Panasonic DMC-ZS5

[JimB]

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.
 

[JimB]

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.
 

[DEATHMASTER]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing the information.
Will look into one.

Tim

[Chinook]

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

[jeff w]

My wife has the ZS3, a slightly different version.    Easy to use and the picture quality is excellent.

[Sheepshooter]

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.)

[2treks]

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

[rastaman]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/   Here you go Chuck!

[2treks]

Many thanks Randy, I got you on my list!
Chuck

[Chris Surtees]

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.

[2treks]

I have a nice camera on the classifieds, When that baby sells I aim to get me one like this.
Chuck

[JimB]

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.
 

[JimB]

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.
 

[DEATHMASTER]

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?

[MAT]

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

[DEATHMASTER]

MAT, Thank you that is just what I wanted.
Very informative.

Do you have any problems with yours?

[rastaman]

(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.

[JimB]

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.
 

[JimB]

Caught this antelope fawn,I'm guessing,at about 50'-60'.
 

[MAT]

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.