Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Mar 23, 2005 - By Emily Raymond
Making its debut at the 2005 Photo Marketing Association trade show in Orlando, the Panasonic FZ5 joined an expanding list of SLR-shaped digital cameras with long zoom lenses. The FZ5 distinguishes itself with one of the strongest fixed zooms out there: a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 12x optical zoom lens with a popular image stabilization system, originally introduced on the earlier FZ3. With 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, the FZ5 greatly improves on its 3-megapixel predecessor in terms of image quality and flexibility, though it takes only a baby step forward in visibility and LCD screen size with a moderately expanded 1.8 inch screen, up from 1.5. Slightly larger then the typical point-and-shoot camera, though significantly more condensed than most SLR-shaped models, the compact FZ5 will be available in April and retail for $499.99 (USD).
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Likes

-effective image stabilization
-strong color reproduction
-energy saving sleep mode
-versatile Leica 12x optical zoom lens
-good audio dubbing and recording features

Dislikes

-loud, slow focus
-lots of noise in images
-relatively small LCD
-vague menu icons
-inadequate movie mode
-limited burst modes

Conclusion
The Panasonic DMC-FZ5 makes some marked improvements over the earlier Lumix FZ3. The most notable is the larger 1/2.5-inch CCD with 5 effective megapixels and a Venus Engine imaging processor. The FZ5 still keeps the best features from its little sibling: the Leica 12x optical zoom lens, two modes of image stabilization, a full range of automatic and manual modes, and the same body size and shape. The FZ5 includes a lithium ion battery with a charger, a lens hood, a full suite of software, and other accessories. There are a few drawbacks, such as the small 1.8-inch LCD and loud zooming function, but Panasonic keeps this digital camera in the running with a $499 retail price tag and flashy features like flip animation and sleep mode.

Overall Impressions Page 11 of 12 Specs
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