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Main Boards => Photography/Video Q&A Board => Topic started by: JimB on April 18, 2010, 01:23:00 PM
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Anyone seen this yet? I just got it and think I have found my pocket camera.They just came out in March.12 MP,low end is the 35 mm equivalent of 25mm,high end when in Intelligent Auto mode is 400mm.In other modes it is 300mm.Not bad for a pocket sized,7.5 ounce camera.This camera and a couple others feature the new Power Image Stabilization that Panasonic claims is twice as effective as what they used in the past.It looks like just steadying against something makes the 400 mm doable.There are all manner of modes and also full manual.Mcro focuses down to 3cm.I was looking for a pocket camera to replace my old Nikon 5MP Cool Pix but wanted some more zoom to try to photograph some game while hunting.This seems to fit the bill.
I got it at B+H.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010.jpg)
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I just rested on the truck widow to take a picture of these antelope at almost 200 yds,at full zoom.I didn't crop this picture.It is untouched.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010002.jpg)
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Very nice. Thanks for sharing the information.
Will look into one.
Tim
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Jim,
Thanks for sharing the camera info.
This looks like a good pocket camera to have while hunting. Because the best camera is one that you have with you.
That's a pretty good shot for 200 yd.s range.
I'm going to look into one of these for myself.
Chinook
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My wife has the ZS3, a slightly different version. Easy to use and the picture quality is excellent.
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I think the Leica lenses on Panasonic cameras make a big difference. I have a FZ35 (little bigger) with a 18X zoom, got it in January and I love the quality of pics it takes. I am amazed at the clarity of pics taken at the 18X zoom that I just hand held. (providing there is lots of light.)
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I have been using the DMC-FS3
I like it alot, That ZS5 pic of the goats at 200yds is great. Who is B+H?
Thanks for sharing your good find.(now if I could just find a good video camera...)
Chuck
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http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Here you go Chuck!
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Many thanks Randy, I got you on my list!
Chuck
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Panasonic has some very impressive cameras. Been using a TS-1 since last year and am very impressed.
I believe the ZS5 is the upgrade to the camera Guru uses which as we all know takes great photos.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the camera. I am going to be on the look out for one as well.
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I have a nice camera on the classifieds, When that baby sells I aim to get me one like this.
Chuck
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I went out a couple weeks ago,looking for bears and glassed 4 mountain goats up on these cliffs,I'm guessing about a mile away.I shot this at full zoom(400 mm)resting the camera on top of my walking stick.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010077.jpg)
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Here is a picture of the same cliffs,taken from the same position,with the lenses backed down to 25mm.That's not a great wildlife shot above but it does give an idea of the range of zoom.I've been having a lot of fun with this little camera.On sunny days,in the wide open,I do wish it had an optical view finder.The LCD screen is very hard to see in bright sunlight.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010080.jpg)
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What is the difference with the Zs3, Zs5, Zs7
looking to buy one. Just not sure which one.
See several say they have the ZS3. Is the 5 a updated one?
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I just bought one myself to replace my 5x Pentax so I barely know how to use it, but the stabilization is great. I was able to handhold at 16x. It also has HD video and more stuff than I'll ever use, and I can't believe it's only $250. Here is a good review, it was a best buy:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/ZS5/ZS5A.HTM
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MAT, Thank you that is just what I wanted.
Very informative.
Do you have any problems with yours?
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(The main differences I saw between the ZS5 and ZS7 were that the ZS5's screen is 2.7" instead of 3.0", the ZS7 has two custom "My Scene's" instead of one, the ZS7 has a built-in GPS, and the ZS7 also has stereo video instead of mono, with more advanced video technology. None of those features were important to me for the additional money.)
This is off one of the review sites comparing the zs5 & zs7.
The main thing i don't like about them is they don't have a viewfinder to look thru. That being said, i'm getting a ZS5 to throw in my pack.
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I have been having a lot of fun with mine.I do wish it had an optical view finder.That can be a problem here,in the open country on sunny days.In the timber or on cloudy days,I don't miss it.
I was out bear hunting the other day and these whitetail bucks filed by me at about 40 yds.I rested the camera on top of my walking stick at full zoom.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010153.jpg)
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Caught this antelope fawn,I'm guessing,at about 50'-60'.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2010196.jpg)
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No problems yet, my only complaint is it has too many features. I've been researching a super long range zoom compact camera for more than a year, and this one is it. I almost bought an earlier version last year but it didn't have aperature and shutter priority (good for taking pictures of moving water and scenery). This one does, and it's now up to 14x. I beats the compettion for features, size and weight.
Not having a view finder isn't that bad, the bigger screen is a benefit so I don't think I'll miss it. If you want one you are talking about a different class of camera (bigger). This one is for my pack, so small and light is a priority.
