Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: DMCFZ5S
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- An SLR alternative with a stabilized 12X zoom lens that both enthusiasts and casual photographers can appreciate.
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CNET editors' review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S (silver)
price range: $499.00
- Reviewed by: David D. Busch
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 08/01/2005
- Released on: 04/15/2005
The good: 12X zoom; effective image stabilization; manual controls; generally decent image quality; versatile burst modes.
The bad: Clumsy lens-hood design; low-res movie mode; coarse, small EVF.
The bottom line: An SLR alternative with a stabilized 12X zoom lens that both enthusiasts and casual photographers can appreciate.
Manual exposure controls, an SLR-like design, and advanced options that include lossless TIFF file storage will appeal to the photo enthusiast, while an abundance of scene choices, such as a neophyte-friendly Simple mode, ease snapshooters into the world of the megazoom. Some Rube Goldberg touches--including a lens hood that must be removed each time you use the flash or the autofocus-assist lamp--are annoying, at best. However, once you get used to the FZ5's quirky design, it works quickly and well.
User reviews
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PANASONIC FZ5 "What a Steal"
by gliffe on August 8, 2005
Pros: Price & Leica Optics
Cons: None Whatsover
Summary: The FZ5 has been rated the best 5mp camera in its class by most of the top reviews. This is mainly because of the relationship between LEICA & PANASONIC. The ...
Summary: The FZ5 has been rated the best 5mp camera in its class by most of the top reviews. This is mainly because of the relationship between LEICA & PANASONIC. The FZ5 is loaded with features along with its user friendly menu make this camera "a must see" on anyones list. Its shortcomings, the absence of a hot shoe and manual focus are outweighed by its many features, its quality of build, and its LEICA optics, which will produce pictures surpassed by no other digicam in its price range.
I won't get into many specifics but I feel many of the criticisms of the FZ5 and other cameras of this type and price range are because they are being compared to digital slr's. Many of the negatives posted are consistant throughout the P&S digicams, they are to say the "Nature of the beast". If one is looking for ultra fast AF, a robust flash, brighter screens, more FPS, less noise. greater DOF. faster lenses and so on purchase a digital SLR and spend 10 times the price just to duplicate your zoom range. These digicams are small, lightweight and are wonderful instruments. This all adds up to having fun, not having to lug around a couple of cases of equipment and in my case and I'm sure many others would agree taking many more pics because of its portability and convenience. Go back a few years back and imagine using a film camera again. We are truly spoiled.33 out of 34 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Superb UZ in a compact package!
by Donato777 on August 9, 2005
Pros: Leica lens; Excellent image quality; image stabilization; compact size; ease of use; price
Cons: Would prefer an all metal body; better movie mode.
Summary: After researching the available UZ's I chose the FZ5 over the others I considered (Canon S2SI & Sony H1). I am thrilled with my choice. Resolution is excellent and ...
Summary: After researching the available UZ's I chose the FZ5 over the others I considered (Canon S2SI & Sony H1). I am thrilled with my choice. Resolution is excellent and the compact size compared to the others makes it easier to carry around. Then there is the price! This camera offers alot of bang for the buck. I paid only $382.00 including S&H and it is even less now - an outstanding value for a very high quality UZ.
16 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's great, absolutely perfect for the shakes, and ease of use.
by polli103 on August 9, 2005
Pros: Easy to use. Features easily accessible.
Cons: Lens hood is awkward and very fragile.
Summary: My husband bought me this camera for sports shooting. It's perfect for this, as I tend to shake quite a lot when watching my favourite football team, or when ...
Summary: My husband bought me this camera for sports shooting. It's perfect for this, as I tend to shake quite a lot when watching my favourite football team, or when fishing.
Lightweight, so easy to transport. All round smashing camera.12 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quality product w/ disappointments
by sfoah on October 5, 2005
Pros: Lens, size, weight, filter
Cons: Restrictive programs
Summary: I probably spent 20 hours of research (online and on foot) into this purchase, until I was convinced I bought the right camera - one that takes filters, has the ...
Summary: I probably spent 20 hours of research (online and on foot) into this purchase, until I was convinced I bought the right camera - one that takes filters, has the zoom capabilities I missed on my previous one (Fuji Finepix F700 - RIP...), custom modes and so forth. Basically, I wanted a camera that helped me achieve ambitious amateur photography with lots of room for individualism in overrides without having to go all manual. The FZ5 offers fewer options than my runner-up favorite, Canon's S2 IS (which I shunned for the picture quality), but I thought I can live with those until I read the manual...I personally find it unacceptable, that in the more customized "scene modes" the camera decides on the "film speed", without any chance to keep my basic setting. This means that I would never know if the picture was taken at 80 or maybe at 400 ASA, and I'd rather not even see a 8x10 print at 400. One other thing I find annoying is that I manually have to open the flash for it to work. On all four cameras I handled in different stores when shut off and one wiggles it gently, something inside the camera moves slightly and no sales person was able to give me a good enough answer-very odd, unless the sales people and I miss something important (the anti-shake function?). I would also prefer to be able to screw in the filter right to the lens or its housing without having to use an adapter, enlarging the camera unnecessarily.
