TZ5 (orTZ3/4) Case Super Shootout

Nurburgringer · Dec 23, 2008

--
Hi All,

2 weeks ago I picked up a TZ5 from Amazon as a replacement for my trusty (but recently finicky) 4mp Nikon Coolpix, which has served me well will thousands of good photos in many different countries.

Since I'll be taking the TZ5 to Costa Rica next month (and who knows where after that), and this is the most I've spent on a camera, I want a good case to protect it, yet be quick to access and not too bulky.

I didn't find any cases online specifically for the TZ5 (there was a leather one for the TZ3 which should work, but didn't seem worth it to me), so I boguht a bunch and tried them out for fit.

Perhaps my findings will help you to narrow down the choices, since some of these really don't work.
The ones I will be keeping and trying out long term are:
Case Logic TBC37 : $10 K-Mart
Crumpler Bundle (sm): $10 Amazon

Niether one of these is 'perfect', but better than the others.

For me the criteria was:

Space to carry the camera, spare battery, and SDHC USB adaptor. That's it. I don't want to carry the battery charger around on day trips, but if the case would nicely hold a mini-tripod (turns out none of them did...) then it would be a plus.

Good construction, adequate padding, simple and easy access. No need for shoulder strap if small enough to put in a pant's cargo-pocket or clip to belt/backpack strap.

I've put up photos of the 8 cases I bought and tested (6 to be returned) with comments here:
http://s180.photobucket.com/albums/x155/kedelbach/TZ5%20case/

If you have any other suggestions or comments please let us know!
cheers
Kurt
Milwaukee WI

Erik Ohlson · Dec 23, 2008

I almost [ ;-) ] hate to mention - it's my old song !

For me - IMHO - the best case is a pants pocket. The camera is put in a simple plastic sandwich bag [about a buck per 100] in the pocket.

It has worked SO well for me, but I suppose many are tired of hearing about it!

Keeps the lint out - which accumulates in pockets & ruined a Minolta XI that I carried. It really works - think about it.

-Erik
--

'He who hesitates is not only lost - he's miles from the next Exit.'
http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

Hank Barta · Dec 24, 2008

Thanks both for the information and suggestions, particularly Kurt for taking the time to put up pictures and descriptions of the cases he found.

I will add the information previously discussed here on the Kaiser 53mm lens cap for the TZ3/5. This thread has some pictures of it on my previous TZ3.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1033&thread=26173141

Let's go wild - no extra cost to copy the images here

It actually seems to fit better on the TZ5 because the lens surround is squared off rather than rounded as is the TZ3.

WRT the dust problem, was that a problem with dust entering the lens? I wonder if that would be handled by the lens cap.

-hank

Nurburgringer · Dec 24, 2008

cheers Hank - the lens cap is an interesting idea, I'm sure though that I'd forget it was on and turn on the cam quite often! It's not too tight I hope that the lens-motors would strain to pop it off is it?

RE plastic baggie case - you win the award for cheapest guy on here

Seriously - the TZ5 is not small enough for me to comfortably carry in a hip pocket, and I like the added security (and ability to clip with caribiner) of a padded case. Whatever works for you though

Well it seems imbedding photobucket images is not allowed here for some reason.... so no pics from me

Erik Ohlson · Dec 24, 2008

Hank Barta said:
Thanks both for the information and suggestions, particularly Kurt
for taking the time to put up pictures and descriptions of the cases
he found.

I will add the information previously discussed here on the Kaiser
53mm lens cap for the TZ3/5. This thread has some pictures of it on
my previous TZ3.

Hank Barta said:
It actually seems to fit better on the TZ5 because the lens surround
is squared off rather than rounded as is the TZ3.

That's just like the cap I had on hand & used on my TZ-3 with the broken lens covers I glued open.

I like it on the TZ-5, too even with it's intact lens covers - they are so fragile! The lens just gently pushes the cap into my hand at turn-on.

Hank Barta said:
WRT the dust problem, was that a problem with dust entering the lens?
I wonder if that would be handled by the lens cap.

IMHO, not entirely. The Minolta Xi had a sliding lens cover & a well-fitted metal body. I just carried it in pockets, but eventually got round blobs in the photos: I could see pieces of lint inside. Thinking that the stuff was just on a 'cover glass' and with nothing to lose, I took the covers off the camera - turned out that the lint was inside the lens unit which appeared sealed. The huge surprise was the amount of lint jammed in every corner inside the camera.

That's when I started carrying my [new] camera in a bag. My TZ-1 has ridden daily in a pocket for over a year and looks perfectly new.

It is my observation that the bag keeps lint out, keeps sweat & other moisture our, and provides a smooth environment for the camera. I also theorize that the plastic acts electrostatically to keep lint at bay.

