Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 was released in March of 2008 with a new sensor, slightly new styling and a few new features. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 has 9.1 megapixels and maintains the 10x Leica-branded optical zoom lens and Panasonic’s signature Optical Image Stabilization (MEGA O.I.S.). Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 lens offers a 28-280mm zoom range, offering a true wide-angle option. Panasonic has trimmed the size and weight again: it’s 0.6 an ounce lighter at 8.4 ounces (240g) and just a few millimeters thinner. It’s definitely compact and portable.
Speaking if compact and portability, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is like Olympus XZ-1. Olympus XZ-1 is built around a high sensitivity 1/1.63″ CCD which, along with its peers, makes it one of the larger sensors to appear in a compact camera with a built-in lens. To this it adds two control dials (including an S90-style dial around the lens) and a bright, high-resolution OLED screen. Other high-end highlights include a flash hot shoe and the ability to wirelessly control off-board flashguns. It’s hard to imagine what else Olympus could have fitted into the Olympus XZ-1′s attractive metal-fronted body. The camera also features an AF illuminator to make it simple to focus in low-light situations. On top of all this, the Olympus XZ-1 also offers a Low-Light mode which automatically adjusts the ISO sensitivity up to ISO 3200 to take sharp full-resolution photos in dark places. There’s a bright lens, of course, with the Olympus XZ-1 becoming the first of the company’s compacts to ever wear its respected ‘Zuiko’ designation. And it’s clear why the company would want to draw attention to the optics, having created the brightest zoom lens of any current compact while still offering a truly useful range. To check out for more Olympus XZ-1, click here.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 removes four of its settings to the operation menu, and adds a dedicated image playback switch near where your right thumb will rest on the back of the camera body. The results is a less imposing selector dial, that also doesn’t switch to playback mode when the dial gets accidentally turned. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 3.0-inch LCD screen is also maintained, but the resolution has increased from 230,000 pixels to 460,000 pixels, offering a much clearer and sharper playback image. Click here to get more of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 best features.
Here is a summary of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review from a satisfied customer:
If you know what you’re getting into, you’ll be thrilled
I already wrote a review on the little sister, the TZ4, which is a phenomenal camera; I am however returning it because the price differential with the TZ5 is so low at this point it made more sense for me to spring for the few extra bucks on the TZ5. If you read any professional reviews, you already know that this is not the camera for poster size enlargements, even at low ISO values. While the noise reduction has been turned down, there is still some NR smudging and noise. Thankfully, the noise at least can be removed to the point where I was able to doctor a sample ISO 1600 picture to look just fine in 4 x 6 size (thanks to NeatImage). And I’ve had no problems with 8 x 10′s at ISO 100 and 200.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 offers a first for Panasonic cameras: Hi-Def recording in its movie mode, at 1,280×720 pixels (720p). The addition of a new Component connection port allows you to view your Hi-Def masterpieces on your Hi-Def television. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 standard movie mode recording is still available. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 ISO sensitivity has also been pushed one more stop with a maximum sensitivity of 6,400 in a dedicated scene mode. Panasonic hasn’t added manual controls to its feature set, preferring to aim this camera at the point-and-shoot market.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 has the following features and specifications:
- 9-megapixel resolution
- 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens
- Face Detection
- New Panasonic Venus Engine IV
- 3.0-inch LCD
- Mega O.I.S.
- Intelligent ISO
- Captures images to SD memory cards
Click here to watch a video of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and get the best features
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 has the following Pros and cons:
Pros:
- 10x optical zoom with true 28mm wide angle
- Almost distortion-free lens
- Excellent quick menu system
- Compact body for zoom range
- Optical image stabilization
- Sturdy build
- Big, 460,000-pixel, 3-inch LCD
- Easy to Use
cons:
- No manual exposure mode
- Flash power does not adjust noticeably
- Poor low light performance at low ISOs
Conclusion:
With the addition of Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Advanced Intelligent Auto mode consists of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking an enjoyable and seamless process unnoticed by the consumer — helping them to take clear photos. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 following technologies all operate automatically; no settings need to be manually changed. Click here to get the amazing features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5.
