Overview
The Panasonic DMC TZ5 is a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 10x optical zoom lens. The lens is a wide angle lens and this is a big help for squeezing extra detail into wide shots for subjects such as buildings, landscapes and groups of people.
Why Buy The Panasonic DMC TZ5
What makes the DMC TZ5 different to other digital cameras with longer lenses is its size. Although not pocket sized it is still very small and compact. Panasonic market this part of their digital camera range as travel cameras and I can see why. With its handy size Panasonic have really reduced the burden of carrying a camera everywhere with you and with the long lens you should be able to get in close enough for more or less every shot.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
9
10x
3.1 inches
103.3 x 59.3 x 36.5
214g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
Yes
No
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
I have tested a few Panasonic digital cameras recently and I have noticed how well they are able to handle contrast and darker areas in a photo. The picture is sharp, but there is a small fall off in focusing towards the edges. Some of the blue lines on the boats also have a slight purple tinge.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
This is a good effort for a digital camera with a wide angle lens. Sharpness is good even as you reach the edges of the shot. There is some noise showing up at the most distant point of the scene.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
I am happy with this picture, but there are one or two issues that stop the photo from being of the highest quality. As with other super zoom cameras there is a small degree of purple fringing. This is where a thin purple line is added to light objects when they are caught by the sun. There is also a small loss of sharpness on the right hand side of the photo as the scene becomes more distant.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
There are no real problems here aside from the merest hint of purple fringing around some windows and doors. The brickwork stands out very well and in most situations focusing has worked well with the DMC TZ5.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
All three of my portrait test shots were successful. The outdoor portrait has enough colour to give it some life, without the colours being overpowering. The skin tones are about right.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
This Panasonic digital camera lights the photo well. It is sharp and is my favourite shot out of the three portrait shots.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
Without flash the DMC TZ5 still does well. The photo has a good level of detail. It also has a natural look to it. Once again there is that bit more colour in the shot than I am used to seeing.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
The macro shot is impressive. Focusing is sharp and the level of detail captured is up there with the better cameras.
Colours:
As with other Panasonic Digital Cameras colours are stronger than with most other brands. In my view this helps to produce vivid photos.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600:
The way Panasonic manage the ISO settings is a little different to other brands. With the DMC TZ5 you set the maximum ISO rating you wish to use and then the camera is intelligent to work out the actual setting. This tends to produce better results than with other brands in most situations.
Summary
Not perfect, but very good overall. You are likely to find sharp, colourful photos.
Style
The camera looks more like a regular compact digital camera than a cut down SLR camera. It has a small grip on the front. It is available in black, blue and silver.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.42 seconds
13.99 seconds
1.05 seconds
14.69 seconds
Ease of Use
Although this Panasonic digital camera has one or two extra features thrown in it offers the simplicity of a point and shoot digital camera. The menu system is also bright, clear and easy to read.
Points I Like
Ease of use - design and build quality - overall picture quality - wide screen, (high-definition) movies - size and length of lens - wide angle lens - LCD screen quality
Where it Could Improve
There is nothing that stands out
Verdict
The Panasonic DMC TZ5 has a lot going for it. It has plenty of zoom power, takes an impressive picture, is small and compact, plus it also scores highly for ease of use. This is a camera well worth considering.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Panasonic DMC TZ5 Review Panasonic DMC TZ5 Specification Panasonic DMC TZ5 Sample Images Panasonic DMC TZ5 Features
Review Date
April 2008
