Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Digital Camera Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on April 14, 2006

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings
Photo Gallery

Connectivity
Software (6.75)
Panasonic bundles ArcSoft PhotoImpression, PhotoBase and Lumix Simple Viewer with the Lumix LZ5. The software provides options for downloading, sorting, editing and printing JPEGs from the Lumix LZ5, as well as combining images shot for panoramas. The software is straightforward, but not as capable as the most popular image software.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (7.0)
The Lumix LZ5 has a USB / A/V port that allows both digital and analog connections. In USB mode, the camera can connect to either a computer to download images or to a PictBridge printer to make prints. In A/V mode, the Lumix LZ5 can connect to a television to display single images or slide shows. The Lumix LZ5 also accepts a DC power source, though Panasonic does not include one with the camera.

Direct Print Options (6.0)
DPOF and PictBridge are enabled on the Lumix LZ5. It's possible to print the date on images, to choose the paper size, to print with or without border, and to print multiple copies of an image on a single sheet of paper.

Battery (5.75)
The Lumix LZ5 requires 2 AA batteries. It ships with Panasonic's Oxyride batteries, which are not rechargeable, but in our experience seem to last much longer than typical disposable batteries. The Lumix LZ5 will also accept rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, which are an economical choice for power-hungry digital cameras.

Memory (4.0)
The Lumix LZ5 has 14 MB of built-in memory for storing snapshots on the camera. It accepts SD memory cards, which are the most common memory format for compact digital cameras. SD cards are small, relatively inexpensive and come in a range of capacities.

Other Features (6.5)
Live Histogram - The Lumix LZ5 can display a real-time histogram while shooting, to help the user evaluate exposure.

Composition Guide Lines - The camera's Composition Guide Lines show up onscreen to help keep the horizon level in the final shot.

Extended Optical Zoom - This feature provides the benefit of a digital zoom, but since it doesn't resample the image, it doesn't degrade image quality. It's available when the camera is set to any of its lower resolutions, and it simply crops the sensor image instead of resampling.