Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
CNET Editors' Rating
Panasonic has updated its Lumix DMC-TZ20 with the DMC-TZ30. This GPS-enabled compact sports a newly developed 14.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 24mm wide-angle optics with a 20x optical zoom. Fitted with a 3-inch touchscreen, the shooter is capable of capturing 1080p full-HD videos and doing 10fps burst-mode shooting at full resolution.
The Lumix incorporates a newly-developed 14-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with its Venus Engine image processor, which Panasonic claims could offer better noise control in low-light conditions as well as faster autofocus performance of up to 0.1 second. This could come in useful as one usually has to increase the ISO settings to combat camera shake when using the long-zoom compact at the telephoto end.
Videographers would be pleased to know that the TZ30's AVCHD video recording capabilities have been upgraded from 50i to 50p. Also, full-HD videos will be mp4 compatible with PCs or smartphones for editing and sharing videos.
Pricing and availability hasn't been confirmed yet but we'll update this story when we get more information from Panasonic.
Upside
The TZ30's impressive 20x optical zoom provides a versatile 24mm to 480mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range, allowing shutterbugs to capture a wide variety of situations--from architecture and landscapes (thanks to its 24mm wide-end) to the occasional telephoto shot at the 480mm.The Lumix incorporates a newly-developed 14-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with its Venus Engine image processor, which Panasonic claims could offer better noise control in low-light conditions as well as faster autofocus performance of up to 0.1 second. This could come in useful as one usually has to increase the ISO settings to combat camera shake when using the long-zoom compact at the telephoto end.
Videographers would be pleased to know that the TZ30's AVCHD video recording capabilities have been upgraded from 50i to 50p. Also, full-HD videos will be mp4 compatible with PCs or smartphones for editing and sharing videos.
Downside
With some of the recently announced long-zoom compacts being Wi-Fi-enabled--such as the Samsung WB850F--we had hoped that Panasonic would implement the same capability in the TZ30. It would have been a very convenient feature to have for sharing one's photographs on social networks, if you're in a Wi-Fi hotspot or have a tethering-enabled 3G smartphone handy.Outlook
Overall, the TZ30 promises better low-light and autofocus performance as well as a longer 20x optical zoom range (24mm to 480mm). Shutterbugs looking for a travel compact for that next overseas trip could consider it a worthy option.Pricing and availability hasn't been confirmed yet but we'll update this story when we get more information from Panasonic.
About the author
Fueled by his passion for all things photography, Shawn decided that a writer's position reviewing cameras is the perfect job.
He now does reviews, how-to guides, and scours far and wide to cover anything camera-related under the sun. When he's not behind the desk, the former freelance photographer enjoys wandering about documenting his life with his beloved medium format film cameras.
The RMIT business graduate ventures to work every day with camera in one hand, and laptop in another, taking over the Internet one review at a time.
Be the first to comment
Sign In with Facebook or create an account to post a review.
