Camera Labs

Two months ago, I considered replacing my Panasonic FZ5 super zoom digital camera. initially, I thought buying a travel zoom or another super zoom. With so many choices to make, in the end I decided to keep my camera. Sure, it has a maximun resolution of 5mp, and may not have the up to date features of the newer cameras eg. 3in viewfinders, lot of extra scenes modes etc. At the end of the day, it is the quality of the images that are important.

It has been a very reliable camera. It has been subjected to the salt spray from the Southern Ocean near Albany, Western Australia. It survived two weeks of tropical rains in Northern Queensland. It has been accidently dropped a few times, and always kept working.

However, as a camera there are the pros and cons.

Pros: Excellent quality of outdoor images.
Light to handle, but feels solid
Great hand grip. (The travel zoom cameras I've handled do not feel right in my hand. Some of the controls at the back of these cameras become hidden behind the palm of my hand.)
Super duper zoom lens.
Able to fit filters on the len hood adaptor. (I have a UV permanently fitted. The only other filter I use is a polariser.)
The flexibility in using automatic and manual controls.
Can use standard SD cards up to 2gb.

Cons: Wide angle not wide enough for tight indoor images. Having said this, it cope very well when our family visited the Crystal Caves in Atherton, Queensland.
Struggled in the low light. I use the manual controls to try to get the best out of a shot.
Video clips are sometimes pixelated. Not a big issue for me.
No optical zooming in the movie mode. Not a great issue.

I am very happy with the camera, and until the day it will go "west", it will have a place wherever I go travelling.

Panasonic FZ5 + UV filter + polariser + small top loading camera bag.