The Panasonic DMC TZ5 is a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 10x optical zoom lens. The amount of zoom available can be progressively increased if you shoot at lower resolutions. The maximum zoom available is 16.9x when the resolution is reduced to 2 megapixels. 4x digital zoom can also be used.

The focal length of the lens is equivalent to 28 - 280mm in 35mm format. This gives the DMC TZ5 a wide angle lens. This is excellent for squeezing extra width into a shot. The aperture works in the range Wide: F3.3 / F8.0 (2 steps) Tele: F4.9 / F11 (2 steps).

• Special resolution for widescreen television playback
• Special resolution for 6 x 4 inch prints
• Image stabilisation
• Self timer
• Colour options - Standard, Natural, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm
• 5 seconds of sound can be recorded with a still image
• 10 seconds of sound may be added to an image after it has been taken

For close up photography the DMC TZ5 is able to focus from 5cm away from the subject. Face detection focusing is available for portrait shots.

The 3 inch LCD screen is very easy to see even on a sunny day. It is made up of 460 pixels. The LCD screen also has a special high angle mode. This helps you see the screen when it is above eye level. A typical use is if you are trying to take a photo over a crowd.

The built in flash unit has a maximum range of 5.3m. This falls to 3.6m when the zoom lens is in use. Flash modes are Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off.

There is a selection of scene modes. These are Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Self-Portrait, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Underwater and Multi Aspect.

In movie mode widescreen TV movies can be recorded. These have sound and zoom can be applied during shooting. The maximum resolution is 1280 x 720 pixels (high-definition) and the maximum speed is 30 frames per second.

More advanced features include ISO sensitivity (Auto,100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode : Auto(1600 - 6400) )), white balance (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, White Set, White Balance Adjustment (±10steps, except for auto set)), exposure compensation (1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV), metering (Intelligent Multiple/ Center Weighted/ Spot) and bracketing (+/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames).

Shutter speeds work in the range 8 - 1/2000 seconds in automatic mode. In starry sky mode the time can be increased to a maximum 60 seconds.

A burst mode lets you shoot up to five photos at a maximum rate of 2.5 frames per second. A continuous shooting mode is also available at a slower speed.

All the necessary cables and software are supplied to attach the Panasonic DMC TZ5 to a computer, television set and compatible printer. Panasonic DMC TZ5

Description:	9 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens
Ease of Use:	8
Features:	8
Colour:	8
Macro:	9
Indoors:	9
Value for Money:	8
Style:	8
Movie Mode:	9
Image Quality:	8
Build Quality:	8
Total:	83
Verdict:	Panasonic market the DMC TZ5 as a travel camera. With its long zoom lens and relatively compact body I think they have that right. Picture quality is impressive and the camera is easy to use. It is well worth a close look.
Review Date:	April 2008
Related Pages:	Panasonic DMC TZ5 Specification Panasonic DMC TZ5 Sample Images Panasonic DMC TZ5 Features

	GBP 299.99
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Camera	Rating
Fuji Finepix F70EXR	85
Canon Powershot SX120 IS	85
Panasonic DMC TZ7	85
Canon Powershot SX200 IS	85
Samsung WB500	84
Sony DSC H20	81
Fuji Finepix S1500	81
Olympus MJU 9000	79

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, please make sure you double check the feature set and specification at the point of purchase.

Panasonic DMC TZ5