Panasonic of North America DMC-TZ50 Digital Still Camera User Manual DMC TZ5 50 P79 3 Eng indb
Panasonic Corporation of North America Digital Still Camera DMC TZ5 50 P79 3 Eng indb
Contents
- 1. manual 1
- 2. manual 2
manual 1

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-211-Pana(7262) or, contact us via the web at: http://www.panasonic.com/contactinfo
 For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-99-LUMIX (1-800-995-8649) or 
  send e-mail to: lumixconcierge@ca.panasonic.com
VQT1P79-3
PCP
Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read 
the instructions completely.
Operating Instructions
Digital Camera
Model No.  DMC-TZ5
DMC-TZ4
DMC-TZ50

2   VQT1P79 VQT1P79   3
A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you 
have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how 
to recycle this battery.
Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing Panasonic!
You have purchased one of the most 
sophisticated and reliable products on the 
market today. Used properly, we’re sure 
it will bring you and your family years of 
enjoyment. Please take time to fill in the 
information below.
The serial number is on the tag located 
on the underside of your Camera. Be sure 
to retain this manual as your convenient 
Camera information source.
Model No. 
Serial No. 
Information for Your Safety
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, 
ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT 
DAMAGE, 
•  DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS 
TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING 
OR SPLASHING AND THAT NO 
OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, 
SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE 
PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
•  USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED 
ACCESSORIES.
•  DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER 
(OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER 
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. 
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED 
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Carefully observe copyright laws.
Recording of pre-recorded tapes or 
discs or other published or broadcast 
material for purposes other than your 
own private use may infringe copyright 
laws. Even for the purpose of private 
use, recording of certain material may 
be restricted.
THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE 
INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT 
AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is 
incorrectly replaced. Replace only 
with the same or equivalent type 
recommended by the manufacturer. 
Dispose of used batteries according to 
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning
Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not
disassemble, heat above 60 °C (140 °F)
or incinerate.
Product Identification Marking is located 
on the bottom of units.
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN 
THE U.S.A.
FCC Note: (U.S. only)
This equipment has been tested and 
found to comply with the limits for a 
Class B digital device, pursuant to 
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits 
are designed to provide reasonable 
protection against harmful interference 
in a residential installation. This 
equipment generates, uses, and can 
radiate radio frequency energy and, if 
not installed and used in accordance 
with the instructions, may cause harmful 
interference to radio communications. 
However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular 
installation. If this equipment does 
cause harmful interference to radio 
or television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment off 
and on, the user is encouraged to try to 
correct the interference by one or more 
of the following measures:
•  Reorient or relocate the receiving 
antenna.
•  Increase the separation between the 
equipment and receiver.
•  Connect the equipment into an outlet 
on a circuit different from that to which 
the receiver is connected.
•  Consult the dealer or an experienced 
radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:  To assure continued 
compliance, follow the 
attached installation 
instructions and use only 
shielded interface cables 
with ferrite core when 
connecting to computer or 
peripheral devices.
Any changes or modifications not 
expressly approved by the party 
responsible for compliance could void 
the user’s authority to operate this 
equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: Panasonic
Model No.: DMC-TZ5
 DMC-TZ4
 DMC-TZ50
Responsible party: Panasonic 
Corporation of North 
America 
One Panasonic Way, 
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Support Contact: 
Panasonic Consumer 
Electronics Company 
1-800-211-PANA (7262)
This device complies with Part 15 of the 
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions: (1) This device 
may not cause harmful interference, 
and (2) this device must accept any 
interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired 
operation.
DMC-TZ5
DMC-TZ4
DMC-TZ50
THE FOLLOWING APPLIES ONLY IN
CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus complies 
with Canadian ICES-003.

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15.200810:00
MAR.
15.2008
The battery is not charged 
when the camera is 
shipped. Charge the 
battery and set the clock 
before use.
When you do not use the 
card (sold separately), you 
can record or play back 
pictures on the built-in 
memory (P.18).
Quick start guide
-If you see this symbol-
Information on Disposal in other 
Countries outside the European 
Union
This symbol is only valid in the 
European Union. If you wish to discard 
this product, please contact your local 
authorities or dealer and ask for the 
correct method of disposal.
