Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5A 9.1 Megapixel

I purhased one for myself and my fiancee kept "borrowing it"; her pictures were absolutely fantastic, she is an artist with a camera. I take 'snapshots' and for this, the camera was fabulous with the zooming option and all of the picture options available from the straight forward intuitive menu system. I have a very sophiticated SLR digital camera and I used to be disappointed when I couldn't take it with me to an event because it is bulky and sometimes, while traveling, it isn't a good idea to have an expensive item hanging around your nexk, with the little camera, it is in my shirt pocket and I get big camera results. Now my fiancee had the newer model with one megapixel more and a larger viewing screen and she has it with her constantly. We just went on a trip to visit her family in South Africa and the big SLR stayed home, we both love our cameras, a big "well done" and "thank you" to Lieca and Panasonic.

Works Great, lovethe ai, 10x zoom, Lieca lense, large view screen. I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone. One word of caution though, it seems like a good idea to get a screen protector. I've heard that there is a tendency for the LCD screen to crack on the left side near one of the buttons. So try to program your mind to protect the screen more than the lens, the lens is already protected. And if your screen does crack or go bad somehow, it can be repaired, just keep in mind if it is somehow out of warranty or for any reason Panasonic will not cover you, the price is around $180. Again, this has not happened to me, but I've heard from at least three- four people who have, and have seen a couple on ebay selling their broken TZ5's. Be careful with that screen. I think it is best to have a camera case that is hard shell on the outside and soft on the inside. Keep it out of extreme temperatures like in your car on a summer day etc. Other than that, its an excellent camera! :)

I own several digital cameras, from DSLR down to compact pocket models. I bought the TZ5 as an all-purpose utility camera for day-to-day carry. Let me say that I have had this camera for only 3 days, so this is strictly a "first impressions" review.

I was hesitant to buy another Panasonic because of a warranty problem with a Lumix DMC-FZ5, for which I had to pay over $100 toward repairs that were done within the warranty period. I contacted Panasonic twice, and they never even replied. So, if you buy a Panasonic Lumix, hope to heck that you don't need warranty work done.

The past problems notwithstanding, I found the TZ5 at an exceptionally good price, coupled with a 10% coupon from PayPal, so I jumped on it.

In the short time that I've had it, I've made about 200 shots, trying out various features and putting the little machine to the test.

Big plusses: 10X zoom, super-sharp lens, ultra-close macro focus, two user-definable scene modes, excellent color rendition.

Minuses: Neither of these are biggies, but the camera is surprisingly heavy for such a small package, and it isn't as small a package as many others. HOWEVER, I don't think there's anything smaller that has a 10X lens.

If you study reviews of this camera on the web, you will find all Lumix cameras getting some black marks for "noise." Yes, I know what "noise" is, and both my Lumix cameras do show some noise - but only when the camera is set at 400 ISO or higher, AND I got for prints larger than 5 X 7, or click zoom repeatedly when the picture is displayed on the screen. In my opinion, a snapshooter who normally has prints made at 4" x 6" will never see this "noise." If your intent is to make 16 x 20 prints, then you shouldn't be buying a snapshooter's camera to begin with.

There's no point in my naming all the features of the camera; you can get those off Panasonic's web site - and many sites that offer the camera for sale. If you're looking for a travel oompanion that can make excellent photos under a wide range of conditions, including zooming out to 10 power, or close-focussing on a tiny flower, this may be the ideal selection.

Just hope that you don't need repairs (and, honestly, I have no reason to believe that the Lumix's are any more repair-prone than other brands.)

I am so happy with this camera. It works excellent!
Only one very small problem - when You make move and zoom at the same time - it doesnt focus properly. But anyway - it is a great camera. Evrybody around are yeleous when I take great and clear picture even in speedboat because of MEGA OIS helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur. Great camera!!!!!!

I wish Panasonic had a lcd screen that you could look at from any angle and still see the picture...........like Canon does with the G9
Frank

Panasonic TZ5 has a lot of functions in relatively small body.
Although its' size is not as small as other brands p&S camera such sony t5, considering it has 10x zoom and capable of recording HD movie (1280x) it is a good camera.
Moreover, maybe this is only one that can do zoom in and out while recording movie and also sound is not interrupted while zooming.
Overall it is good camera and I am pretty satisfied.

Great camera, small size, good optics, 3" really nice display. It makes average pictures, not great quality but most of times is much better than other 9mgpix cameras. The price is too high but this is a quality Panasonic Lumix camera that will show the status of the owner and not leave a bad impression after operating it.

excellent 10X lens
does not have raw format
zoom function is difficult to use and does not have click stops
F stop inadequate for most macro shots
Underwater housing is very cheaply made.

This is the second one of these I bought. I got one for my parents after seeing the quality that it has. It is very user friendly, takes excellent pictures, and has a great battery life. I highly recommend this camera to anyone. I love it! I used this for many occasions from nature scenery, weddings, and just around the house. I checked several reviews myself before I bought this camera. This camera has one of the best optical zooms in the point and shoot camera. It will bring so many things to life. I know if you purchase this camera you will LOVE it!!!

