The DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 are the most recent additions to the TZ family of Lumix digital cameras by Panasonic. Both the TZ5 and TZ4 have a 28mm wide-angle, 10X optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design.
The newest TZ additions feature two new Panasonic technologies: Intelligent Exposure, which frames images and automatically adjusts brightness, and Digital Red-eye Correction. The cameras also build on the current Continuous Autofocus, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent ISO and Mega Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) systems.
The 9.1-megapixel TZ5 and 8.1-megapixel TZ4 are powered by Panasonic's newest image processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV. With a more advanced signal processing system than its predecessor, the Venus Engine IV improves on noise reduction, detection accuracy and corrective effects in both Mega OIS and Intelligent ISO modes, and also reduces shutter lag.
The new additions incorporate Intelligent LCD, which offers lighting detection in 11 brightness levels. The TZ5, which is also capable of recording 720p high-definition motion pictures, features a 3-inch LCD screen; the TZ4 sports a 2.5-inch LCD. Both cameras support SD memory cards and come with HD-capable outputs to connect to an HDTV.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $349, while the DMC-TZ4 has an MSRP of $299.