About the battery pack
Battery pack (Lithium ion battery pack)
•  Use the specified unit to recharge the 
battery pack.
•  Do not use the battery pack with 
equipment other than the specified 
unit.
•  Do not get dirt, sand, liquids, or other 
foreign matter on the terminals.
•  Do not touch the plug terminals (+ and 
−) with metal objects.
•  Do not disassemble, remodel, heat or 
throw into fire.
If any electrolyte should come into 
contact with your hands or clothes, wash 
it off thoroughly with water.
If any electrolyte should come into 
contact with your eyes, never rub the 
eyes. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water, 
and then consult a doctor.
About the battery charger
CAUTION!
DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS 
UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-
IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER 
CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE 
UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO 
PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE 
TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE 
THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER 
MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE 
VENTILATION VENTS.
Battery charger
This battery charger operates on AC 
between 110 V and 240 V.
But
•  In the U.S.A. and Canada, the battery 
charger must be connected to a 120 V 
AC power supply only.
•  When connecting to an AC supply 
outside of the U.S.A. or Canada, use 
a plug adaptor to suit the AC outlet 
configuration.
Note
Example screens displayed in this manual are for DMC-TZ5 model.
DMC-TZ4: 
1Charge the battery
2Insert the battery 
and the card
3Turn on the power
4Set REC/PLAY 
switch to 
5Set the mode dial 
to 
6Press the shutter button and 
take pictures
  To play back the pictures
 Previous Next
1.  Set REC/PLAY 
switch to  .
2.  Select the picture 
you want to view.

VQT1P79   7
Automatically reads the scene to take crisper pictures!
INTELLIGENT 
AUTO 
●  Make ideal settings for the subject and distance 
just by pointing the camera!
Zoomed-in pictures
●  Close-up pictures of people at a distance 
‘10x optical zoom’ 
Rapid zoom ‘EASY ZOOM’ (P.33)
Motion pictures
●  Capture moving scenes 
‘MOTION PICTURE Mode’  1 (P.52)
Print 
at home, or at a digital photo center (P.78, 83)
Save and enjoy your pictures!
Record (P.28) Cards may be 
inserted directly into 
devices with SD 
memory card slots.
●  SD memory card/
SDHC memory 
card  2
(sold separately)
Enjoy crisp pictures 
on large screens!
●  AV cable (supplied)
●  Component cable
(sold separately)
Enjoy videos in HD 3 on TV with 
component terminals (1080i) by 
using a component cable.
With your printer 4
Connect directly to easily print 
pictures at home. Use a PictBridge-
compatible printer.
●  USB connection cable (supplied)
At digital photo center
Give card to shop assistant to print 
pictures.
Using your PC 4
Send by e-mail, save to hard disk. 
Print out pictures.
●   USB connection cable (supplied)
With DVD recorder 4
Save to DVD or hard disk
●  AV cable (supplied)
1  Sounds of zoom and other operations may be recorded.
2  Can be used on SDHC memory card-compatible devices.
3  DMC-TZ5 only
4  See respective products’ instruction manuals for details.
View 
(Playback) on large screen (P.86)
6   
6   
VQT1P79
VQT1P796   VQT1P79
Record, view, save those precious   moments. 

8   VQT1P79 VQT1P79   9
INDEX
  Using SETUP menu ..... 22
•   CLOCK SET ................ 22
•   WORLD TIME
•   MONITOR
•   LCD MODE
•   BEEP ........................... 23
•   VOLUME
•   GUIDE LINE
•   HISTOGRAM
•  TRAVEL DATE
•   ECONOMY .................. 24
•   AUTO REVIEW
•  ZOOM RESUME ......... 25
•  NO.RESET
•  RESET
•   RESET Wi-Fi SET 
(DMC-TZ50 only)
•  USB MODE ................. 26
•  VIDEO OUT
•   TV ASPECT
•  m/ft
•  SCENE MENU
•  DIAL DISPLAY
•   VERSION DISP. 
