S$699
Product Summary
7
out of 10View score
The bad: Removable lens cap a hassle; lack of manual (aperture- and shutter-priority) controls; can shoot a total of only three frames in Fine image quality; slow zoom startup; noisy images beyond ISO 800.
The bottom line: For users who don't care for manual options on a 10x optical zoom camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 is a good choice.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 »
Average User Rating
from 11 users
8.4
out of 10CNET Asia Review
If the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 sounds unfamiliar to you--it probably is. First in the series, the TZ1 is marketed as a "perfect travel companion" targeted at users who want to have a compact camera with megazoom (10x optical) capabilities. But before you dismiss it as another shooter that adds weight to your luggage, this unit is, in fact, small enough to be packed into your hand carry bag. Find out if the TZ1 performed in our tests.
Design
Like siblings in the same family, the TZ1 bears a close resemblance to the recent Lumix models--including a familiar menu design layout and configuration of the camera's buttons. In additional, the TZ1 achieves a more spartan look due to a larger chassis but without additional keys on the rear estate of the unit.
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The mode dial and zoom lever along the top edge of the camera are easily reached with the thumb and index fingers, respectively, but we cannot say the same for the rest of the controls on the back of the unit. We recommend using both hands when changing settings on the rear of the shooter.
Pressing up on the directional keys brings you to the exposure compensation and auto bracketing option; down reviews the last picture taken. Hitting right alternates between the various flash settings and left allows you to set a 2- or 10-second timer.
The bottom right edge of the camera houses a compartment for the Lithium-ion battery and memory card. A tripod receptacle can be found on the left end just under the Leica lens.
To satisfy the palates of the fashion-conscious, the TZ1 is available in black, blue and silver. Not all colors will be available, though, depending on the country the unit is purchased in.
Rate It Now
User Reviews
great zoom with ois
Jan 12, 2007Rating: 8 out of 10 (Excellent)
Pros: handy
Cons: big and heavy
Opinion:
if you are willing to close an eye of the 5.0 mega pixels, go for this camera if you want a camera with great zoom.
digital zoom up to 40x
if u try to stabilize yr hand, it will nt gives you blur image.
although not a wide angle, but it is close to it already.
great feeling holding it beside of the weight.
Awesome zoom for its size
Nov 6, 2006Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Mega O.I.S, 10x optical zoom(12.5x if you choose 4mp mode), ultra small for a 10x camera
Cons: Battery life a bit disappointing
Opinion:
Brilliant advanced point-and-shoot camera
Oct 12, 2006Rating: 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 ... Read more
