After quite a while contemplating purchasing the ZS3 I finally thought i would wait and watch what Panasonic can be right now from the 2010 mattress group. For that reason far I'm very glad I waited.

The ZS1 and ZS3 were Panasonic's high zoom compact cameras last year, and each of them receive great reviews. I've had a chance on several occasions that can be played with 2 different ZS3's that fit in with friends, this was initially the camera I became gonna get being very impressed with it's performance. However, as soon as I got willing to buy, the brand new ZS5 and ZS7 (to switch ZS1 and ZS3 respectively) were for the markets. As well as my surprise, the ZS5 with several upgraded features was significantly cheaper than it's predecessors.

A few things I noticed instantly comparing my new ZS5 to my friend's ZS3:

First, physically the ZS5 contains a smaller screen as opposed to the ZS3. The screen however remains to be sharp and clear, and perfectly usable. Following minutes I would not even spot the difference.

The ZS5 can zoom while recording a show, something that my friends ZS3 can not do.

The ZS5 image stabilization is simply amazing, and seems a lot better than the ZS3. Especially noticeable at the higher zooms while recording video.

The ZS5 now has manual controls, something the ZS3 doesn't possess. Personally, while an entire amateur, this can be a huge benefit, as well as single largest upgrade throughout the ZS3.

The ZS5 possesses a one touch zoom button relating to the the government financial aid addition to the normal zoom control top most. This button with one press goes from zoomed out, to full optical zoom, then full digital zoom, then returns to zoomed out. As opposed to a big feature but something I can tell being handy every now and again.

The ZS5 not anymore is the dedicated movie record button within the back, but instead a plan in the selection dial number one, comparable to other cameras Personally i have tried, and a few things i personally prefer.

The ZS5 has an exposure button in the back. While in manual modes pressing this button activates the directional buttons below it to do something because the adjustments to all your various manual settings. I do believe this is the clean and easy way of getting control over settings and greater than other setups I've seen in compact digitals with manual settings, in the places you frequently have to navigate menus to have the settings.

Overall the ZS5 construction feels very solid, the lens action is smooth and quite, as well as buttons have good quality feel, such as the ZS3. Possibly the main difference being the ZS5 provides a slightly stiffer mode selection wheel, as the ZS3 mode selection wheel would often be moved by merely removing it from the pocket.


Now to match the ZS5 to it's bigger brother the ZS7.

From my research (not experience) the principle differences is the 7 maintain a pool of larger screen, up to speed GPS, as well as a slightly different image processor. For my situation, these initial couple of differences actually benefit the 5 over the 7, placing items in longer battery life just because it does not use power relating to the GPS or the larger screen. The actual processor could be a lead in the 7 though, which includes reviews i always have seen especially emphasizing better low light video quality at the 7. I've taken some indoor and outdoor videos with all the ZS5 and seem very sharp and clear to my advice. Certainly one of the best I've had in a pocket digi camera, so without also comparison in the ZS7 it is difficult to discount the 5's video quality.

Overall, this camera has exceeded my expectations equity way. I had owned 12 digital camera models, many techniques from ultra compact to DSLR. This camera by far is the most capability vs. portability of any camera I've owned. I've already taken about 300 pictures and a lot of videos, color, contrast, and sharpness tend to be breathtaking. I'm still on my first charge that have an indicated 2/3 battery remaining.

The automatic mode is very rewarding and then the auto focusing is best I've come across just outside of a DSLR. The focusing is really so fast and accurate, combined with quick first start time after very short shutter lag time, this camera stands out as the 'quickest relating to the draw' We've personally used.

This camera is much having my DSLR that has a 25 300mm VR lens, coupled with my high def video camera, all inside a package I can slip at my shirt pocket. Whatever the case I am certain I'll have better results with my ZS5 than only a DSLR or even the camcorder on the grounds that I'm able to have my ZS5 with me practically all the time period, ready to have that perfect shot at a moments notice.

Amazing, and well worth the wait. 5 stars.

By how an "Pelican 1010 Micro Case" fits this camera perfectly and creates a great water resistant/crush proof travel case. Also strongly suggested. Pelican 1010 Micro Case (Black)