Be sure to read the manual on the CD, the pocket guide is worthless. I also bought a bigger aftermarket battery but have yet to see if it lasts longer. It weighs the same as the stock one.
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I have couple of the standard batteries and have been really surprised at how long they last.None of my other cameras seem to come close in battery life.
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Those are nice pictures JimB.
I want one that is small so I will carry it with me.
I think I may have found it.
Tim
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Amazon has this camera for $209.00 today...i didn't check B & H photo to see what their price might be. This camera in June was bumping up close to $300.00. i just placed my order!
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i have a lumix dmc lz-8 , and even after dropping it on concrete for the umpteenth time , the lcd broke , but it still takes excellent pictures.
i wouldnt hesitate to buy another panasonic in a heartbeat. at 209 , thats a little less than i paid for my lumix a few years ago , and come christmas , i might have to put that on the ol list.
thannks
-hov
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I had my B-Day yesterday and had said I needed to get some bandsaw blades but had told the daughter about the post -it I had of this camera by the computer and it would be nice also.LOL
Surprise to me the wife and daughter bought me one but it not in yet.
I have had the wife take back the last 5 gifts she has bought for me. I think this one stays here.
Thanks for ALL the help guys I was very undecided about what to get but after seeing the pictures for you guys and reading the reviews I put this on my WISH list.
Now I need to wait for it to get here.
Thanks
Tim
P.S. Any special features I should know about?
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(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu113/elkken/P1010310.jpg)
You will love your new camera. I have the DMC-ZS3 and it has been a great camera for a non tech/camera guy like me.
I took this picture yesterday while hiking in the Cascades. I am going through early season withdrawl and needed some mountain air. I saw eight goats and this was the best Billy.
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I am now playing with my NEW DMC-ZS5B
Looks like I will like this B-day present.
That is a nice goat.
Wish I had a animal like that to chase.
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some good pics
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Just bought the DMC-5. Box store for $199. I had bought a bigger bulkier mega zoom camera earlier in the year but found more and more I was leaving it home due to size. What good is it if you don't have it with you?
I love this little camera so far. Slide it in my pocket and off I go! Takes great pictures and video and still has great zoom capabities!
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I still love mine.
Bought a Pelican 1010 micro case. (hard water proff plastic) I put it in there and throw it in the truck and have no worry about it getting banged around in the truck.
Take it out and the shirt pocket off we go.
Have fun with it.
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DMC-5 just buy the camera.i read this post about 2 months ago bought my girlfriend one..a week later i bought one..a week later her grandfather bought one...these things are awsome..an take great video!!! i have taken 3 videos and taken quite a few pictures an havent charged the batt yet...
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I still love mine.
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I got one a few weeks ago and have trouble getting used to the lag time from snapping the pic till the camera really takes it.I have a Canon Xti an dwhen you take the pic it takes it right then no lag.
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I think this camera has been replaced with the DMC-ZS8 which is a 16x.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs8/4505-6501_7-34505717.html
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I may have to look into one myself. The clarity is very impressive.
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After reading this I put the DMC-ZS8 on my stocking stuffer list from Santa Claus.. He was nice enough to actually check my list and came through in flying colors.
I am not or have not been a camera bug, but that is about to change.
Really having fun snapping pictures of things.
However so far I am a little disappointed in the battery.
Played with it Christmas day, took a few pictures tried different features etc.
Yesterday I took it with me on a day hike and after about 20 pictures, the low battery indicator came on.
I stopped at Best Buy thinking I would pick up a spare, but they are a bit pricey.. $35.00.
Shouldn't a charge last longer than that? Is there a cheaper place to get batteries.
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My battery lasts much longer than that on mine Earl. i picked up a spare from B&H photo, but i can't remember what i paid.
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I am thing I need a back up.. Amazon has them for $30, so will probably get one there.
Thanks Randy
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Oops the Amazon is the wrong model number.. B&H has it for only a couple of bucks more, but found this review off B&H sight interesting.
This battery is mostly bought for one of the worst reasons a consumer would want: because we have no other choice.
Panasonic has recently added the 'ID Secured Battery' concept. This means, Panasonic cameras will only work with Panasonic batteries. This leaves out of the game a number of battery manufacturers who could be offering some equal quality (or sometimes even better) at a lower price.
Don't get me wrong: This battery is a good battery. Has fast charging time, and has a reasonable working duration. The point is, it's not the largest capacity battery in its size, and, sometimes you'll end up needing more. I'm using a Lumix ZS7 which has GPS in it, and there's no way I can have it on all the time, not even having a spare battery (ID Secured, of course).
There's a worst part: This battery is not cheap. Can't blame Panasonic, you're stuck with their batteries, so why not make an extra buck with them? You could be getting generic batteries for a fraction of the price you'll have to pay for this. But you can't.
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The best place to buy batteries for Panasonic cameras is at auction sites. Look at the Maximal Power brand. They run around $13 or so.
Joe