Update On An Already Excellent Camera
October 2010
HIGH
  • responsive, easy to use
  • very good image quality
  • compact, attractive, well built body
  • excellent lens
  • very versatile 25-300mm zoom range
  • effective optical image stabilization
  • smooth optical zoom for video
  • manual exposure mode
  • excellent value

 

MIND

  • it can't cook

WISE
  • great travel camera, excellent value

The Lumix ZS5 is the new updated model of the ZS1, a camera which we liked a lot. The ZS5 is solidly built, in Japan, and it feels very comfortable in hand. The excellent lens is Leica made, and its zoom range is amazing. It can go from an extra-wide 25mm to a very respectable 300mm telephoto, which makes the camera very versatile, especially for travel photography.

 

Image quality is very good for a compact camera.

Compared to the previous model, the extra 2 megapixels doesn't impress us because we prefer pixel quality to pixel count. 10 megapixels is more than enough for compact cameras. A subtle improvement compared to the ZS1 is a position-swap of the mode dial and the on/off button. The most appreciated new feature is the addition of the manual exposure mode, which makes night photography much easier.

 

Like its predecessor, the ZS5 is a very versatile camera with its excellent lens and zoom range. The addition of manual exposure is icing on the cake. This is an excellent all-purpose and travel camera for those who seek value over the extra features.

 

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CAMERA SPECS SUMMARY
  • compact superzoom
  • price when tested: $280
  • 10.2010 street price: $215
  • colors: black, silver
  • image stabilized zoom lens 25-300mm
  • multi-format: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
  • 2.7" 230K Pixel LCD
  • 720 HD video with optical zoom
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory (40MB internal)
  • rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • dimension: 4 x 2.35 x 1.3"
  • weight: 0.47 lbs
  • Lumix ZS5 info @ Panasonic.com