(DMC-TZ50 only) ......... 27
•  FORMAT
•  LANGUAGE
•  DEMO MODE
Before use .......................... 12
•  Read first/
To prevent damage and faults
1
2
3
4
Before use
Preparations
Charging battery ................ 16
Inserting battery and card
 ... 17
•  Picture save destination
(cards and built-in memory)
 ... 18
•  Remaining battery and
memory capacity ............... 18
Setting the clock and 
language ............................. 19
Using menus ...................... 20
•  Menu type ......................... 21
1
2
3
Basics (Record • View)
   Taking picture with 
automatic settings ........ 28
 Taking pictures with 
your own settings ......... 30
•  Align focus for desired 
composition ....................... 31
Taking pictures with zoom
 ... 32
•  Enlarging further 
‘DIGITAL ZOOM’ ............... 34
Applications (Record)
5
Viewing your pictures 
(Play) ................................ 35
Deleting pictures ............... 36
•  To delete multiple (up to 50)
or all pictures ..................... 36
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
Changing recording 
information display ........... 37
Taking pictures with flash
 ... 38
Taking close-up pictures .. 40
• 
 Taking close-up pictures without 
standing close to subject ‘TELE 
MACRO function’
 ................... 40
Positioning camera and 
subject within accessible 
range for focus alignment
 ... 41
Taking pictures with 
self-timer ............................ 42
Taking pictures with 
exposure compensation ... 43
•  EXPOSURE ...................... 43
•  AUTO BRACKET  .............. 43
 Taking pictures according 
to the scene ‘SCENE 
MODE’ ............................ 44
•  Scene types ...................... 45
•  PORTRAIT/SOFT SKIN/
SELF PORTRAIT/SCENERY/
SPORTS ............................ 46
•  NIGHT PORTRAIT/
NIGHT SCENERY/FOOD/
PARTY/CANDLE LIGHT ... 47
•  BABY/PET/SUNSET ......... 48
•  HIGH SENS./
HI-SPEED BURST ............ 49
•  
STARRY SKY/FIREWORKS/
BEACH/SNOW .................. 50
•  AERIAL PHOTO/
UNDERWATER/MULTI 
ASPECT (DMC-TZ5 only) .... 51
7
Standard Accessories ....... 13
Names of parts................... 14
• Mode dial ........................... 15
• Cursor button .................... 15

10   VQT1P79 VQT1P79   11
INDEX (Continued)
8
9
10
11
12
Applications (Record) (Continued)
 Taking motion pictures ‘MOTION PICTURE’ ..............................52
Useful features for travel ................................................................... 53
•   TRAVEL DATE (Record travel date and destination) ....................53
•   WORLD TIME 
(Registering local time at your overseas destination) ...................54
Using REC menu ................................................................................55
•   PICTURE SIZE ............................................................................. 55
•   QUALITY ......................................................................................55
•   ASPECT RATIO ............................................................................56
•   INTELLIGENT ISO ....................................................................... 56
•   SENSITIVITY ................................................................................57
•   WHITE BALANCE ........................................................................ 58
•   METERING MODE ....................................................................... 59
•   AF MODE ..................................................................................... 59
•   CONTINUOUS AF ........................................................................ 60
•   BURST .........................................................................................61
•   I.EXPOSURE ................................................................................ 61
•   DIGITAL ZOOM ............................................................................ 62
•   COLOR MODE ............................................................................. 62
•   STABILIZER ................................................................................. 62
•   MIN. SHTR SPEED ...................................................................... 63
•   AUDIO REC.  ................................................................................ 63
•   AF ASSIST LAMP .........................................................................63
•   CLOCK SET ................................................................................. 63
Taking/viewing clipboard pictures (CLIPBOARD) ...................... 64
•  Taking clipboard pictures  ................................................................... 64
