Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5: The Perfect Compact Camera for Capturing Life's Precious Moments

This blog post will provide an in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5, a compact camera that's perfect for capturing life's most precious moments. With advanced features and easy-to-use controls, this camera is great for anyone looking to take stunning photos without the bulk of a traditional camera. From its sleek design to its impressive zoom capabilities, we'll cover everything you need to know about this popular camera model.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 18 2012

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight136g
MSRP$199USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-SZ5

When it comes to capturing life's most precious moments, having a reliable camera is essential. But with so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to find one that meets all of your needs. That's where the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 comes in. This compact camera boasts a range of advanced features and easy-to-use controls, making it the perfect choice for any photographer looking to take stunning photos on-the-go. One of the most impressive things about this camera is its zoom capabilities. With a 10x optical zoom, you can get up close and personal with your subject without sacrificing image quality. And with its advanced image stabilization technology, you can rest assured that your photos will be sharp and clear, even with shaky hands. But the Lumix DMC-SZ5 isn't just a one-trick pony. It also boasts built-in WiFi capabilities, allowing you to easily transfer your photos to your phone or computer without the need for pesky cables. And with its sleek, compact design, you can easily throw this camera in your bag and take it with you wherever you go. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-packed camera that won't weigh them down. So why not take the plunge and capture life's precious moments with ease?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

14.1 megapixel resolution
built-in Wi-Fi capability
10x optical zoom lens
compact and lightweight
HD video recording

Cons

small image sensor
no manual controls
limited battery life
no viewfinder
image quality can suffer in low light conditions

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5

Weather sealed
Dimensions104 x 58 x 21mm
Weight136g
Thickness21mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Lumix DMC-SZ5 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 has a 14MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 6400.

Key Features

Jul 18 2012

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - 6400
Max resolution4320 x 3240 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-SZ5 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life250 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 250 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1600s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 23 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 features a CCD sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-SZ5 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 was announced on Jul 18 2012

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-SZ5 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5?

The Lumix DMC-SZ5 has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-6400 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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