Tim

 View profile
 Send mail

Brilliant advanced point-and-shoot camera

Oct 12, 2006

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Great 10x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, quality Leica lenses, compact size
Cons: Nothing worth mentioning
Opinion:
People need to remember this is an advanced point-and-shoot camera, designed for happy snappers and perhaps photo enthusiasts, not professionals.

When you look at it in this context, this camera is brilliant - crisp images, great auto focus, image stabilization that works, 5MP of sensor, accurate metering, a very impressive 10 optical zoom plus digital zoom, etc etc. And compact enough to slip into a small pouch and wear on your belt.

I've had enough of lugging heavy SLRs and lenses - with this camera, you dont miss a photo opportunity. The only compact digital that comes close is the brilliant Canon S3IS, but that camera is getting chunky in comparison. The TZI is SO easy to carry, and you don't really miss the manual settings - the choice of inbuilt exposure modes give you enough lattitude, once you've learnt them. (Maybe the TZ2 will have shutter and aperture priority settings?) Anyhow, this is a terrific camera and deserves accolades.