•  Viewing clipboard pictures .................................................................64
•  Zoom mark ......................................................................................... 65
•  CLIPBOARD menu ............................................................................65
Quick setting .......................................................................................66
1
2
3
4
Applications (View)
Viewing as list
(Multi playback/Calendar 
playback) ............................. 67
Viewing motion pictures · 
pictures with audio / 
Creating still pictures from 
motion pictures (DMC-TZ5 only)
 ... 68
Different playback methods
... 69
•   NORMAL PLAY .......... 69
•   DUAL PLAY 
 (DMC-TZ5 only) .................. 69
•   SLIDE SHOW ............. 70
•   CATEGORY PLAY ...... 71
•   FAVORITE PLAY ........ 71
Using PLAYBACK menu ... 72
•   CALENDAR ................ 72
•   TITLE EDIT ................. 72
•   Text input method ............. 72
•   TEXT STAMP ............. 73
•   RESIZE ...................... 74
•   TRIMMING ................. 75
•   ASPECT CONV. ......... 76
•   ROTATE ..................... 76
•   ROTATE DISP. ........... 76
•   FAVORITE .................. 77
•   DPOF PRINT .............. 78
•   PROTECT .................. 79
•   AUDIO DUB.  .............. 79
•   COPY ......................... 80
1
2
3
Connecting with other devices
Using with your PC ............ 81
Printing ............................... 83
•  Printing multiple pictures ... 84
•  Print with date and text ...... 84
•  
Making print settings on camera
 ... 85
Viewing on TV screen ....... 86
•  View on TV with 
component terminal ........... 87
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Others
List of LCD monitor displays
 ... 88
Message displays .............. 90
Q&A  Troubleshooting ...... 92
Usage cautions and notes
 ... 98
Recording picture/time capacity
 ... 100
Specifications .................. 102
Optional accessories ...... 104
Digital Camera Accessory 
Order Form 
(For USA Customers) ...... 105
Request for Service Notice
(For USA Only) ................. 106
Limited Warranty 
(For USA Only) ................. 107
Customer Services Directory 
(For USA Only) ................. 109
Index ..................................112

12   VQT1P79 VQT1P79   13
Before use Standard 
Accessories
 Do a test shot first!
  Check first to see if you can take pictures 
and record sounds (motion pictures/
pictures with audio) successfully.
 We will not compensate for failed/
lost recording or for direct/indirect 
damage.
  Panasonic will not provide compensation 
even if damage is caused by faults with 
camera or card.
 Certain pictures cannot be played 
back
 •  Pictures edited on a computer
 •  Pictures taken or edited on a different 
camera
   (Pictures taken or edited on this camera 
may also not be able to be played back 
on other cameras)
 Software on the CD-ROM supplied
  The following actions are prohibited:
 •  Making duplicates (copying) for sale or 
rent
 •  Copying onto networks
 Avoid shocks, vibration, and 
pressure
 •  Avoid exposing the camera to strong 
vibration or shock; e.g. dropping or 
hitting the camera, or sitting down with 
the camera in your pocket.
(Attach strap to avoid dropping camera)
 •  
Do not press the lens or the LCD monitor.
 Do not get the camera wet or insert 
foreign objects
 •   Do not expose the camera to water, rain, 
or seawater.
   (If camera gets wet, wipe with a soft, 
dry cloth. Wring cloth thoroughly first if 
wet with seawater, etc.)
 •  Avoid exposing lens and socket to dust 
or sand, and do not allow liquids to leak 
into gaps around buttons.
 Avoid condensation caused by 
sudden changes in temperature and 
humidity
 •  When moving between places of 
different temperature or humidity, place 
camera into a plastic bag and allow to 
adjust to conditions before use.
 •    If the lens clouds up, switch off the 
power and leave for about two hours to 
allow camera to adjust to conditions.
 •    If the LCD monitor clouds up, wipe with 
a soft, dry cloth.
Grip area
Part numbers are as of January 2008
  Battery Pack
CGA-S007A
(referred to in this manual as ‘battery’)
  Battery Charger
DE-A45B
(referred to in this manual as ‘charger’)
  Battery Carrying 
Case
VYQ3680
  Strap
VFC4297
  USB Connection 
Cable
K1HA08CD0019
  AV Cable
K1HA08CD0020
  CD-ROM
  Please dispose of all packaging 
appropriately.
 Optional accessories (P.104)
 •   Cards are optional. You can record 
or play back pictures on the built-in 
memory when you are not using a card. 
