Panasonic DMC LZ5 Mid Range 6Mega Pixel Digital Camera with 6X Optical Zoom Review

The Panasonic DMC-LZ5 is a mid-range digital camera that features a 6 Mega-Pixel CCD Lens with 6x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer.

Features in brief:

-6megapixels
-6x optical zoom, maximum 8.3x extra zoom
-optical image stabilizer
-high speed multi-point/1-point focus
-high speed multi-shot
-Venus Engine Plus engine processor
-2.5" LCD with High overhead angle viewing function
- auto focus assist lamp-ISO up to 1600
-QuickTime videos at 30fps 640x480
-Shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 30seconds (starry sky modes)
-uses 2 AA size battery/ Panasonic Oxyride battery function
-color effect filter - cool, warm, black white, sepia
-Video out to TV

The standard package of the Panasoni DMC-LZ5 comes with the installation CD, instruction manuals, strap, 2 Panasonic Oxyride batteries, video connector and USB connectivity cable. This camera is fairly easy to use but can pose some difficulties for casual users or beginners. To remedy this, Panasonic has a “SIMPLE” mode where users practically select picture size and flash on/off. This drastically reduces the difficulty level in operation and allows the user to practically “point and shoot”. There is also the “Normal” mode where the user can change various settings like Focus Points, Contrast Level and Sharpness. The “Economy” mode maximizes battery life by turning off the LCD screen when the camera is left untouched for a short while.

Simplicity of usage is achieved when the user has all but to insert a pair of batteries and photographs can be taken immediately by rotating the dial on the camera to cycle through the various modes. Images can be stored onto the internal built-in memory or on conventional SD cards of up to 4GB.

The physical construction of the LZ-5 is strong but loses out on the aesthetics as the camera is donned by matt plastic covering instead of metal casings as seen in higher end models in the market.

The Panasonic Image Stabilizer system works well to reduce handshake or blurry photographs. However, this reduces minor vibrations and do not replace the functional use of a tripod to eliminate picture blurring. Image stabilizing technology comes in basically two types, optical and digital. The digital image stabilizing system uses the on-board processor to digitally manipulate pixels to achieve a sharper image. The optical image stabilizing system as found in the LZ-5 has an on-board sensor that measures vibrations and compensates movements in the optical lens of the camera, achieving a higher and better stabilizing effect.

In trying to work with the constraints of budget, the LZ-5 has some limitations. The LCD screen on the back of the camera is a 2.5 inch screen with a mere 85000 pixels of resolution. This is significantly lower as compared to other models supporting at least 128000 pixels. Panasonic DMC-LZ5