Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5

Although this latest addition to Panasonic's line of superzoom cameras didn't test as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20, our Editors' Choice in this category, the 5-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 shares a few features with its slightly higher-end sibling. Image quality, however, is just average, and the camera has a few quirks.

The FZ5 has a somewhat cheap-feeling matte plastic body and resembles its predecessor, the 3.1-megapixel FZ3, though with a reshaped ergonomic grip, repositioned controls, and a slightly larger (1.8-inch) LCD. The built-in flash doesn't pop up automatically, so you'll need to remember to pop it up manually before taking flash shots.

We find it a bit odd that both the FZ20 and FZ3 maintain a constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire 12X optical zoom range, while the FZ5 ranges from f/2.8 (wide) to f/3.3 (telephoto). The FZ3 also starts at a slightly wider angle (4.6 mm) than the FZ5's 6-mm to 72-mm (36 mm to 432 mm in 35-mm equivalent) Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens. All three models offer Panasonic's optical image stabilization and a real-time histogram, though only the FZ20 has a manual focus ring. As with the FZ20, the FZ5's video capabilities are limited to 320-by-240 at 30 fps, to the capacity of the SD card. And unfortunately, you can't zoom while shooting video. The camera offers three burst modes: high speed (4 fine or 7 standard shots at 3 fps), low speed (5 fine or 10 standard shots at 2 fps), and unlimited (2 fps to the capacity of the card).

The FZ5 is geared toward several different skill levels. Easy mode provides access to just the most basic functions of the camera. For shooters who want to tailor their pictures a bit, Panasonic includes scene modes like sports, night portrait, fireworks, party, and snow, among others. For more advanced users, the FZ5 offers a manual mode, which lets you set the aperture and shutter speed for more creativity and control.

In real-world testing, we found a couple of problems. To start with, the electronic viewfinder is very grainy, which may mean that you'll miss subtle details when framing your subjects this way. As for the LCD, it certainly does an adequate job of being clear and visible in daylight, though we wish it swiveled out for more shooting flexibility.

Also, we found that the two image stabilization settings produced no noticeable difference between shots. The manual states that the stabilizer function may not work sufficiently "when the shutter speed is extremely slow due to dark conditions or other reasons." In our view, low-light conditions make image stabilization essential in auto mode, because the camera's shutter speed will usually be set very slow to compensate for the low light. This is when the slightest hand motion will produce a blurry picture.

The FZ5 has one interesting feature that is becoming more common on digital cameras: a display mode with a nine-rectangle grid that illustrates the "rule of thirds," a common technique for composing shots. This not only helps you make sure your landscapes aren't tilted but also helps create balanced compositions.

On our performance tests, the FZ5 did quite well, with a very good recycle time of 1.7 seconds. And its boot time of 3.8 seconds is quite good among superzooms, which are notoriously slow to start up. According to the CIPA standard, the FZ5's battery life is 300 shots, which trumps the FZ20's 240 shots.

Our resolution tests, however, reveal that the FZ5's image sharpness isn't up to the level of the FZ20's. The FZ5 scored an average of 1,350 lines, which is slightly below average for a 5MP camera. By contrast, the FZ20 (also a 5MP model) scored an excellent average of 1,550 lines—most likely aided by the presence of ED glass in the lens.

Our daylight shot had little noticeable noise. Colors were depicted accurately, although we wish they were a bit more saturated. We saw no purple fringing or other aberrations. Overall dynamic range was good, though the image was somewhat lacking in contrast, hence a bit dull. The flash photo showed good flash coverage and some noticeable noise, but nothing too distracting. The flash image displayed good color accuracy, though there was some slight purple fringing. But the dynamic range was limited, lacking any true whites and true blacks.

With no new exciting features, a less ergonomically pleasant feel, and poorer photo quality, we're not sure if there's much of an improvement over the FZ3, other than the increase in megapixels. A better buy might be the Olympus Camedia C-765 Ultra Zoom, though you'd have to do without image stabilization and settle for only 4MP and 10X optical zoom.

Benchmark Test Results
Click here to view the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 benchmark test results