I already have several cameras, one Digital DSLR and one SLR amongst them, several lens etc. etc.
When yow just go for a walk, DSLR is too heavy for bear, especially when you plan to go 25-30 kilometers - then TZ5 is that camera you should see at.
It is fairly small and light, have great zoom range - 28mm is near perfect for wide photos and 280 is very impressive for tele.
When I've choosen for small light camera for an every day bag bearing, I've seen many reviews and many photos.
Panasonic TZ3 was beaten by new Venus IV processor, which leaves more information on the screen and does not such agressive noise killer. Nice feature - HD video.
Canon SX100 is too big and have too smearing photos, thanks to overdo in noise killing.

Pros:
Compact
All metall body
No lens cap
OK image quality, especially when ISO 100, NATURAL settings, then downsized by Lanzsosh filter to 6 megapixels. 9 megapixels, be sure, too much for such a tiny sensor, but 6 is OK.
Great focal ranges - 28-280.
Excelent display - big and bright.
Good usability.
OK battery.
Snappy autofocus.

Contras:
Hardly usable 400 ISO, but downsized to 5MP OK. Unusable 800+ ISO. Why marketing people sell megapixels and ISO.
No manual controls.
Very unimpressive Macro.

Best small camera on the market today. 9.1 Megapixel and 10 optical zoom. Unless you plan to print posters life size you don't need more megapixels and the zoom is great for sports or any outdoor pictures. Thanks Panasonic.

This is my second Panasonic DMC. I LOVE this camera. Actually, I had purchased a Sony Cybershot 15x and returned it for the Panasonic TZ5A. It is compact for a 10x.One of the most compact that I've found. All the reviews pointed to this camera and I am in full agreement. This camera is very user friendly. It fits the hand nicely and all the controlls seem to be in the right places. The blue color is really sharp, too! You won't be disappointed with this one.

I purchased this camera about one month ago. It's a great advanced camera for someone who wants some of the versatility of a digital SLR, and all of the ease of a point-and-shoot. The camera is light-weight and small in size for a model with 10 times optical zoom. The Intelligent Auto Mode and Scene Selection modes make it easy to take great shots. A Custom Settings Mode is also available. The menus are easy to navigate and the buttons are clearly marked and easy to use. The manual is well written. A great digital camera for someone who wants more features than a point-and-shoot, but less than an SLR. I love it!

Have this camera for a month.
Absolutely satisfied. Found exactly what I was looking on a camera.
And what I was looking for is:
- Compact Camera
- Big optical zoom
- Very good lenses
- Handy
- Fast and easy to use
- Good quality video
- Big display
What I didn’t like
- The flash led can be unconsciously covered by your fingers
- Difficulty in taking pictures from high or low angle

Strongly recommended if fulfils the buyers requirements.

This is the only small camera that can fit in your pocket but take amazing pictures with a 10X Zoom. if you can live with 3MP it can have an optical zoom of 16.9X. That is simply amazing for a small camera.

The features are simple to use even if you have never used a camera before and everything is logically placed. The camera is durable, light, and has a long lasting battery. Also, you can film high definition video! what a score.

I would recomend this camera above all else. Give it a try. it is worth the price. Cheers!

It is speed
the photos is clear
the batterie is a long live
is portable
thank you it is excellent machine

I am quite pleased with the image quality produced by this camera. The merchandise delivered, however is deficient. First, no memory chip comes with the camera. How cheap is that?. No carrying case comes with it either. Shame on you, Panasonic!

Great to deal with. Fastest shipping on the east coast!! product described accurately. I would deal with this seller again. I sought new camera and this just fit the bill.

I get a long really well with this camera and the shots always turn out great. For being in the "point and shoot" category, this is a very nice camera. LOVE the zoom.

good package

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This camera is worth far more than the price tag. The large LCD is vivid and deep (more so than 90% of it's contemporaries) and with the superb lens and zoom capability, this baby is a pure winner. Add to that the excellent HD video and sound - what more could a value concious buyer want. Just drop a 16GB SDHC card in this beauty and have FUN!

C'est un merveilleux petit appareil numérique. Il fait de très claires photos, de plus avec son zoom numérique jusqu'à 45X on peut rapprocher les objets et lire de petites inscriptions. Je le recommande. Finelaps Québec

I upgrade my camera about every 2 years and this is the best one yet. Love the huge screen and the amazing optical zoom. You will be amazed at just how far the lens zooms out of this camera and how crisp the long-distance photos are.

The pros of this camera are well-known, so let me just point out one con. I very much dislike the placement of the flash bulb on the front of the camera. If held by one hand, this camera is most comfortably held by the upper right corner. However, when held in this position your fingers have the tendency to linger in front of the flash bulb. When your not using the flash this is obviously not a big deal. However, I have had NUMEROUS indoor flash shots come out with the entire right side of the photo very dark because my fingers were in front of at least part of the flash. There are other places on the front of this camera where the flash could have been built, so I really do find this to be a major flaw.

Still, even with the problem with the flash I can comfortably give this camera a 4/5. Overall very good product!