Panasonic DMC-ZS5

[JimB]

I have couple of the standard batteries and have been really surprised at how long they last.None of my other cameras seem to come close in battery life.

[DEATHMASTER]

Those are nice pictures JimB.
I want one that is small so I will carry it with me.

I think I may have found it.

Tim

[rastaman]

Amazon has this camera for $209.00 today...i didn't check B & H photo to see what their price might be.  This camera in June was bumping up close to $300.00.  i just placed my order!

[hova]

i have a lumix dmc lz-8 , and even after dropping it on concrete for the umpteenth time , the lcd broke , but it still takes excellent pictures.

i wouldnt hesitate to buy another panasonic in a heartbeat. at 209 , thats a little less than i paid for my lumix a few years ago , and come christmas , i might have to put that on the ol list.

thannks
-hov

[DEATHMASTER]

I had my B-Day yesterday and had said I needed to get some bandsaw blades but had told the daughter about the post -it I had of this camera by the computer and it would be nice also.LOL

Surprise to me the wife and daughter bought me one but it not in yet.

I have had the wife take back the last 5 gifts she has bought for me. I think this one stays here.

Thanks for ALL the help guys I was very undecided about what to get but after seeing the pictures for you guys and reading the reviews I put this on my WISH list.
Now I need to wait for it to get here.

Thanks
Tim

P.S. Any special features I should know about?

[elkken]

You will love your new camera. I have the DMC-ZS3 and it has been a great camera for a non tech/camera guy like me.

I took this picture yesterday while hiking in the Cascades. I am going through early season withdrawl and needed some mountain air. I saw eight goats and this was the best Billy.

[DEATHMASTER]

I am now playing with my NEW DMC-ZS5B
Looks like I will like this B-day present.


That is a nice goat.
Wish I had a animal like that to chase.

[stickbowhntr]

some good pics

[w8n4rut]

Just bought the DMC-5. Box store for $199. I had bought a bigger bulkier mega zoom camera earlier in the year but found more and more I was leaving it home due to size. What good is it if you don't have it with you?
I love this little camera so far. Slide it in my pocket and off I go! Takes great pictures and video and still has great zoom capabities!

[DEATHMASTER]

I still love mine.
Bought a Pelican 1010 micro case. (hard water proff plastic) I put it in there and throw it in the truck and have no worry about it getting banged around in the truck.
Take it out and the shirt pocket off we go.

Have fun with it.

[sticbow]

DMC-5 just buy the camera.i read this post about 2 months ago bought my girlfriend one..a week later i bought one..a week later her grandfather bought one...these things are awsome..an take great video!!! i have taken 3 videos and taken quite a few pictures an havent charged the batt yet...

[DEATHMASTER]

I still love mine.

[stickbowhntr]

I got one a few weeks ago and have trouble getting used to the lag time from snapping the pic till the camera really takes it.I have a Canon Xti an dwhen you take the pic it takes it right then no lag.

[Horney Toad]

I think this camera has been replaced with the DMC-ZS8 which is a 16x.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-zs8/4505-6501_7-34505717.html

[k9bowman]

I may have to look into one myself. The clarity is very impressive.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

After reading this I put the DMC-ZS8 on my stocking stuffer list from Santa Claus.. He was nice enough to actually check my list and came through in flying colors.
I am not or have not been a camera bug, but that is about to change.
Really having fun snapping  pictures of things.

However so far I am a little disappointed in the battery.

Played with it Christmas day, took a few pictures tried different features etc.
Yesterday I took it with me on a day hike and after about 20 pictures, the low battery indicator came on.
I stopped at Best Buy thinking I would pick up a spare, but they are a bit pricey.. $35.00.

Shouldn't a charge last longer than that? Is there a cheaper place to get batteries.

[rastaman]

My battery lasts much longer than that on mine Earl.  i picked up a spare from B&H photo, but i can't remember what i paid.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

I am thing I need a back up.. Amazon has them for $30, so will probably get one there.
Thanks Randy

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

Oops the Amazon is the wrong model number.. B&H has it for only a couple of bucks more, but found this review off B&H sight interesting.

This battery is mostly bought for one of the worst reasons a consumer would want: because we have no other choice.

Panasonic has recently added the 'ID Secured Battery' concept. This means, Panasonic cameras will only work with Panasonic batteries. This leaves out of the game a number of battery manufacturers who could be offering some equal quality (or sometimes even better) at a lower price.

Don't get me wrong: This battery is a good battery. Has fast charging time, and has a reasonable working duration. The point is, it's not the largest capacity battery in its size, and, sometimes you'll end up needing more. I'm using a Lumix ZS7 which has GPS in it, and there's no way I can have it on all the time, not even having a spare battery (ID Secured, of course).

There's a worst part: This battery is not cheap. Can't blame Panasonic, you're stuck with their batteries, so why not make an extra buck with them? You could be getting generic batteries for a fraction of the price you'll have to pay for this. But you can't.

[Frisky]

The best place to buy batteries for Panasonic cameras is at auction sites. Look at the Maximal Power brand. They run around $13 or so.

Joe