Journal of Modern Photography

And keeping with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 theme, Jeff Keller over at DCResource has also posted his in-depth review. Another good read with additional several sample shots. He seems to like the image quality and noise reduction capabilities better than some of the other reviews out there.

Photo quality was very good. In most cases, the TZ5 took well-exposed photos with pleasing, saturated color. Photos are slightly soft, though not enough to cause concern for this reviewer. On previous TZ-series models, noise reduction was a big problem. Panasonic has addressed that here, though your photos have noise in them instead, especially in shadow details. The noise does clean up well, though, since details are left intact (even at ISO 800), and if you’re making small to midsize prints, you don’t even need to bother with that. Noise reduction is still present, though it’s not nearly as harsh as it was on the TZ3.

DCRP Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5.

See Also:
DPReview looks at the DMC-TZ5
DigitalCameraReview’s take on the DMC-TZ5

Digitalcamerareview.com now has a review up for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. As manufacturers pack more and more pixels onto the smaller sensors found in compact cameras, noise becomes a major issue. Looks like Panasonic is trying to address this with a using a more aggressive noise reduction setting than on previous models. Very in-depth with several sample images and several comparison shots from the DMC-TZ4.

Inevitable comparisons with the TZ4 at ISO 1600 show that while there’s less visible noise, the TZ5 seems to use slightly more noise reduction (probably to mask slightly more inherent noise on the higher-res sensor), resulting in details that are a little softer.

In truth, NR on the TZ5 is more of a problem across the board than we saw with the TZ4, with its effects clearly visible from ISO 400 on up.

The latest TZ cameras definitely haven’t quite lived up to Panasonic’s bold claims about improved high ISO performance courtesy of its Venus Engine IV processing, though in fairness they show some decided improvements over the previous generation of Lumix devices and should compete fairly well with anything in this class. That said, advanced users will still likely wish for some user-selectable NR to further dial back detail smearing.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Review.

Dpreview also has a review of the DMC-TZ5 as mentioned earlier. Read them both and draw your own conclusions.

I see Trusted Reviews now has its review of the 10.1Mp Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 up.

In terms of its specification the new Lumix DMC-FS20 is fairly close to average for current compact models. It has a 10.1-megapixel 1/2.33 inch CCD sensor, a 4x zoom lens with a wider-than-average 30mm equivalent minimum focal length, and a big 3.0-inch LCD monitor. It has an all-metal body, Panasonic’s acclaimed Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilisation system and a range of easy-to-use features including Intelligent Auto and Intelligent ISO. It’s a nice looking camera too. Panasonic seems to be moving away from the vaguely deco-styled design theme that it was following a couple of years ago toward a more practical style that, while still attractive, is somewhat easier to handle. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 - TrustedReviews

Available in three colors:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20S Silver
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20K Black
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20P Pink

Steves Digicams has a review of the new 8.1Mp Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4.

The 8.1-megapixel TZ4, joins the TZ5 in Panasonic’s TZ series offerings for 2008. These models pack a 28mm wide-angle, 10X optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design, ideal for the active user needing a versatile camera. By combining a 28mm wide-angle lens with the 10x optical zoom – consumers are empowered to take expanded shots, both wide and far. Adding to these feature-rich digital cameras, Panasonic also expands its Intelligent Auto technologies with new Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction. The TZ4 also has the ability to take 1920 x 1080 pixel High Definition-ready photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV. Also, with the newly added HD component output capability, users can also connect the TZ models to an HDTV and watch a slideshow complete with mood appropriate music.

Steves Digicams - Panasonic DMC-TZ4 Digital Camera - Hands on Review

I see over on Steve’s Digicams, they have a review on the Panasonic DMC-FS3. As usual, another detailed, in-depth review with an image gallery and a 360 degree virtual tour.

Panasonic has unveiled a new compact line of LUMIX digital cameras with the new FS-Series. The DMC-FS3 is one of the first models in this line, and features 8.1 megapixels, a f2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 3x optical zoom lens, and Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode. The FS-Series, a sister line to the world-acclaimed FX-Series, also includes the newly announced DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5, and the entire series offers easy and intuitive operation that helps consumers produce high-quality images.

Read the full Panasonic DMC-FS3 review

I see DPReview has posted its consise review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5.

With the new model Panasonic has stuck to the tried and tested TZ formula and only implemented a relatively small number of modifications. As one would expect sensor resolution was increased (from 7.2 to 9.1MP on a marginally larger sensor) and so was the resolution of the 3.0″ screen (from 230K to 460K pixels). Additionally the in-camera computing is now powered by Panasonic’s latest generation imaging engine - the Venus IV. However, the most interesting new feature is the HD video capability. The TZ5 can now capture video in a resolution of 1280×720 at 30fps in a 16:9 format.

A quick check of Panasonic’s website shows it is available in three colors (as three different models):
Black - DMC-TZ5K
Silver - DMC-TZ5S
Blue - DMC-TZ5A

Read the full review at DPReview.com.