Hank Barta said:
-hank

Nurburgringer added:

Hank Barta said:
Cheers Hank - the lens cap is an interesting idea, I'm sure though that I'd forget it was on and turn on the cam quite often! It's not too tight I hope that the lens-motors would strain to pop it off is it?

Mine is not a Kaiser brand, but it just pops off into my hand - no strain ;-)

Hank Barta said:
RE plastic baggie case - you win the award for cheapest guy on here

I'll take any award I can get, but I don't do it just for cheap - see my reasons, above. That they are dirt cheap is just a bonus.

Hank Barta said:
Seriously - the TZ5 is not small enough for me to comfortably carry in a hip pocket, and I like the added security (and ability to clip with caribiner) of a padded case. Whatever works for you though

I'll say! I cannot imagine ANY camera in a hip pocket - what about driving?? I carry the TZ's in my right front pants pocket, with the LCD screen against the leg for padding. At first it was the left pocket, but the car door tended to hit the camera [USA] so I trained myself to put car keys in left pocket, camera in right. No, nothing else - especially keys, with camera.

This has worked so well for me that I do mention it pretty frequently on the forum - not to be a pest, but in hopes it will save some cameras.

I also find that in a pocket is much less "in the way" than an external case - even a tiny cell phone in a belt case is much more in the way.

-Erik
--

'He who hesitates is not only lost - he's miles from the next Exit.'
http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

mtpocketsad · Dec 24, 2008

I just got the Tamrac Digital-1 5691 from Buy.com that fits perfectly. Has compartment on the front for extra card and battery. Nice snap down/ velcro belt loop. I am happy with it.

jfdirishguy · Dec 24, 2008

Kurt,

The Case Logic TBC37 that you tested is a perfect fit for my TZ3 + 1 SD card + 2 spare batteries. The TBC37 has a bit of extra "play," which makes it easy to insert/withdraw the camera.

I carry my smaller LZ8 in a Lowepro Peak PX30. I checked my TZ3 for the fit. It's snug, but not tight. I believe the PX30 is discontinued. I found it at a Denver-area Big Lots store for $5.00.

Jerry D.

Craig Worthy · Dec 24, 2008

Erik Ohlson said:
Hank Barta said:

Thanks both for the information and suggestions, particularly Kurt
for taking the time to put up pictures and descriptions of the cases
he found.

I will add the information previously discussed here on the Kaiser
53mm lens cap for the TZ3/5. This thread has some pictures of it on
my previous TZ3.

Click to expand...

Erik Ohlson said:

It actually seems to fit better on the TZ5 because the lens surround
is squared off rather than rounded as is the TZ3.

Click to expand...

That's just like the cap I had on hand & used on my TZ-3 with the
broken lens covers I glued open.

I like it on the TZ-5, too even with it's intact lens covers - they
are so fragile! The lens just gently pushes the cap into my hand at
turn-on.

Erik Ohlson said:

WRT the dust problem, was that a problem with dust entering the lens?
I wonder if that would be handled by the lens cap.

Click to expand...

IMHO, not entirely. The Minolta Xi had a sliding lens cover & a
well-fitted metal body. I just carried it in pockets, but eventually
got round blobs in the photos: I could see pieces of lint inside.
Thinking that the stuff was just on a 'cover glass' and with nothing
to lose, I took the covers off the camera - turned out that the lint
was inside the lens unit which appeared sealed. The huge surprise was
the amount of lint jammed in every corner inside the camera.

That's when I started carrying my [new] camera in a bag. My TZ-1 has
ridden daily in a pocket for over a year and looks perfectly new.

It is my observation that the bag keeps lint out, keeps sweat & other
moisture our, and provides a smooth environment for the camera. I
also theorize that the plastic acts electrostatically to keep lint at
bay.

Erik Ohlson said:

-hank

Click to expand...

Nurburgringer added:

Erik Ohlson said:

Cheers Hank - the lens cap is an interesting idea, I'm sure though that I'd forget it was on and turn on the cam quite often! It's not too tight I hope that the lens-motors would strain to pop it off is it?

Click to expand...

Mine is not a Kaiser brand, but it just pops off into my hand - no
strain ;-)

Erik Ohlson said:

RE plastic baggie case - you win the award for cheapest guy on here

Click to expand...

I'll take any award I can get, but I don't do it just for cheap - see
my reasons, above. That they are dirt cheap is just a bonus.

Erik Ohlson said:

Seriously - the TZ5 is not small enough for me to comfortably carry in a hip pocket, and I like the added security (and ability to clip with caribiner) of a padded case. Whatever works for you though

Click to expand...

