Anyone own a Panasonic Lumix?

[momsavealot]

I've been researching cameras and I like zoom. For some reason, I keep coming back to the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. But the TZ5 is $80 cheaper and much more compact. Does anyone own either of these cameras and have some Disney shots to show me? Do I really need 18x zoom over 10x? Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[VVFF]

I've been researching cameras and I like zoom. For some reason, I keep coming back to the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. But the TZ5 is $80 cheaper and much more compact. Does anyone own either of these cameras and have some Disney shots to show me? Do I really need 18x zoom over 10x? Thanks for any help you can give me.

We can't tell you if you need more zoom...only you can answer that. Do you take pictures of things you can't walk closer to? Then you need zoom.

 

[momsavealot]

I mostly need zoom for when my kids are on a Disney ride and I'm not. I know this is a stupid question. But maybe those who own the TZ5 can tell me if they're happy with the zoom on that camera or show me some samples. Thanks!

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I have the older TZ3 which has a 10x optical zoom. It's pretty good for a P&S. Here's a sample taken at max zoom, aprox. 270mm in 35mm equivalent. I was pretty far back when I snapped this. You can see the zoom range is pretty good but sharpness isn't so hot. Mickey's a little blurry. Or perhaps my focus point was off. I was holding the camera above my head to get over the heads of those in front of me.

The thing to keep in mind is that the two cameras you're comparing are really different types. The FZ28 is a bridge style, the TZ5 a compact point and shoot, so there are some other differences between the two other than just max zoom range. I think overall, based on reviews and comparisons I've seen online, the FZ28 is a better camera than the TZ5. The difference in lens sharpness between the two was quite noticeable, the FZ28 being the sharper of the two.

 

[zipuzee]

I also have the TZ3 and really like it. I'm posting two pictures below, both taken from the same place, one zoom and one not so you can compare.

 

[jfinke]

I have the FX-150 to supplement my DLRs. However, I got it for the wide Leica lens and the HD video and size.

I have been pretty happy with it. However, it does have an issue with a range of light, so I get vertical banding on it when there is bright light compared to the darks.

 

[momsavealot]

I also have the TZ3 and really like it. I'm posting two pictures below, both taken from the same place, one zoom and one not so you can compare.

Thank you for these pics. Was this the max on the zoom? Even if it is, I think I'm okay with that. I like the clarity. Why is the FZ3 more expensive on Amazon than the FZ5? Isn't the FZ5 newer than the FZ3? Shopping for a camera is so overwhelming.

 

[momsavealot]

I have the older TZ3 which has a 10x optical zoom. It's pretty good for a P&S. Here's a sample taken at max zoom, aprox. 270mm in 35mm equivalent. I was pretty far back when I snapped this. You can see the zoom range is pretty good but sharpness isn't so hot. Mickey's a little blurry. Or perhaps my focus point was off. I was holding the camera above my head to get over the heads of those in front of me.

The thing to keep in mind is that the two cameras you're comparing are really different types. The FZ28 is a bridge style, the TZ5 a compact point and shoot, so there are some other differences between the two other than just max zoom range. I think overall, based on reviews and comparisons I've seen online, the FZ28 is a better camera than the TZ5. The difference in lens sharpness between the two was quite noticeable, the FZ28 being the sharper of the two.

Great photo! Thanks! I know the FZ28 is better but I'm thinking it might be too bulky for Disney. I take a lot of photos (1600 on my last trip) and in reality, I only end up using auto mode. I do love the pics it takes and for only $80 more....... I'm so torn!!!

 

[kaffinito]

I ended up with the TZ5 only because of it's size and portability. I've found that the zoom is more than enough for me, but more importantly it does really well in low light situations, and it also takes very sharp photos. I've been very happy with it at WDW.

 

[KLEONARD]

momsavealot, I have the TZ5. I found that if I am using the landscape setting(dial set to SCN2 and choose the "mountain" icon the zoom goes much further. It is probably done digital, not optical. The mag ratio on the LCD says 45x. You have to go to max zoom, release, and max zoom again to get this to work. Here are the two samples taken from the top of a sand dune. I focused on the red pickup in the center of the first picture. For a P/S, I was pretty amazed. I did use a tripod.

