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June 09, 2005
[ PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FZ5 ]
Price: $879
Rating: 3 stars
The low-down: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom. (36~432mm film equivalent and f2.8~3.3) This lens has a remarkable focal length range and is fast (f3.3) even at its longest extension.
The camera has image stabilisation which can be selected in two stages. Obviously at the maximum extension image stabilisation is prudent and necessary for handholding the camera.
For a camera at this price the body is surprisingly plasticky in appearance and feel.
The controls are well laid out but the menu presents a meagre list of selectable options. White balance is very good and exposure is mostly accurate. The system is easily confused by high contrast subjects.
The lens focuses quickly and accurately except in flat, low contrast situations when there is some hunting, particularly at the longest extension. This is a common problem with very long zooms.
Like this: The Panasonic comes up to operating speed quickly and there doesn’t seem to be as much shutter lag as is usual with this type of camera with an electronic viewfinder.
Dislike that: The viewfinder is a tiny electronic, low resolution affair that is difficult to use in bright sunlight. The shape of the eyepiece holds spectacle wearers slightly away from the surround and light gets into the viewfinder. And it goes without saying that the LCD screen is useless in bright sunlight.
Parting shot: The Panasonic DMC-FZ5 is up against some stiff competition at the price. The Olympus C770 is a little cheaper, with not quite the zoom range (10x) and a 4mp sensor, but it is more robustly made and is a pleasant camera to use. These are the two obvious cameras for comparison when shopping.
Posted by terry at June 9, 2005 07:41 AM
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Comments
Hi,
I don't think your review does justice to the FZ-5. I don't have the camera myself (yet), but the review on dpreview.com, a well known digital photography site, highly recommends this camera. The optical image stabilizer enables the camera to shoot clear pictures in situations where non-stabilized cameras would produce blurry photos.You can find it at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz5/
Posted by: Heiko Waechter at June 9, 2005 07:05 PM
The nice aspect about the FZ5 and other in the range
is the optical image stabilizer, I still use an FZ1 and yes the EVF is not good coming from an SLR you do get used to it but its grainy :( low light shots are difficult, I would say the worst aspect is price
why do we pay so much downunder.
Nice gallery good to see Architectural pics without tilted verticals...or backwards tilt :)
Posted by: John Smith at June 9, 2005 09:55 PM
I looked for manual focus ring (like the FZ20) or manual zoom ring - around the lens - didn't see any. On the other hand, the new Canon S2 IS seems on features, more thrilling:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042201canons2is.asp
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockergnome/18486156/
Big minus is the Fz5 does not have hotshoe for external flash.
Posted by: Ananda Sim at June 13, 2005 07:18 PM