Panasonic has really been pushing the point and shoot digital camera into a new realm, with high quality lenses, super zoom ranges, astounding features, and image quality that leaves other cameras in the dust.
One of the many ways they are pushing the market is by adding features that other consumer camera have ignored – one example would be the ability to zoom while recording video. This is just one example, however, and the Lumix line of cameras is vast.
The DMC-TZ5K is a point and shoot camera that has an average price of $250. It is aimed at the average shooter, and for photographers that need a small, high-quality back up camera should their first choice become damaged or unusable.
If you’re considering the TZ5K digital camera for yourself, read on. Below is a review of this camera, including image quality and problems that previous users have reported while using the camera.
Body
The body of the TZ5K very much wants to be a prosumer, but it is trapped in a point and shoot size. There is a rounded out, rubber grip handle to make grasping the camera simple, yet the actual body of the camera stays fairly small and compact. The lens is large and impressive, and is located to left of the body, with the flash and logo to the right.
The mode dial is placed in the top center of the camera, which is a perfect area for comfortably extending and moving the thumb. The back of the camera is very similar to just about every other camera on the market, with a screen to the left and navigational buttons to the right.
Features
This camera is not chocked full of feature like other point and shoot cameras, such as the Cybershot line. That is because it’s aimed for those who are mostly concerned with getting good photos, and it gives you all the options you need to get the best pictures possible.
Features for this camera include: face detection, continuous auto focus, scene selector, mega OIS, intelligent ISO, digital red-eye correction, and intelligent exposure.
In addition, this camera has a built-in wide lens mode, allowing for wide shots without an additional lens. It does very good, and can capture all angles of the photo without distortion.
This list is in no way exhaustive, but these are the main features you can expect when purchasing this camera.
Image Quality
You know a camera is good when the viewer gives your photos a doubt-take. The TZ5K produces photos that cause just such an effect.
In addition, the other modes work well, and make shooting a breeze. This camera can capture fast moving objects very well with it’s normal setting, but when the sports setting is used, you can capture cars blazing past at 70mph with amazing clarity.
Cons
The biggest problem with this camera seems to be shots taken in a very dark room – users complain that the shots have off colors, and that they’re not very saturated or good. The flash doesn’t seem to help much, as it doesn’t illuminate subjects more than a few feet away.
Conclusion
If you want a camera that is easy to hold and fun to shoot, that can capture fast moving subjects with clarity, that can fit in a pocket and go with you anywhere, then this camera is certainly a good option.
By: Blair Mathis