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General discussion

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 vs Lumix DMC-FZ5K

May 21, 2005 7:20AM PDT

I did a search for FZ5 and the results were:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Check prices
Review Date: February 14, 2005 $410-$509

Lumix DMC-FZ5K Digital Camera (Black) Check prices
$382-$499

I have been unable to find the difference between these two cameras. Can anyone enlighten me? Thank you.

Discussion is locked

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Panasonic FZ5
May 21, 2005 8:19AM PDT

If you go to the Panasonic website you will find that they list:

FZ5S and FZ5K.....There is no FZ5.


S=Silver
K=Black


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Thank you
May 24, 2005 2:12AM PDT

Thank you for the reply. Guess I was confused by the different price ranges for the FZ5 and the FZ5K in the search results.

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answer for you
May 22, 2005 2:52PM PDT

It seems to be that the more expensive Lumix has an F2.8 lens that does not stop down at all, even at telephoto extension. Most zoom lens have a variable aperature that is reduced at the longer telephoto range thus F2.8-3.3, for example, with the cheaper Lumix. Having F2.8 all the way means you have ability to use faster shutter speed when in telephoto, a good thing. In a true SLR the more open aperature means a brighter view but I dont think it matters in the digital. In fact, the diff between F2.8 and 3.3 is less than one stop so I say save the C Note unless you will be shooting alot in moderate or low light in the telephoto range!

BTW, have you any feedback at how fast this camera is at taking the shot after pressing the shutter? I am tired of losing good shots due to lag time and looking for an upgrade over my Canon A60 for this...

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Shutter Lag
May 23, 2005 12:00AM PDT

According to reviews, the shutter lag on the Panasonic FZ4 and FZ5 is 0.4 second.

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That's not true
Jun 8, 2005 10:14AM PDT

I'm not sure where you are getting your information. All FZ5 models have an aperture range of 2.8-3.3. The older FZ3 model had a (slightly) better lens that was F2.8 across all focal lengths. There is no FZ5 model that has this lens.

As far as I can tell, the first answer is correct. I.e. the FZ5K is black and FZ5S is silver.