Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

As a DSLR owner, I was searching for a more compact camera to carry with me. This little jewel is almost a perfect fit for my needs. A high quality Leica lens with the highest zoom ratio in its class renders sparkling images, better in some respects than my Canon EOS XSi. Its 3 inch monitor is large and bright. I would have liked to have an optical viewfinder on bright sunny days when it is hard to see the monitor. 23 different scene modes to choose from, including a fireworks mode, is the largest I have seen on a Point and Shoot. The flash is adequate for close shots within its limited range. The camera takes HD moving pictures, but I haven't tried that feature yet. The slide show is kind of cool, and it even plays sounds and allows effects. The included software is rudimentary, and you may want to use something more powerful.
All this is a tiny package with a reasonable price tag.

I just purchased this camera and I love it!! My kids have used it and they love it. SUPER point and shoot camera everyone should have one.

I have traded in my digital SLR a long time ago and first purchased the TZ3 by Panasonic. The bust purchase I have ever made in the camera department. All was well till I dropped it into the river.

Replaced it with the TZ5 and find it is just as great if not better than the TZ3.

If you want a great camera that will do most anything you ask of it the TZ5 is for you. So trade in that big camera bag for the TZ5 powerhouse and put it in your pocket and get ready for some great images to come your way. The 10X optical zoom put eyery shot withing your reach and all I can say is that the SLR people can do not more but carry a heavy load.

They should give the TZ5 a look and I bet a lot would purchase one.

The pricing I got on Amazon was great also and the transaction went off without a hitch.

Bill

The TZ5K is a terrific camera if you like a good zoom. The 10X goes on out to 16.9X with the digital added in. The images are sharp and the response time is acceptable for a point and shoot. Weight and size are good for pocket carrying and the on/off switch is a real plus. You can put this camera into action very quickly.

The field of view is very good and quickly brought in with the great zoom. It is easy to use in a small room for family photos, getting a wide field.

The image stabilization is excellent for sports and family use.

Cons: I miss a view finder even though this camera has an excellent LCD display, it is a bit hard to see in bright sun.

Battery: Life is OK even with Force Flash activated for each photo. I have shot over 100 frames with the flash with power to spare. I would much rather have AA batteries. This takes a special size battery and of course a different charger. I recommend one carry a spare battery and leave another on the charger. I use three and get along fine charging all at night. The supplied charger and the accessory charger I bought seem to refresh the batteries rapidly. I have not timed the recharge, but it would appear less than 4 hours?

Would I buy it again and recommend it? Yes, for my use I would but for general family use the user needs to understand a bit about photography to get the best results. The photos have a high byte count but it is easily reduced for email, etc. with the software supplied with the camera.

The camera ia rugged and seems well constructed. The lens is a work of art, wonderful.

I'm very happy with my purchase. The product came with all it said tht it would be included, and it was completly new, withouth any scracth. IT takes great pictures, with great colors, specially in warm mode and vivid that are my favorite modes usually. not a bad thing to say till now. Have a small problem with it, but I think it is realted to the card, as i had the same problem with my last cam, and i'm using the same cards on my new cam.