I am going to return it and will start my research over - will camera stores let me study the manual in peace, I wonder...8 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent 5MP camera and smaller then competition
by Andre Cox on August 11, 2005
Pros: OSI Stability system, Zoom and Size
Cons: Video mode out of date, difficult to use in low light
Summary: I always liked the idea of these large zoom cameras but the 3MP of the FZ3 was too small and the FZ20 was too large a camera. So when this ...
Summary: I always liked the idea of these large zoom cameras but the 3MP of the FZ3 was too small and the FZ20 was too large a camera. So when this turned up I bought it and have had no regrets. The size is just right, the zoom is superb and the Leica quality is evident. Photos produced have exceeded expectation. I still prefer it over the Canon and Sony equivalents because of it's size though I would have liked a better video mode.
A smaller FZ7 please!5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Digital Camera, a step under SLR's
by Etriton on August 26, 2005
Pros: Zoom capabilities, Price, Good quality images.
Cons: Weak flash....
Summary: I have to say that the ability to place filters on this camera is a great plus. And although the lens hood has to be removed when shooting with a ...
Summary: I have to say that the ability to place filters on this camera is a great plus. And although the lens hood has to be removed when shooting with a flash it's a small scarifice to pay for it's price and it's zoom capability.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best camera in it's price range.
by gcol on October 7, 2005
Pros: Fast focusing, 12x zoom, perfectly set out.
Cons: Sometimes doesn't focus if you zoom into something too much that's too close.
Summary: Absolute bargain! I was going to get the Canon G6 but apparently it's a little slow to focus and actually take the shot. So then I looked at the ...
Summary: Absolute bargain! I was going to get the Canon G6 but apparently it's a little slow to focus and actually take the shot. So then I looked at the Canon Powershot S2 IS but I wasn't impressed by the batteries used. The review said that the Panasonic FZ5 was a better camera than the Canon; and to be honest, I'd been looking for ages and was fed up so I just bought it. I can, hand on heart say that it is absolutley fantastic. It focuses really quick, takes the shot really fast. Zooms in so far you wouldn't believe. Charges the battery in 2 hrs. Feels just right in the hand. I'm assuming the image stabiliser is working well because I've had no blurred photos on high zoom (use mode 2 stabilisation).
A decent lens cap (something that is an issue with the Canon G6.
I'll finish there, but suffice to say that this camera is a bargain! If I dropped mine tomorrow and broke it, I'd buy another in the blink of an eye.
Get one! (Just make sure it's the black model - the silver one looks real cheap. The black one looks classy)
I'd give it 9.5 if I could.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quick startup, focus quick and accurate, small & light but not pocket size.
by Bukwheet on August 8, 2005
Pros: Great zoom lens, the Image Stabilization is VERY nice.
Cons: Uses batteries for lunch, carry an extra. Slow battery charger.
Summary: Very nice camera, especially as a small second to a DSLR. Manual exposure, slightly awkward... the camera is very easy to use, the learning curve is very quick. No manual ...
Summary: Very nice camera, especially as a small second to a DSLR. Manual exposure, slightly awkward... the camera is very easy to use, the learning curve is very quick. No manual focus, but seldom missed.
5 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Panasonic customer service is the WORST
by giddeyap on December 30, 2005
Pros: Leica lens yields fabulous color photos
Cons: Customer Service beyond awful, product malfunctioned after 2 weeks!
Summary: I was thrilled to receive a DMC-FZ5 as a gift. It took some amazing photographs, although I had more than a bit of trouble getting the unit to focus properly. ...
Summary: I was thrilled to receive a DMC-FZ5 as a gift. It took some amazing photographs, although I had more than a bit of trouble getting the unit to focus properly. Some modes are better for indoor/outdoor/low lighting/etc, and getting this down takes quite a bit of practice.
One of the sensors on my unit malfunctioned on Xmas day, rendering the camera useless. The LCD kept telling me to remove the lenscap, although it was already off.
Panasonic Customer Service kept me on hold for nearly two hours before answering my call. Rather than replace an obviously defective unit, the call center rep asked me to ship it to a third party repair center at my own expense. When I expressed my doubts, the guy became antagonistic and yelled back at me.
If you buy this camera, make sure to buy the extended warantee directly from the retail store, or you will be stuck with the unpleasant folks at Panasonic. Good luck.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera
by leenevi on November 2, 2005
Pros: Everything I want, "Easy Mode" and "Comlicated Mode"
Cons: The lens hood doesnt function well, need an expensive memory card for burst mode
Summary: I wanted a camera that I could grow into and this seems like it's the one. My old camera ate batteries for lunch, this has a very strong battery ...
