Review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
July 15th, 2008 at 07:08pm Under Main Content
It seems the TZ5’s sensor and firmware are designed to preserve details and colors across a wide dynamic range, and in our first impressions, it does this very respectably. Shadow and highlight detail is good, and we were quite frankly surprised to see toe and shoulder details in some shots we thought would suffer from serious cases of blowout and blockup. The TZ4, with 8.1 megapixels, joins the TZ5 in its ability to take 1920 x 1080 pixel High Definition-ready photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Also, with the newly added HD component output capability, users can also connect the TZ models to an HDTV and watch a slideshow complete with mood-appropriate music, choosing from natural, slow, urban and swing. Panasonic uses a variant of the same interface seen in other recent Lumix cams for the TZ5, with an overlaid Quick Menu providing fast access to commonly adjusted parameters while shooting. The parameters from this simpler menu, plus several others, are also accessible via a master page menu.
The 9.1 effective megapixel DMC-TZ5 incorporates a newly developed easy-to-see 3-inch 460,000-dot super high resolution LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots in detail and playing back the results even in thumbnails as tiny as 30-split. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. In any case; the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 user is able to enjoy his wide angle zoom lens. The image stabilisation is a must and has really proven itself in the previous models. The TZ4 incorporates an 8.1-megapixel CCD and 2.5-inch display, while the TZ5 uses a 9.1-megapixel CCD and 3-inch display. The latter also supports 1280×720 30 frames-per-second movie capture.
For whatever reason, either a twitchy forefinger or odd shutter behavior, the TZ5 often insisted on refocusing just before shooting even after I’d prefocused. And not just a minor tweak–occasionally it would hunt the entire focus range again. Instead, the TZ5 and TZ4, instantly analyze the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly. Ideal for traveling, the DMC-TZ5 Lumix? 9.1-megapixel digital camera combines a wide-ranging LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens with a handy, compact body.
The Shutter noise can be turned off or selected to make two volume levels of clicking sounds. The general Volume control is used for movie playback and such. The Continuous AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. The Continuous AF system allows the Lumix TZ-5 to keep focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance by minimizing the AF time. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is compatible with optional marine case (DMW-MCTZ5) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is the one camera you won’t want to leave home without. Relatively light and compact for a 10x ultra zoom, you’ll never need to miss a picture opportunity again with this easy-to-use point-and-shoot digital camera. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is an absolute must for the photographer that wants to capture his or her moments in the most comfortable way!
The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 is a 9.1 megapixel compact digital camera.
Fast Facts:
- Price: $349.95
- Records 720p High Definition
- 3″ LCD display
- SD Memory Cards
- Available in blue, black and silver models
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