Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5: REVIEWS, Sale: -30%

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A 9.1MP Digital Camera REVIEWS. Save 30% Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A 9.1MP Digital Camera

• 9-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
• 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens; Face Detection
• New Panasonic Venus Engine IV improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects
• 3.0-inch LCD; Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO

REVIEWS:
5 Stars
By J. James - I did research for about two months before deciding to purchase this camera. I was originally going to buy the TZ3 for $249.99 and the day I was going to buy it I read an article that Panasonic was going to come out with the TZ5.

I decided to wait a few weeks and read what I could regarding the quality of the new TZ5. It took a few weeks but reviews started popping up online and I was able to see the features of the new camera verses the TZ3. I decided to go ahead and spend the extra $50 dollars and purchase this camera.

Pros.
+ Small compact point and shoot with large 10x zoom
+ HD video resolution (720p capture with component cable playback)
+ Zoom while capturing video (option was not available in TZ3)
+ Ai setting makes the camera easy for beginners, just turn it on and shoot.
+ Large 3.0" LCD display screen makes reviewing pictures easy (the TZ5 also has a higher resolution screen then the TZ3)
+ 9.1 megapixel
+ Able to take pictures in different aspect ratio's 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9

Cons.
- Picture review button has changed from the TZ3 model. Now instead of easily hitting down on the 4 way directional pad you have to push a switch down to go into "review mode" to see the last picture you just took. I found this a little slower than the TZ3 and one more moving part that can break. For reference see the back of the TZ5 and notice the toggle switch from "capture to review" in the upper right hand corner.
- If the camera is not set to Ai then taking a good picture straight out of the box might not be perfect. You will want to spend a little time reading the manual and adjusting some settings to get a great photo.
- Will only us SDHC memory cards. Since I did not have a memory card this was not a problem for me, but if you are upgrading from an older camera you cannot use the old standard memory card. The new SDHC cards are faster and it is suggested that you get a high speed card (transfer rate) in order to capture HD video.
- ISO Images above 800 do have artifacts (static) in the image. This does not make the photo horrible or bad looking just noticeable if you blow up the image to a large size such as an 8x10. I knew this going in and most digital cameras have this problem, some worse.

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3 Stars
By T. Tom (SF Bay Area, CA United States) This camera has a lot of features that on paper seem quite good such had a wide range zoom lens, HD video and multiple aspect ratio picture modes. However, it's just okay, not great in it's performance. So, while it seems jam packed in features, some of these features are acceptable while others are marginal at best.

Images above ISO 200 look quite grainy and dull compared to other comparably priced point and shoot cameras I've tried such as the Canon SD870IS. Also, the audio for videos is terrible, there's no other word for it. In a silent room you can hear a hissing sound and any voices sound muddy and unclear. This is a shame because it makes the HD video (or any resolution videos) out of this camera barely usable unless you want to shoot a silent video.

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By William Garrett (Sunnyvale, CA United States)
I bought the TZ5 because I was in the market for a camera with wideangle zoom (28mm equiv or wider), good telephoto zoom, good overall photo quality, modern features, manual controls, compact size, at a competitive good price. The TZ5 excels at these criteria making me happy I bought it. My wife loves it, too. It's my 5th digital camera but only the first she's been enthusiastic about using.

The one downside is the camera's weak ergonomics. Perhaps because of the small overall size and the huge LCD on the back, there's basically no right way to hold it with just one hand. Up front, the flash is positioned very close to the grip. It's too easy to cover up accidentally with my fingers. Around back, my thumb rubs against the menu button frequently, which forces the camera out of picture-taking mode until I exit the menu. My hands are relatively small; I imagine it'd be worse for most adults. The only solution is to hold the camera gingerly, with both hands. It's a nuisance that detracts from an otherwise excellent camera. With slightly better ergonomics I'd give it an enthusiastic five stars.