Connectivity
Software (7.5)
The FZ5 comes with a Panasonic Lumix CD-ROM that has a USB Driver and SD Viewer for Windows, as well as the ArcSoft Software Suite for both Windows and Macintosh systems. The ArcSoft suite includes PhotoBase 4.5, which has basic editing tools like crop, rotate, brightness, and contrast. The best feature of this program is its ability to easily transmit emails and transfer images between computers, cameras, PDAs, and web albums. Panorama Maker 3 is less useful in the way of editing, but has an interesting fisheye feature. PhotoImpression 5 is the last software program included in the suite. It has even better editing features than PhotoBase with automatic fixes, blurring and sharpening tools, color adjustments, and cutouts. This program also has templates for projects like photo books and calendars.
Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
All of the jacks are located beneath one port door on the left side of the Panasonic FZ5. The DC in cable enjoys its own space and the A/V out cord shares its jack with the mini USB cable.
Direct Print Options (7.0)
Direct printing is not as simple as it is on some other compact cameras; there is no designated print button. However, within the Playback menu, users can print either one or multiple photographs. The camera is PictBridge compatible, so it can communicate to compliant printers with a USB cable.
Battery
The FZ5’s lithium-ion battery pack allows the camera to take about 300 pictures before it needs a recharge. When the smaller viewfinder is used, that life is extended to 320 shots.
Memory (4.0)
Panasonic included a 16 MB SD card with the Lumix FZ5. This amount of memory is enough to capture 6 pictures at full resolution, which is insufficient for almost every situation. You should plan on purchasing a larger memory card, especially if you plan to use the movie mode frequently. The SD or MMC card loads into the bottom next to the battery and no internal memory is included.
Other features (8.0)
Flip animation mode – The flip animation mode can be found in the recording menu, but it’s a bit difficult to figure out at first. I had to pull out the owner’s manual and follow the instructions step by step, which went something like this. Select Image Capture and take up to 100 frames (it does this in 320 x 240 pixels). Once you’ve taken all you can handle, go back to the menu and select Create Motion Image. Users can select a 5 or 10 frame-per-second rate. In Playback mode, users must press Review to watch their flip animation work. This interesting feature could occupy an entire Sunday afternoon if coupled with a lump of clay (Wallace and Grommet, anyone?).
Self-timer – The camera’s self-timer can be set to 10 or 2 seconds by pushing the left portion of the navigational dial (when the menu is not in use) and cycling through the options.
Image stabilization – One of the Panasonic FZ5’s most marketable features is its Mega Optical Image Stabilization system with two modes. On the camera, these are only called Mode 1 and Mode 2. In the owner’s manual, the difference between the two modes is explained. In Mode 1, “the stabilizer operates continuously and can assist during photo composition.” In Mode 2, the “function is in standby and activates at the moment the shutter captures the image. This mode offers a greater degree of stabilization.” I did not notice a difference in the degree of stabilization between the two modes, but did notice my shaking hands when the system was turned off. The image stabilizer works quite well with normal handshake, but falters with excessive shaking (as all cameras do; I just had to try it).
Audio Recording with Still Images – Up to 5 seconds of audio can be recorded with each photograph taken. This is a handy feature for biologists that take pictures of several similar looking – but different – plants, or for teachers who need to take pictures of their students to learn their names.
Sleep Mode – The Panasonic Lumix FZ5 can conserve battery power by “falling asleep” after 1-10 minutes. The length of time the camera idles before sleeping can be determined in the setup menu. This feature can be deactivated also, insuring that the camera never enters this mode. When it does fall asleep, the lens retracts into the barrel and the LCD goes blank. The camera will not wake up until the shutter release button is pressed, even if you pick it up or press other buttons.
Included accessories – The FZ5 comes with a rechargeable battery, a 16 MB Secure Digital card, a Panasonic DE-993 battery charger, a lens hood, a lens hood adaptor, a lens cap with string, a neck strap, an A/V cable, and a USB cable. The camera also comes with an instruction manual and a software package. The battery charger has an LED that shows a solid green color when the battery is charging.
