Panasonic DMCTZ5 Digital Camera – Black (9.1MP, 10x Optical Zoom) 3.0″ LCD s pleased to introduce Lumix digital camera, 9.1-megapixel DMC-TZ5, featuring a 28mm wide-angle 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The 28mm wide angle lens captures the subject and the scene wider at the same standpoint than normal 35mm camera does and you can zoom in or out to magnify a distant subject when desired with the 10x optical zoom.The Intelligent Auto mode, which comprises various shooting-assist functions, has been advanced for the DMC-TZ5 by newly adding the Intelligent Exposure feature and Digital Red-eye. The high-performance image-processing LSI has newly entered its fourth generation, to be reborn as Venus Engine IV to assure higher-quality pictures with an advanced signal processing system.The DMC-TZ5 is renowned for packaging a remarkable 28mm wide angle 10x optical zoom lens in a compact body. Notably, the DMC-TZ5 newly integrates the capability of recording 720pHD (high-definition) motion pictures together with its direct output function allowing users to enjoy watching both still and motion pictures in impressive HD quality on a large-screen HDTV via an optional component cable.The DMC-TZ5 boasts Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with most appropriate clarity in any situations with newly developed 460,000-dot high resolution in 3.0-inch. Black Model: DMC-TZ4EB-K, Silver Model: DMC-TZ4EB-S
Helpful consumer’s review
We bought this a couple of weeks ago to provide a smaller alternative to our Nikon D40X DLSR. Our criteria were fast response time, SDHC and small size. Looking around, we found the DMC-TZ5 and the 10x zoom and HD video sealed it for us.
We took it home and the pictures were OK, but the auto zoom didn’t lock at times. A quick google search later and we found v1.2 of the firmware from Panasonic, after a quick flash the camera is transformed.
It records decent video (With sound being recorded at 5m away!) and will suffice for 85-90% of your needs. My main gripe is the tendency to switch red-eye on and/or change the picture setting in iA mode which sometimes means that you will sometimes miss pictures of the kids running. This can be resolved by switching to Normal mode and having a play (I recommend setting ISO Max400 and auto flash without redeye for best results) but this is a great camera which will do most of what you will want/need for family pics and outside.
In short, there are better cameras for image better, but few better for having everything in one package – the Nikon is not the normal camera we use anymore and that should say something!
