocket if traveling in hot, humid climates or damp places; it's not waterproof.
I cannot believe how versatile this camera is, particularly at this price. I will leave my camcorder at home and appreciate the size, weight, features and portability of this innovative camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I've always been a fan of the Leica camera family and when they teamed with Panasonic to produce the Lumix, I jumped at the chance to own and use something with such promise. This is my second Lumix -- other is the DMC-FX9, which takes great photos with minimal zoom and has held up well -- and I was looking for the "next generation" compact P&S camera to do super zoom and HD video. Super zoom and automatic features have been great--the lens is clearly exceptional and the various auto features have made good picture taking a breeze--the pictures have not disappointed. HD video is good as well, but sound is weak (poor mic placement is probably a cause) and, even with a 16 GB SDHC card, don't expect to capture your kid's entire game or performance (< 30 min on an empty card). I love the camera and its performance, but one thing I would change is the lens cover--flimsy plastic construction. Overall, very good camera, especially for the price.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I recently purchased the Lumix TZ5 and have been blown away with the quality of this camera. I mainly purchased it to shoot HD video and it has performed beautifully. Shooting HD quality video out of a point and shoot camera is something I didn't know was possible. The only drawback would be the sound. But I can live with that. This camera is one that will always be in my bag.[...]Oh and this camera also takes some decent pictures too!
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
Easy to use and takes great pics.
10x zoom is a nice feature.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I have had this camera for a few weeks, and my first impression has been great. It takes superb pictures. The zoom has been wonderful for taking pictures while I have been traveling, especially outdoors. The automatic feature makes it hard to mess up the picture. I love that it can fit in my pants pocket with ease, so I don't have to carry a camera bag. For this price, it is a fantastic value!
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I chose the TZ5 after having two Canon digital cameras. I'm happy I did. The quality is way beyond my expectations. Somewhat disappointed with indoor capabilities, but the camera makes up for it with outdoor shots. I thought I'd be at a loss without a view finder, but that is not the case. Be sure to test out and learn Manual mode. Buy an extra lithium battery.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
it's really easy to use and takes good pictures too. It's a really good value and I'd recommend it to anyone.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I bought this camera for its size to feature balance. The zoom on his camera is simply amazing. I compare it to my DSLR's 300mm lens. However please note that the you will only get a maximum of 3.5 mega pixels only at full zoom digital, but i found that the 10X optical zoom was plenty good enough and you get the full 9 mega pixels.
Pictures are amazingly clear and sharp. The video capabilities for this camera are great. 1080HD videos are clear and beautiful in outdoors. Move the camera to indoors and the video quality drops to good.
Unfortunately this camera is not perfect. The con to it is its slow to auto focus. It can take up to 1.5 - 2 seconds to focus on occasions.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I got this camera for my Mom, who does not like gadgets at all. I was looking for a small camera with great lenses. Between the Canon and Panasonic cameras, I opted for the Panasonic for its larger screen size and longer zoom capability and quality image stabilizing feature. She took great pictures with the iA mode in all kinds of different settings. No complaints, yet.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Digital Camera (Silver):
I've had the camera for about a month now and have taken hundreds of shots. The camera works well on its auto settings and the zoom range is awesome. However the optical image stabilization just can't control the shakes when you zoom out to the longer ranges and fuzzy pictures result. Guess it's better than no picture at all but I can't get sharp pics when at the long end of the zoom. Also don't plan on this for sports or action shots - definite lag time between pushing the shutter button and getting the pic.
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