Summary: I wanted a camera that I could grow into and this seems like it's the one. My old camera ate batteries for lunch, this has a very strong battery life. Image stabilization is great. The burst mode lets me take as many shots as I want in a row, great for sports. The zoom is incredible. For me it was slightly more than I wanted to spend but I have taken more pictures since I have bought this camera than I ever did with my old one. If you dont like the camera, you just wont use it, which begs the question as to why you have a crappy camera to begin with. Bottom line money well spent on a camera that does everything I want it to, and many more things that I just havent thought of yet.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: DMCFZ5S
- Description: The DMC-FZ5 features the LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens - a small, lightweight lens that packs the same zoom power as a big, clunky 400 mm-class film camera lens. This 12x optical zoom lens is super-bright too, at F2.8 to 3.3 with a focal length of 6 to 72 mm (equivalent to 36 mm to 432 mm in a 35 mm film camera). You've got all the power and flexibility you need to take beautiful shots from telephoto to wide angle and macro. The FZ5 also has a 4x digital zoom. Use it together with the 12x optical zoom and you've got ultra-powerful 48x zooming - roughly equivalent to a huge 1680 mm lens on a 35 mm camera.
General
- Product Type Digital camera
- Point-and-shoot highlights Having video capture capability makes this camera ideal for social functions or vacation shots.
- Color Silver
- Weight 10.2 oz
- Width 4.3 in
- Depth 3.3 in
- Height 2.7 in
Main Features
- Resolution 5 megapixels
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
- Sensor resolution 5 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 5,000,000 pixels
- Total Pixels 5,360,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 200, ISO auto, ISO 400, ISO 80, ISO 100
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Party/indoor, Panning, Portrait mode, Night portrait, Sports mode, Scenery, Snow, Night scene, Fireworks
- Special effects Warm, Vivid, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Neutral
- Max Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 8 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Exposure Modes Aperture-priority, Automatic, Program, Shutter-priority, Manual
- Exposure Compensation ?2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- Auto Exposure Bracketing 3 steps in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
- White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
- White Balance Presets Halogen, Cloudy, Flash, Daylight
- Digital video format QuickTime
- Still Image Format JPEG, TIFF
- Continuous Shooting Speed 4 frames per second=2 frames per second
- Remote control None
- Color support Color
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Remote Control None
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime - 320 x 240
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 16 MB Flash - SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage Standard JPEG 1280 x 960, TIFF 1600 x 1200, Standard JPEG 2048 x 1536, TIFF 2048 x 1536, Fine JPEG 1280 x 960, Standard JPEG 1600 x 1200, Fine JPEG 1600 x 1200, TIFF 2560 x 1920, TIFF 1920 x 1080, Fine JPEG 2048 x 1536, Fine JPEG 1920 x 1080, Standard JPEG 640 x 480, TIFF 1280 x 960, Fine JPEG 640 x 480, Standard JPEG 1920 x 1080, Fine JPEG 2560 x 1920, TIFF 640 x 480, Standard JPEG 2560 x 1920
- Flash memory 16 MB - SD Memory Card
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - 6 mm - 72 mm - F/2.8-3.3
- Focal Length 6 mm - 72 mm
- Lens Construction 8 group(s) / 11 element(s)
- Lens Manufacturer Leica
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 10 sec, 2 sec
- Additional Features DPOF support, Audio recording, PictBridge support, Audio dubbing, RGB primary color filter, Built-in speaker, Resizing an image, Direct print, Camera orientation detection, Auto power save, Date/time stamp, Histogram display, PRINT Image Matching
Camera Flash
- Effective Flash Range 1 ft - 15 ft
- Type Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Flash OFF mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Auto mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective flash range 1 ft - 15 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Color support Color
- Diagonal size (inches) 0.33 in
- Resolution 114,000 pixels
- Field Coverage 100%
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 1.8 in - Color
- Mounting Built-in
- Resolution 130,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
- Technology Electret condenser
- Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x DC power input, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Lens Systems
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Type Zoom lens
- Focal length 6 mm - 72 mm
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 36 - 432 mm
- Focus adjustment Automatic, Manual
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 9
- Min Focus Range 11.8 in
- Macro Focus Range 5cm
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-3.3
- Optical Zoom 12 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens construction 8 : 11
- Filter Size 55 mm
- Features Aspherical lens
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Lens hood, Hand strap, Lens adapter
- Min Operating Temperature 32 ?F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 ?F
Power
- Power Device Battery charger - External
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating system MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, Apple Mac OS X, Apple Mac OS 9.x, MS Windows 98 SE
- Peripherals USB port, CD-ROM drive
Battery
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 680 mAh ( Included )
Software
- Type ArcSoft Panorama Maker, Drivers & Utilities, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft PhotoBase
Product series
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 3.1 megapixels, 12 x, 1.5 in LCD display, 8 MB - SD Memory Card
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 (black)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 5 megapixels, 12 x, 2 in LCD display, 16 MB - SD Memory Card
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 5 megapixels, 12 x, 2 in LCD display, 16 MB - SD Memory Card
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 4 megapixels, 12 x, 1.5 in LCD display, 8 MB - SD Memory Card
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5K (black)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 5 megapixels, 12 x, 1.8 in LCD display, 16 MB - SD Memory Card
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S (silver)
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Full body, 5 megapixels, 12 x, 1.8 in LCD display, 16 MB - SD Memory Card
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537