 

[momsavealot]

momsavealot, I have the TZ5. I found that if I am using the landscape setting(dial set to SCN2 and choose the "mountain" icon the zoom goes much further. It is probably done digital, not optical. The mag ratio on the LCD says 45x. You have to go to max zoom, release, and max zoom again to get this to work. Here are the two samples taken from the top of a sand dune. I focused on the red pickup in the center of the first picture. For a P/S, I was pretty amazed. I did use a tripod.

Wow!!!! That's amazing zoom! I can't even see the orange cooler in the 1st photo. Thank you so much for the helpful hint! I'm glad to hear you like it!

 

[Bugdozer]

Hi,

I have the TZ5. When my battery died on my DSLR at Seaworld I was so happy I had packed my TZ5 with me for the day. Here is a picture of the staduim with no zoom and a picture with full zoom:

Bug

 

[momsavealot]

Hi,

I have the TZ5. When my battery died on my DSLR at Seaworld I was so happy I had packed my TZ5 with me for the day. Here is a picture of the staduim with no zoom and a picture with full zoom:

Bug

Wow, that totally makes me want to get the camera (and go to Sea World)!!! I was just wondering for those that have the camera, what accessories do I need? What SD cards do you use to make it fast? case? tripod? I think I'm going to buy the TZ5 from Amazon but thought I should get some accessories too for the trip. Thanks!!

 

[kaffinito]

You won't regret getting the Tz5. It has a fast enough shutter, you can tweak the settings, and it gets good low light shots too.

You could get a regular tripod, or go for a Gorillapod for this type of camera. Cheap tripods are available at Target for 15 -20.00, and they are really good for light photographic equipment.

Cheap cases (meaning inexpensive) are also available at Target. If you plan to buy through Amazon, when you look at the product page they usually show the type of case and the other accessories purchased with this camera. You can also do a search to find a case that will fit.

As for SD cards, shooting in jpeg and getting a high density card will also speed things up a bit. Class II or higher should do it.

 

[Poohbear5]

Don't know how to post photos but I got the TZ5 to bring to Disney last month as a back up camera to my DSLR. I bought the camera based on my daughter's cross country photos with her TZ4 from the previous summer.

I ended up leaving the DSLR in the room most days because the TZ5 is so easy to pop in and out of a backpack and and photos are sharp. It's got all sorts of settings to play with for night shots and such. Amazon had lots of reviews on it, I think I ended up buying it from Adorama though.

 

[momsavealot]

For those that have bought the TZ5, do you get a battery charger with it? I know it uses a battery that recycles but I can't tell from Amazon what I get with it. Also, do I need an SDHC card or can I use the SD cards from a previous camera? Thanks! The gorillapod looks cool and it comes in pink so I think I will add that to my shopping cart!!!

 

[Poohbear5]

Yes, the TZ5 did come with a charger.
I got a mini-gorillapod too and had fun with it at Disney at night in the parks!

 

[TIGGER1981]

I just picked up a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 it was $280 at Costco (a whole sale place like sams club, BJs...) it came with a 2GB SD card, battery charger....and a nice case.

the zoom is awesome, and the video is outstanding!! I'm really happy with it!

i totally back Lumix!

 

[momsavealot]

I just picked up a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 it was $280 at Costco (a whole sale place like sams club, BJs...) it came with a 2GB SD card, battery charger....and a nice case.

the zoom is awesome, and the video is outstanding!! I'm really happy with it!

i totally back Lumix!

That's a great deal!! I looked at that model too but I like the fact that the TZ5 has a 3 inch LCD and is $50 cheaper. I placed my order this morning for the TZ5 and I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to be a part of the Lumix family!

 

[kaffinito]

That's a great deal!! I looked at that model too but I like the fact that the TZ5 has a 3 inch LCD and is $50 cheaper. I placed my order this morning for the TZ5 and I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to be a part of the Lumix family!

Congratulations! You won't regret it - post some pics when you get the camera, ok?