Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ50 gets official in US: Picasa / T-Mobile HotSpot-friendly

Panny's Lumix DMC-TZ50 isn't brand new or anything -- after all, we first caught wind of this WiFi-equipped point-and-shoot late last month in Japan. Nevertheless, Panasonic is now announcing that said camera will be heading Stateside with 802.11b/g capabilities, access to T-Mobile HotSpot service and the ability to upload photos directly to Google's Picasa Web Albums -- exactly like we saw at CES. Specs wise, you'll find a 9.1-megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p movie mode, SD expansion slot, video output, red-eye correction, optical image stabilization, the Venus Engine IV and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor to boot. Unfortunately, there's still no word on when (or if) this technology will filter out to more Panasonic models, but folks interested in this here camera can pick one up next month for $449.95.

[hux @ Apr 16th 2008 1:53PM]

Isn't this just a digital camera with one of these: http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/eye-fi-wifi-enabled-sd-card-finally-shipping/ ?

[rektide @ Apr 16th 2008 1:06PM]

The component video output broke it for me. I'm waiting for the Samsung NV 24HD, which also has 720P recording via H.264 and can also dock to a HDMI output. The Samsung had been scheduled to ship yesterday, I'm awaiting reviews before pulling the trigger on it. Also, $100 cheaper.

The wifi on this looks pretty cool. I hope it can operate like a wireless SMB share, I dont know the specifics on the Panny.

[Jollyfish @ Apr 16th 2008 2:49PM]

Wow...after having used TZ3...I cant say anything bad about this camera...ok maybe one thing...no optical zoom while recording video...why is that so hard to do?

[Jason @ Apr 16th 2008 1:51PM]

The TZ5 features 720p and zooms while recording. Here's a sample:

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/panasonic-lumix-tz5-video-example/2176039061

[Shahryar @ Apr 16th 2008 1:42PM]

Wifi aside, how do the other more regular camera features compare to other P&Ss like Canon's SD870, etc.

I myself just ordered a Canon S5 as a compromise between a P&S and SLR, but I think I'd like to get just a straight up P&S for birthday, etc. and maybe this is one to consider.

[Jay @ Apr 16th 2008 1:47PM]

TZ5 is a fantastic camera..blows any Samsung P&S out of the water when it comes to picture quality.

[Pete @ Apr 16th 2008 2:03PM]

How is it recording the 720p? Is it using AVCHD or similar? That would be pretty cool, otherwise I'll pass.

[marilicious0118 @ Apr 16th 2008 3:00PM]

i need a new camera ...so i might be looking into this one.

[d4dens @ Apr 17th 2008 6:03AM]

I've got one of these last week, I cant find a bad thing about it, and I spent most of the day bitchin 'round like Larry David...got a few videos done,and it look impressive, ok, not like a dedicated camcorder,but I rather sacrifice quality to portability.
Shame that the Uk version isnt WiFi-equipped...

[Manuel @ Apr 17th 2008 2:37PM]

@d4dens
Does it have more manual controls? i have the tz3, and i think is the only bad thing about this camera.

[d4dens @ Apr 19th 2008 10:12AM]

@Manuel:
It doesnt..only low point...try the f-18 from panasonic that shoots Raw

[LUNASDUDE @ Apr 16th 2008 6:28PM]

Love me some Panasonic cameras! it's got all the right specs but the Wi Fi thing?
Only REALLY useful if it has some way to do a log in screen for a free but secured Hot Spot.
Price could be a tad less to.

[King Mook Mook @ Apr 16th 2008 6:58PM]

Yes, but can it play Crysis?

[Cassini @ Apr 20th 2008 11:11PM]

T-Mobile Hotspot coverage? Great - now that Starbucks is ceasing to use T-Mobile and switching to AT&T, this camera will connect to the remaining three T-Mobile Hotspots across the land! Yippeeeee!!!

[Maggard @ Apr 25th 2008 11:38AM]

Starbucks isn’t dropping T-Mobile Hotspot service, just rebranding it AT&T as part of their all-AT&T contract. T-Mo continues to run the hotspot service now & for awhile, and will have access to it for 5 years. So no sky-is-falling; everything will continue to work the same, likely longer than most WiFi devices will last.