I'll say! I cannot imagine ANY camera in a hip pocket - what about
driving?? I carry the TZ's in my right front pants pocket, with the
LCD screen against the leg for padding. At first it was the left
pocket, but the car door tended to hit the camera [USA] so I trained
myself to put car keys in left pocket, camera in right. No, nothing
else - especially keys, with camera.

This has worked so well for me that I do mention it pretty frequently
on the forum - not to be a pest, but in hopes it will save some
cameras.

I also find that in a pocket is much less "in the way" than an
external case - even a tiny cell phone in a belt case is much more in
the way.

-Erik
--

'He who hesitates is not only lost - he's miles from the next Exit.'
http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

Erik..I started using the plastic bag after reading it from one of your posts..it has kept my TZ5 looking brand new also (it lives in the bag)...I must admit, I went upscale and use the zip lock type - just don't zip it (only because that's what my wife buys) and also will grab a new one when going "out on the town". Don't ever think bringing it up often will pest(er) anyone. I have friends who turn up with a "bagged" camera after seeing mine.

Thanks..

Craig.

Catallaxy · Dec 24, 2008

I use the Kaiser cap AND the plastic bag for my TZ3. The plastic bag (with zippy)is a great comfort when I am out and about and see the storm clouds rolling in. I know that I can keep shooting until the rain starts without any worries. I usually carry in my front breast pocket, or jacket pocket.

--
Catallaxy

elmo · Dec 24, 2008

I find this case to be the perfect size. How had you inserted your camera? I put the TZ5 in with the lens protrusion down, and pointed out. The fit makes it seem there's no wasted space, yet the expanding pocket will hold any mix of a couple of batteries or cards in cases.

My previous, smaller Rezo was for a Canon SD700 IS. The camera compartment opened with the Velcro flap. With this case, I keep ripping open the pocket flap by mistake. I'd prefer rip-open versus zipper, but am getting used to it.

Rossuziers · Dec 24, 2008

So far it's also the best option I've found for the LX3... I manage two batteries on the bottom, lens cloth on top of those & then the LX on top of all those... Spare SD in the front pocket... But what's interesting is, the LX still fits even with a lens-tube attached, which was a complete surprise... Got my TBC37 on sale @ sears for $10...

Ya'll might wanna check out Samsonite as well.... They have several that might be right up the TZ's alley...
--

Nurburgringer said:
Nurburgringer said:

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!

* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz *

Click to expand...

Lx3Fz50Fz30C8080wzE100rsC2100uz

Nurburgringer · Dec 25, 2008

I hear you Jerry - the I wish it wear a bit better constructed, but the Case Logic TBC37 is the perfect size for the TZ5, and just enough extra head room to coil the wrist strap comfortably inside.

Nurburgringer · Dec 25, 2008

--

I put the TZ5 in the same way, lens down. I'll try it again next week when I'm back at work, but I'm pretty sure there are zippers and velcro flap on this case, and it felt like I had to force the zippers to get them to close around the cam.

Nurburgringer · Dec 25, 2008

cool I didn't even think of stashing the 2 spare batteries under the cam, have to try that.

What do you mean by "lens tube still attached"?

Nurburgringer · Dec 25, 2008

Erik wrote:

I'll say! I cannot imagine ANY camera in a hip pocket - what about driving?? I carry the TZ's in my right front pants pocket, with the LCD screen against the leg for padding. At first it was the left pocket, but the car door tended to hit the camera [USA] so I trained myself to put car keys in left pocket, camera in right. No, nothing else - especially keys, with camera.

oh I didn't mean back pockets. For me front pockets are for gum, small key ring, maybe a lighter, that's it. I do like the idea of a plastic bag for weather protection - I always bring a couple zip-lock bags with me on excursions to pop the camera and cell phone into should the skys open up.

Rossuziers · Dec 25, 2008

Nurburgringer said:
cool I didn't even think of stashing the 2 spare batteries under the
cam, have to try that.

Yup there's just enough room to slip them down there next to each other for a solid two-battery bottom

Nurburgringer said:
What do you mean by "lens tube still attached"?

Well if you can picture my LX3 below in my sig without the lens shade, that will leave the rigid lens tube remaining & that makes the depth of the cam all of 2 & 3/4ths inches give or take an 1/8th"... That's how my LX fits into the CaseLogic... It's a tight fit making zipping it up a bit tight but It's not difficult.. I rather like having the tube on all the time...

FWIW, I recommend a GGS (glass) LCD protector for the rear screen too... Beats the dog-dew outta plastic any day & I'm pretty sure there's a perfect, made for TZ fit GGS out there too.... They'll probably show up if you search EBay for TZ5 LCD protectors or accessories...

Ya might also wanna try this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220306831360

That's made for the TZ & the tightest fitting case I have for my LX3 & that too fits two batteries side-by-side on the bottom first plus has a mesh front pocket for a card & even another battery... Simple Valcro enclosure though.
--

Nurburgringer said:
Nurburgringer said:

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!

* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz *

Click to expand...

Lx3Fz50Fz30C8080wzE100rsC2100uz

Nurburgringer · Dec 25, 2008

thanks for the explanation -

Does the Lumix LCD screen scratch easily?

Check out this video of the new Blackberry Storm phone being put to some brutal scratch tests and coming out unscathed (skip to 1:40):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMSqGsIih3k

Thanks for the tip on the GGS protector - for under $10 this seems like cheap insurance:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GGS-Glass-LCD-Screen-Protector-for-Panasonic-DMC-TZ5_W0QQitemZ120344351514QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Camera_Accessories?hash=item120344351514&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

cheers
Kurt

Retired to Travel · Dec 29, 2008

Hank Barta said:
It actually seems to fit better on the TZ5 because the lens surround
is squared off rather than rounded as is the TZ3.

-hank

--I just got the TZ5 and I like the idea of adding a removable lens cap. However, will his cause any damage if I turn the camera on without remembering to remove the cap?

Rossuziers · Dec 29, 2008

Nurburgringer said:
thanks for the explanation -

Does the Lumix LCD screen scratch easily?

Mine did... I had a gouge or two in it within days of getting it & the Zagg plastic sheet protector the GGS replaced simply sucked... Wasn't as clear, sharp or bright & smudged just as much as the LCd or the GGS but didn't clean as easily... Plus, should I decide on something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330295625689

Due to the exacting fit of the GGS, that hood would stick right onto the GGS no prob....

Nurburgringer said:
Check out this video of the new Blackberry Storm phone being put to
some brutal scratch tests and coming out unscathed (skip to 1:40):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMSqGsIih3k

Thanks for the tip on the GGS protector - for under $10 this seems
like cheap insurance:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GGS-Glass-LCD-Screen-Protector-for-Panasonic-DMC-TZ5_W0QQitemZ120344351514QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Camera_Accessories?hash=item120344351514&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

cheers
Kurt

--

Nurburgringer said:
Nurburgringer said:

The Amateur Formerly Known as 'UZ'pShoot'ERS' 'Happy Shootin' Comments, Critique, Ridicule, Limericks, Jokes, Hi-jackings, EnthUZIastically, Encouraged... I Insist!

* [email protected] * http://www.pbase.com/rrawzz *

Click to expand...

Lx3Fz50Fz30C8080wzE100rsC2100uz

Erik Ohlson · Dec 29, 2008

Retired to Travel said:
Retired to Travel said:

It actually seems to fit better on the TZ5 because the lens surround
is squared off rather than rounded as is the TZ3.

-hank

Click to expand...

--I just got the TZ5 and I like the idea of adding a removable lens
cap. However, will his cause any damage if I turn the camera on
without remembering to remove the cap?

I can't say for sure, since my cap is a "No Name" 52mm cap - but mine just pops off in my hand, as I mentioned in an earlier post. In any case, the camera will just tell you to shut off & re-start it to remind you to remove the cap.

The reason I started with the cap is that several folks on this forum have had those delicate little lens-cover blades on TZ-3's & TZ-5's get jammed. I got a "Broken-as is" TZ-3 and glued the blades open, for a really cheap camera. That needed a cap - but I feel better with the cap on the TZ-5, too.

Nurburgringer said:
Erik said:

Retired to Travel said:

I'll say! I cannot imagine ANY camera in a hip pocket - what about driving??

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Retired to Travel said:
oh I didn't mean back pockets. For me front pockets are for gum, small key ring, maybe a lighter, that's it. I do like the idea of a plastic bag for weather protection - I always bring a couple zip-lock bags with me on excursions to pop the camera and cell phone into should the skys open up.

My bad!! It didn't occur to me that "Hip pocket" could mean anything but back pocket!

I personally don't find Zip-loc bags necessary, and undoing the zip slows things down.

In another post said:
Does the Lumix LCD screen scratch easily?

So far - for me - the answer is no. I have 5 Lumix cameras with nary a scratch on the LCD. Of course, the TZ's are always in a bag, and the FZ-18 is carried on it's strap. The FZ-4 has had a rougher life and has some body scratches, but the LCD is fine. That FZ-4 has been bashed around so much I have very high confidence in Panasonic's build quality!

-Erik
--

'He who hesitates is not only lost - he's miles from the next Exit.'
http://www.flickr.com/ohlsonmh/

TZ5 (orTZ3/4) Case Super Shootout

New member

Forum Pro

Well-known member

New member

Forum Pro

New member

Active member

Active member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Forum Pro

New member

New member

New member

New member

Forum Pro

New member

New member

Forum Pro

Forum Pro

Keyboard shortcuts