Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Camera Experience
I bought the Panasonic Lumix TZ4 after using and reviewing several other point-and-shoot cameras – and comparing specifications on many more. The TZ4 and TZ5 aren’t as small or cute or full-featured as some of those cameras. But one thing the Panasonic TZ-Series cameras have that most others don’t is the 10x zoom lens. I decided having a 28mm-280mm lens was worth giving up a few centimeters and ounces, manual exposure control and somewhat better image quality. Nearly five months later, I don’t regret my decision. (But having become increasingly aware of point-and-shoot limitations, I do crave a digital SLR for situations where getting the best possible image quality is important.)
The TZ5 is well-suited for handling everyday scenarios like family gatherings, parties, children, pets and vacation memories. The camera shines when taking pictures of people in average or better lighting conditions. I got nice shots of my friend’s kids during a couple of hikes – both up close and at a distance — and some relatively good self-portraits with and without flash and timer. I also captured some attractive landscapes and flower close-ups.
One of my favorite things to play with on the TZ4 and TZ5 is the Starry Sky scene mode, which offers shutter speeds of 15, 30 and 60 seconds for long night exposures. Using the 15-second setting and a stable surface, I got a nicely saturated shot of the branches and leaves of a tree strung with outdoor Christmas lights. Also using the 15-second setting, but bracing the camera handheld against my body, I got interesting images of a rooftop neon sign and city lights from the back of a speeding taxi.
I also had fun shooting and uploading short videos to YouTube, where the visual and audio quality was more than adequate.
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