Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The LumixDMC-TZ5 is a nine-megapixel compact camera from Panasonic with a three-inch LCD, 10x optical and 4x digital zoom. The Lumix may measure just 59x103x37mm and weighs 259g, but it has a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens.

Pros: In these days of fuel and baggage surcharges, gadgets have to earn their place in your hand luggage. The TZ5 goes straight to business class, boasting a 10x (28-280mm) zoom lens that has the width to capture wide-open landscapes and the legroom to ...

Cons: There's always another cabin slightly closer to the front of the plane. While colourful and well-exposed, the 10MP images from the Lumix aren't quite as sharp as those from Canon's PowerShot S5 IS, for instance. Grainy digital noise is also an issue ...

Verdict: The TZ5 costs a chunk more than an economy class camera but the upgrade is well worth it. This all-in-one camera has a superb lens, great ease of use and one of the best LCDs you'll find on any compact.

Review summary: Optical zoom at its optimum

Verdict: Although it's not the most compact of compacts – it'll only fit into your jeans back pocket if you're not planning to bend down – not everyone wants a tiny camera. The upside of the TZ5's size is a 3in screen on the back, plus room to spare for easy ...

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: If you're looking for the perfect travel camera, you may have just found it.

Review summary: Announced on the 2nd of February 2008, the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 is one of Panasonic's new ultra zoom digital cameras, and features an impressive 28mm wide angle lens with a 10x optical zoom. The camera features a 9 megapixel sensor, a wide angle 10x ...

Pros: Very easy to use ; Compact and stylish metal body ; Very good build quality and switches ; Very good image quality - excellent colour ; Wide angle 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation ; Intelligent ISO / Exposure / Intelligent AUTO ...

Cons: Noise visible at ISO100 ; Slightly weak flash, some red-eye ; Plastic tripod mount positioned to the far left ; Some purple fringing

Verdict: The Panasonic Lumix TZ5 has been a best seller for many months - and after reviewing this camera - it's easy to see why. The camera offers an excellent wide angle 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, all in a relatively compact body that ...

Review summary: Panasonic released the TZ5 in March of 2008, updating the TZ3 with a new sensor, slightly new styling and a few new features

Pros: 10x optical zoom with true 28mm wide angle ; Almost distortion-free lens ; Excellent quick menu system ; Compact body for zoom range ; Optical image stabilization ; Sturdy build ; Big, 460,000-pixel, 3-inch LCD ; Easy to Use ; Simple mode for handing ...

Cons: Anti-noise processing muddles detail at all ISO settings ; Moderate chromatic aberration at wide angle and telephoto ; High contrast in harsh outdoor images ; Somewhat subdued color compared to other cameras in this class ; Flash coverage is uneven at ...

Verdict: Panasonic has made some subtle alterations to the body and interface dials to make it simpler and easier to use. The Panasonic TZ3 crammed 10 settings onto the main mode selector dial; the TZ5 removes four of these settings to the operation menu, and ...