I couldn't be happier.  Contemplated for months on buying a camera when my 2000 sturdy Olympus finally died.  The Nikon SLR's just came out but this Panasonic definitely won my heart.  I'm not a professional and could have been intimidated, but this camera is so easy to learn, offers tons of features. The viewer is crisp, dials and buttons are color coded and clearly labled white on black.  The special feature shots are accessible from multiple places. The shots are great every time even in auto-mode.  Playback is quick. Memory cards are large. Battery life pretty good, but not great so get 2. The Leica  lens is not as good as the Carl Zeiss in the DMC-FZ28 model but still a great feature for this pricepoint.  To me, the best camera is one that just fits well in your hand and this has a sturdy right side grip. It has an easy access port for PC transfer. I could go on and on but simply put.  Panasonic puts it all into their cameras, quality for a great price without the hype.  

swimmergal

Wimauma, FL

I bought this camera shortly before my first daughter was born in January 2006.  I hunted around a lot for a superzoom camera with a good lens, good picture quality, and optional manual and automatic modes.  I'm no camera guru, but my dad was an amateur photographer and dark room guy with an art degree - so I like to have the power available. So the camera has a good simple mode, lots of manual exposure options, a 12x optical zoom lens.  The Leica lens in this thing is QUALITY, as is the 5MP sensor in it. The camera is rugged - it has survived two children occasionally getting their hands on it and knocking it on the floor / banging it around / carrying it by the strap.  My wife recently bought a best-reviewed point-and-shoot camera with a 3x zoom lens (typical point and shoot) - a Canon powershot. We compared pictures on a trip between her 2010 camera and my 2004 camera.  She admitted the FZ5 took much nicer pictures than her much-newer Canon.  It's that wonderful lens, good software, and a good image sensor in it.  And battery life is VERY good. Highly recommended.  Remember when you're looking for a camera - don't just go by big megapizxel numbers.  The only con on the camera now is that it maxes out at 2GB SD cards (no SDHC). 

greenmonkey

Midland, MI

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 digital camera is the best camera I have ever owned. I have owned this camera for 3 years and I still use it all the time, for many different activities! A GREAT novice friendly higher end camera, great zoom and picture quality. It also takes video, which is very important to me, because I hated lugging around a videocamera and a regular camera - but I don't need to do that now wiht my Lumix! I love the auto settings such as "Action" and "Winter" and "Portrait" they work great! I was especially pleased with the winter setting, all our snow trip pictures came out fantastic! Sometimes the camera is a little slow to respond, and is not as adjustable as I would like, but who can complain about any of that for such a great camera at such a great price! I will never own anything other than a panasonic, they are by far top notch high quality cameras that at ahead of the game in quality for the everyday picture taker(non-pro!)

calicanchaser

Thousand Oaks, CA

Havent' try any panasonic camera in the past, I thought the brand is only for TVs.   However, if the features and power of this type is same and much better than other famous digital cameras and price is affordable, I might try.  I just notice the turnover of new designs for digital cameras are so fast and highly tech models are in demand.  I'll see how this model looks like and the features it offers.

Cyberblue

Ashton, SD

This Camera takes such amazing pictures, i love it, my Casio is in the closet now. Who new toughs two extra mega pixels could make such a huge difference. But the camera is easy to use, 99% are good pictures even if they are mess ups they still come out crystal clear. I highly recommend this camera.

shopgirl7

Eagle, ID

    I bought this camera because, I have the DMC LZ2 and I wanted another camera and this is actually the upgrade from it . The mega-pixels are alot higher on this model and you pay a little more for this model but, for me I cannot see any difference . I hope this model lasts as long as the LZ2 which I have used a lot maybe 2000 pictures .               The pictures that I have taken ( not many vacation coming up) are good I have found that this model is lighter and it seems that it goes threw batteries fast . ( I have already changed after 2 months) where the LZ2 lasts for a long time ( So 4 stars). I was told to try Energizer batteries in this model instead of the Duracell that I have been using  I will try them before vacation.               There is nothing worse than being on vacation and having great places to take pictures of and your batteries die! Somethings you cannot get back like the dolphins swimming in the water next to you at the beach!Or a shark!  

jleetw1

Salisbury, NC

This camera is a must have camera. The pictures from this camera are beyond awesome. It seems like the pictures are alive. I totally love this Lumix DMC-FZ5 Digital Camera and take it with me where ever I go.

BarryW

Gray, ME

Panasonic-Lumix DMC-FZ5 Digital Camera is absoultely beautiful.  Its cute sleek and what I love most about this camera is the mega-pixels are alot higher on this model.  The FZ5 Digital Camera is a great product, plus it is loaded with features and it has great speed and focus.  I highly recommend this great FZ5 Digital Camera.

katlove88

Greensboro, NC

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Digital Camera is a very simple camera to use and take very beautiful pictures. No long delay between pictures and turns on quickly so you don't lose the wonderful thing happening in front of you that you want to cherish for ever. Y ou have the optiom of silver or black, its not big and bulky but alos not so small your fingers can't fit on the buttons.  

grammy08

Auburn, IN

Aside from the boost from 3 to 5 million pixels (bringing it in line with the high-end DMC-FZ20), the FZ5 has a range of relatively minor changes over the FZ3, including longer battery life, a repositioned shutter release and improved grip design, larger LCD screen, orientation sensor and a new fast focus mode, which Panasonic claims gives a 30% improvement on the previous model. There is so much to like here - and so little to complain about - that the DMC-FZ5 has to come highly recommended, and certainly has to make its way to near the top of the list for anyone looking for an affordable, compact super zoom camera.

evanino

Vacaville, CA