(P.18)
 •  If any accessories are lost, customers 
in the USA should contact Panasonic’s 
parts department at 1 800 833-9626 
and customers in Canada should 
contact 1 800 99-LUMIX (1-800-995-
8649) for further information about 
obtaining replacement parts.
Read first
 Lens
 •  If lens is dirty:
Images may appear slightly white if lens is 
dirty (fingerprints, etc.).
Turn the power on, hold the extracted lens 
barrel with your fingers, and gently wipe 
the lens surface with a soft, dry cloth.
 •  Do not leave in direct sunlight.
Camera ON/OFF switch
Do not touch the lens 
barrier, as this may 
damage lens. Be 
careful when removing 
camera from bag, etc.
 When using tripod
 •  Do not apply excessive force or tighten 
screws at an angle (may damage 
camera, screw hole, or label.)
 •   Ensure that the tripod is stable.
(Read the tripod’s instruction manual.)
 When  transporting
  Switch off power.
  We recommend using a genuine leather 
case (DMW-CT3, sold separately).
To prevent damage and faults
Please also refer to ‘Usage cautions and 
notes’ (P.98).
LCD monitor characteristics
Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the 
LCD monitor screen. However there may be some dark or bright 
spots (red, blue or green) on the screen. This is not a malfunction.
The LCD monitor screen has more than 99.99% effective pixels 
with a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. The spots 
will not be recorded on pictures on the built-in memory or a card.
Unit temperature
The camera may become warm during use. (Especially grip 
area, etc.)
This does not cause a problem with the performance or quality 
of the camera.

14   VQT1P79 VQT1P79   15
Names of parts
This manual is based on the DMC-TZ5 model. Product illustrations and screens may vary.
 With the DMC-TZ5/DMC-TZ4 models, this function is not included and the Operating 
Instructions (Digital Camera Wi-Fi Mode) are not supplied.
Cursor button
Mode dial
INTELLIGENT AUTO
Camera ON/OFF 
switch (P.19)
E.ZOOM button
(P.33)
Shutter button (P.28)
Zoom lever (P.32)
Flash (P.29)
Lens (P.13)
Lens barrel
Self-timer 
indicator (P.42)/
AF assist lamp 
(P.63)
Speaker (P.23)
Microphone
Do not block microphone 
with fingers. (P.52, 63, 79)
LCD monitor
(P.22, 37, 88)
Status indicator
(P.17, 28)
DISPLAY button (P.37)
Q.MENU
(Quick setting P.66)/
delete button (P.36)
Tripod receptacle
Card/Battery door (P.17)
Self-timer (P.42)
Macro mode (P.40)
  Exposure 
compensation (P.43)
 Auto bracket (P.43)
  White balance fine 
adjustment (P.58)
  Backlight 
compensation (P.29)
 Flash (P.38)
 MENU/SET
  (menu display/set/finish) 
(P.20)
COMPONENT OUT socket 
(P.87)
AV OUT / DIGITAL socket
(P.81, 83, 86)
DC IN socket (P.81, 83)
Always use a genuine Panasonic AC 
adaptor (DMW-AC5PP: optional).
Release lever (P.17)
Up▲
down▼
◄left right►
Strap eyelet
We recommend 
using the strap to 
avoid dropping 
the camera.
In this manual, direction 
buttons to be pressed 
will be shown in gray, or 
with ▲▼◄►.
Recording
Playback
REC/PLAY switch
(P.28, 35)
Up/down/
left/right selection
Align to correct 
mode
Displayed on screen when mode 
changed (Screen example: DMC-TZ5)
INTELLIGENT AUTO mode
Take pictures with automatic settings (P.28).
NORMAL PICTURE mode Take pictures with customized settings 
(P.30).
SCENE mode
(DMC-TZ50:  ) Take pictures according to scene (P.44).
MOTION PICTURE mode Take motion pictures (P.52).
CLIPBOARD mode Take pictures as memos (P.64).
Wi-Fi mode
Access your web album. (DMC-TZ50 only)
(Operating Instructions (Digital Camera 
Wi-Fi Mode) )
DMC-TZ5/DMC-TZ4 DMC-TZ50