Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S user reviews (Silver)

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 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.

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 fishing.
Lightweight, so easy to transport. All round smashing camera.

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 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...

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 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!