TZ product line enhancements in 2009

[yyz100]

I'm looking at the TZ5 and wondering if there will be either
(a) any enhancements to the existing series (TZ1 to TZ5), OR
(b) new models (eg TZ6, 7 etc)
Anything hinted at by Panasonic? Last year December, Panasonic indicated new models beyond the TZ3 were forthcoming.

The TZ5 is rather good, but some enhancements would be great! :
- stronger lighting in video record mode
- maintaining the optical zoom but have lens protrude less (eg. see Ricoh)
- slightly smaller size to better fit in pocket
- including geo-location information to be recorded (at user's option)
- WiFi ready to upload photos without cord/cable

[Beowulff]

Sorry, but you're not gonna get many (any?) responses to a question like this, as we don't have any better ideas of what may — or may not — happen with Panasonic's cameras in 2009 than you.

It's kinda pointless making guesses and/or wishful thinking as you'll quite possibly have white hair before anything on your "wouldn't-it-be-nice" list comes to fruition!

Maxima enim...patientia virtus. :D

[Cyberwlf]

If Panasonic is smart they'll use the advances from the LX3 in new TZ's for increased IQ.

[David Metsky]

If Panasonic is smart they'll use the advances from the LX3 in new TZ's for increased IQ.
If you increase the size of the CCD you'll lose the zoom of the TZ5 in a compact form. There's a definite trade off.

[bascom]

Since the TZ4 and TZ5 had price drops and are clearance, it's likely new TZ models will be announced soon. Nobody knows what the enhancements will be.

The TZ5 is rather good, but some enhancements would be great! :
- stronger lighting in video record mode
Like a camcorder?

- maintaining the optical zoom but have lens protrude less (eg. see Ricoh)
- slightly smaller size to better fit in pocket
It's hard to imagine them smaller than they are.

- including geo-location information to be recorded (at user's option)
- WiFi ready to upload photos without cord/cable[/QUOTE]
Doesn't TZ50 already have that?

[Jayayess1190]

I have a TZ3 and really want the new TZ's to have a CMOS sensor. There are rumors that at PMA, Canon will be announcing some compacts with one. Add that sensor and manual controls, and I will be in camera heaven. :D

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

I just bought myself a present - a shiny new TZ5. Well, it's not shiny, got a black one ;)

I agree with all reviews - quite small, rugged build quality, blazing fast, easy to use, very good picture quality (even in low light). It is now very cheap, so yyz100 - buy it and start taking pictures :)

And even if Panasonic introduces new models, they will be quite pricey, so you will have to wait. And you can wait forever. You must buy something eventually ;)