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General discussion

Panasonic DMC-FZ5

Mar 31, 2005 11:00AM PST

I am looking for any information I can get on the new Panasonic DMC-FZ5. All I know is that it is a 5MP, 12X optical zoom image stabilized camera. I would like to know where it will be available, and if can be had for less than the $499.95 list price. Does anyone have any actual experience with this camera, or know anything either positive or negative about it? Thanks in advance for any info offered.

Discussion is locked

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Panasonic FZ5
Mar 31, 2005 11:34AM PST

Here is the press release:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05020807panasonicfz4fz5.asp

Amazon.com is showing the FZ4 and FZ5 to be available on April 10.
They show the prices as $450 and $500.

The FZ4 and FZ5 appear to be an upgrade to the FZ3.
The FZ3 received good reviews and the Owner's reports were good.

Here is a comparison to all three:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=panasonic_dmcfz3%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz4%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz5&show=all

It is a bit early for a review from any of the usual sources.

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In stock: Wolf or Ritz Camera, or directly w/panasonic.com
Apr 4, 2005 9:22AM PDT

Hi, I was about to get this camera, but I decided to buy the Pan FZ20 due to the manual mode and hot shoe (despite its "bulkiness" which in reality is smaller than many older film cameras with same capabilities than FZ5 or FZ20). I think any of both will please you. An alternative might be KMinolta Z5 or Canon S1IS.

You can follow other forums:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=29099#post29099
or:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1033
(great site with a thread comparing FZ5 vs FZ20 and other related topics)

Here are some links for additional reviews:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz20-review/index.shtml

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ5-Digital-Camera-Review-.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcfz5.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/konicaminoltaz5/page7.asp
(as compared vs KMZ5)

Prices: FZ5 aroun $499 almost everywhere (adorama.com 449); FZ20 $509 at buydig.com (and other reliable sites), in most other places: $599. Check out HH Gregs which has a 10% discount in some stores until April 6, 2005. I just bought it there with excellent service.

Regards and good luck

Antonio

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Panasonic DMC-FZ5
Apr 18, 2005 6:47AM PDT

Thanks to everyone for all the info. I purchased this camera from Ritz Camera on line, as it was in stock there. Price was $499, but no shipping charge or sales tax. So far, camera seems to be all that I expected.