I've used many compact cameras since they were first available, and this is by far my favourite. I've mostly used Panasonic as they are generally very good, though some are significantly better than others. This is undoubtedly the best I have used. The optical zoom range is terrific - 25mm is a good wide-angle, and 300mm is an excellent telephoto. The fact that it can deliver pin-sharp pictures at all focal lengths between speaks volumes for the quality of the lens.
The electronics and metering are outstanding and would put many a top-end SLR to shame. The anti-camera-shake works brilliantly so even when pushing your luck with high magnification in low light, it does a great job of producing a well exposed and steady image. The metering is remarkably good, and even in very tricky lighting conditions produces well exposed images that bring out all the detail in the subject. I would say it does a better job of exposing pictures correctly than my Nikon DSLR - and that is pretty hot in its own right.
There are a wide range of different exposure modes for dealing with different scenarios (action, beach, fireworks etc). It even lets you programme your 2 favourite as quick-dial modes on the upper control knob. Speaking of which, there have been comments that this is too loose. I have to say that on my camera it is fine and I was a bit surprised what all the fuss is about. It takes a reasonable amount of pressure to turn it, and it is by no means loose. It can get knocked from position if you are squeezing it into a tight case or pocket, but in general use I think it is good. You just get into the habit of checking it before you start taking photos, which frankly you should do anyway. I mostly use the Intelligent Auto mode, because it genuinely is just that - intelligent and automatic - you get great shots without worrying about what settings to use.
The still image quality is amazing, really very impressive indeed. Having a sharp lens + good metering + good sensor gives very credible results. Possibly not up with the latest SLRs, but truly outstanding for the sort of camera that you actually do take with you and use to capture those priceless memories. I have used it in very contrasty sunlight, and even on a floodlit sports-field at night where the arc-lamps would normally throw the metering into disarray, and it always does a great job of making the subject look good.
Flash performance is good - it seems very quick to charge up, so less likelihood of missing that shot.
Video quality. The video feature on this camera is far more than a gimmick, it's a great facility for capturing good quality video that will suit most users needs. It isn't quite in the league of a dedicated video camera, and no the resultant videos are not on a par with a blue-ray HD video either. However, you do get a very decent video, perhaps a little contrasty, but even under very tricky lighting, it delivers surprisingly good results. For family videos, it's perfect, and again - the sheer portability of it and its ability to cope really well in poor light means you will end up using it more and capturing those magic moments.
Downsides - really not too many of these. There is a price for all the electrical wizadry and highly effective stabilisation, it does get through the battery relatively quickly. However, to be fair, so far it looks as though the battery warning is just a bit more honest than some other cameras. As the charge diminishes, it shows as a reducing battery level. However unlike some other models where the battery is on its last legs as soon as it shows up as getting low, on this one you still seem to have a decent amount of life left in it and I haven't (yet!) actually run out of power. That being said, once I realised that this was such a good camera and that I was going to be relying on it a lot, I did buy the extra battery to provide more confidence.
All too often, you buy into the manufacturers sales blurb about sharp lenses, clever exposure systems and wizzy anti-camera-shake technology, but ultimately the camera disappoints because the photos just aren't up to scratch. Nothing could be further from the truth here. I'm genuinely delighted with this camera. I had high expectations and it has far exceeded them. I have been taking videos and photos in conditions that would never produce decent results on a normal camera, yet this one does a great job. The bottom line is that it is a compact camera that you can take anywhere, and yet it will give you superb photos and very good video in even the most difficult conditions. It is well worth the money and frankly I am seriously considering blowing the dust of my largely unused SLR and video-camera, selling them and just sticking to the TZ7. I can't recommend this too highly - a terrific portable camera and video.
| Package Dimensions L x W x H | 19.2 x 14 x 9.4 centimetres |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 839 g |
| Product Dimensions L x W x H | 10.3 x 3.3 x 6 centimetres |
| Item Weight | 206 Grams |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Camera Lens | This camera comes with a 12x Optical Zoom Leica DC lens, equivalent to 25-300mm on a 35mm film camera, and features Mega OIS for image stabilization. The lens offers a wide-angle view, capturing a subject or scene with more than a two times wider frame compared to conventional 35mm cameras. |
| Colour | Black |
| Has image stabilisation | Yes |
| Included components | [INCOMPLETE: LCD, Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator] |
| Max Focal Length | 300 Millimetres |
| Min Focal Length | 25 Millimetres |
| Minimum shutter speed | 0.0333333333333 seconds |
| Model year | 2009 |
| Plug profile | Micro Four Thirds |
| Part number | DMC-TZ7EB-K |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
| Expanded ISO Maximum | 16000 |
| Autofocus Points | 9 |
| Focus type | Auto Focus |
| Effective still resolution | 10.1 MP |
| Guaranteed software updates until | unknown |
