Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic DMCTZ5 Digital Camera - Black (9.1MP, 10x Optical Zoom) 3.0" LCD

After years of owning a Minolta compact point and shoot(13yrs and wasn't cheap either!) I decided it was time to upgrade to a digital compact. I was put off before because photos that I had seen were grainy, but now technology has improved I decided to do some research, It took me about a month of research and bought the TZ5. Absolutely no disapointments!! You do have to take a little time to make sure your subject is in focus before you take the shot, by doing this you will get incredibly sharp pictures. I was amazed at the zoom range and could not believe how close I was able to get to a daisy flower in the grass and the photo came out crystal clear on A4 print out. Overall the camera is so easy and quick to use, even a complete amatuer would not have problems. When printing out your pics it is important you have a decent printer. I purchased a canon pixma MX850 from amazon (again after a month of research)and I have to say the picture print out quality is superb. The colours are vibrant and true to the photo taken on the camera. This is a great camera with a fantastic 3 inch LCD screen which is clear and even in sunlight you can view the screen easily. It is a fun camera to use with so many different options like the scene settings but it is also great even for the serious photographer. I've had the camera since Nov 08 and I was only an ameteur but now I'm starting to get more serious and am thinking about upgrading to an SLR in a years time, for now I'm having lots of fun. If I do upgrade, my TZ5 will always be my baby!!
My Dad purchased the TZ7, I was gutted at first because I thought I should have waited. I will say that after taking lots of shots using both cameras and taking the same photos in various zoom modes, scene settings and lighting, there really is not much to compare. The only real difference being the extra 2 zoom, but again there isn't much difference in the photos with the 10 zoom or 12 zoom. I am still happy with the TZ5 and I don't feel that I'm missing out by not having the TZ7. If you are thinking about buying a digital camera then seriously consider the TZ5 or the TZ7, I on the otherhand prefer the TZ5 because the TZ7 seemed to have a few added features that I didn't feel necessary. The TZ5 really does have everything you need for a compact.

This camera is brilliant because:
1. The zoom is amazing for such a small camera, and the wide angle is good too.
2. The picture quality, distortion and flash are all excellent (flash range is quite short but fine. The pictures have a truer colour than my old FX 9.
3. The video is excellent, HD, and the sound is perfectly okay for filming the kids and you can zoom whilst filming (nearly all digital cameras do not allow use of zoom or it is fixed whilst filming).
4. It feels pretty well built, especially given the features at the price. Some of the little doors are plastic, but sturdy.
5. It is not tiny or light, but it is only slightly bigger than the FX9. It will fit into a jeans trouser pocket at a push.
6. The shutter delay is very good compared to a 2 year old camera.
It's so good my mother in law took one look and bought one too.
I got an 8 GB card with it and it holds over 1700 pictures!
I would defintely recommend a case as the lens cover and big screen will take a hammering if it is just thrown into a bag.
Downsides probably are the weight and bewidering array of menu options, although on intelligent-auto you can just point and shoot and the pictures look great.
Amazon delivered it on standard delivery in record time.

I'll keep this short. I read a lot of reviews before i bought this camera (and believe me i go into every detail!) and so i was well aware of the fact that the Panasonic TZ5 produces noisy or grainy pictures at all iso settings ,even the base iso 100. This is probably only a concern if you blow your images up to large sizes but i like to view mine via my playstation 3 and using this you are able to zoom into images. With my old Canon A80 (4 mega pixel) the images looked great even when zoomed in but the Panasonic images start to look poorer as they are enlarged. The reason i bought one was because i thought the features ,especially the 10x zoom would out weigh the slight image issue.
This is my only concern with the TZ5 and other than this its a great camera with loads of great features and good build quality, just do not listen to people who compare the images to a DSLR ......let alone a four year old Canon A80!

In this review I am seeking to reconcile the divergent (although mostly favourable) views that have been expressed about this camera (this includes the 3 colour variants, silver, black and blue).

I have billed this as a "class leader" because it succeeds in the niche it is designed to occupy. It is a compact but (not ultra compact)camera with a substantial zoom - at 10x its zoom is significantly greater than most of its competitors. I find it ideal for taking on holiday etc. but, clearly, it is not as versatile as a digital SLR and does not produce results of the the same calibre either. However, these limitations have to be seen in context - it is a small, sub-£200 camera with the novelty of a powerful zoom, and, in my view and judged in this way it offers good performance and value but not perfection. The same principle applies when judging the HD video capabilities of the TZ5 - it is good in the context of its market position but it is not comparable to a purpose built HD video camera costing twice as much.

In summary, this is a well featured and constructed camera that is easy to use and which will reward you with good quality but not perfect results. To expect more at this price/size point would be asking too much by the standards of current technology. Providing these limitations/compromises are recognised the TZ5 represents an excellent buy which I believe few will be disappointed with.

I wont bore you with all the bits,i bought this as an upgrade i had a Sony H5 great camera but a bit lumpy to take out on nights out the wifes bag had no room,hence i got the panasonic TZ5
what a great camera, small with a 10x zoom.panasonics Ai works great.
i took pictures in all conditions and was very happy
its not the smallest camera but for the size its crazy what you get
Software is good too