Customer Reviews:
 digital camera - Panasonic May 29, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I purchased this camera specifically for a trip to Egypt where we were cruising on the Nile. It produced terrific shots via the 10 x close-up feature of people, animals, etc on the shore. It was fairly easy to use with little instruction, although I have yet to read the entire operating instructions (100 + pages) and probably am not aware of all the available features. Battery recharged in a couple of hours and 4 GB memory card allowed me to take 350 photos with memory to spare. Over all, I was very pleased with this product. Amazon service was outstanding. I received the camera four days after placing order via standard shipping.Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)
Wow! May 29, 2008
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
Ordered the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5S for the convenience of having a "point & shoot" (P&S) while on vacation in San Diego. I usually shoot with my Nikon D50 and LOVE it, but the girth of a DSLR is often too much when all I'm wanting to do is preserve some memories. For several years my "P&S" was a 2001 vintage Kodak ... very basic.
I've got to say, as someone who loves to take photos and is pretty good at it, that this Lumix blows me away in how far "P&S" technology has advanced in the past several years. If you are a pure amateur, just set this rascal on a max ISO of 400 and "iA" setting and start snapping! It's virtually foolproof. The most advanced auto mode I have ever used on a "P&S".
The HD video capability is nice. It's not going to give you videos of the quality you might expect from a dedicated vidcam, but this IS a "P&S". Not having to carry around two separate cams is worth the trade-off in quality if you are just chronicling vacation stuff.
Build quality is top flight and very sturdy. The viewing screen is brilliant. The images taken with this cam are very, very good.
**Bottom line : a very high "BUY" recommendation for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5S.**
 Solid P&S Performer May 27, 2008
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
My primary camera is a DSLR, but I keep a point&shoot for my wife/kids to use, as a backup camera, and for daily trips around town. I used a Canon SD700, until my kids hid it and forgot where they put it ;-}
Anyway, what I wanted is something small that can handle the beating of everyday family use and still produce great pictures. I did a fair amount of research and selected the TZ5 based on it's balance of good reviews, price, and zoom/features. After two weeks of shooting with it, here are my current impressions:
Pros:
- Image quality is great. Not as sharp as DSLR, but I think better than my prior Canon SD700. Also, colors are natural & attractive. Very pleased with the results that it captures
- The face-detection/focusing system is really really cool. I'm not a big "all auto" shooter, but the TZ5's face detection is so effective that I find myself setting the camera in "iAuto" mode most of the time.
- Good control placement, menus, and setting flexibility.
- The 10x zoom is wonderful. A good range from wide angle to telephoto, gives lots of shooting options.
Cons:
- Body is considerably larger than the Canon. While better for larger hands, the size makes the TZ5 harder to tote. The metal body feels solid, but as a result, it's heavy. Overall, the TZ5 will not fit comfortably in a pocket, so be ready for a belt case or the need to drop it into your purse.
- Shutter lag is bad - almost like it was designed in 2002! Ok, maybe it's not THAT long, but the lag is noticeable and causes missed shots.
- Battery life is pretty horrible. Using the huge zoom on the unit, I can't even get through a single 4GB card (about 600 shots). I almost never use the flash, but assume performance would be much worse. It's worth getting a 2nd battery until Panasonic makes the TZ5 more efficient.
Haven't found a perfect everyday camera yet (at any price), so there's still an opportunity for some manufacturer to meet the need! That said, this unit is pretty good and I'm happy with it. Also, LOVE the option to buy in different colors (I chose blue, and am very happy with it) - why has it taken so long for us to get more options than just black or silver??
Enjoy & happy shooting!
Great for pictures and video clips; good lighting is a must May 27, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Excellent quality pictures and HD videos! awesomeness because this is a camera I can actually carry around easily.
So long as you keep the subjects properly lit - preferably with daylight, you will see great pictures. For HD videos you absolutely need great lighting otherwise the videos will be grainy
Much better than my previous digital camera!! May 27, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Its been just about a month since I started using this camera! I've learned only 20% of its features!! I really like the size and ease of use!! The slide show blew me away the first time I used it (music playing too).
The zoom is fantastic!! I have been trying the numerous settings for the type of subject I'm shooting!! Still learning!! The 3" screen is something I find great to use while setting up and reviewing!!
Just started my Ebay business and am using the camera every week with great success!
Will report back in a few months when I become more proficient!!
The pix are GREAT!!!!
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