Product Summary
Very good
The good: 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom; AVCHD compression lets users record longer clips; fast burst mode; above-average image quality. 7.4
out of 10View score
The bad: No manual exposure control; AVCHD compression produces uncommon file format.
The bottom line: The TZ7 is a good long zoom compact camera that frequent travelers should consider if they want decent picture quality. A pity it doesn't offer manual exposure control.
Read full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 »
Average User Rating
from 7 users
Spectacular
8.6
out of 10CNET Asia Review
Earlier this year, Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-TZ7 along with five other shooters at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) tradeshow in January. The compact megazoom TZ7 succeeds the TZ15, and features an upgraded zoom range and HD video encoding which enthusiasts will appreciate. However, Panasonic faces stiff competition from other brands such as Canon, Olympus and Samsung which have similar offerings. Can the TZ7 hold its own against its rivals? Let's find out.
There are very few cosmetic differences between the TZ15 and the TZ7, save for the metal strip on the handgrip.
The TZ7 feels solid in our hands and the slight bulge on the right serves as a decent handgrip. However, we noticed that Panasonic has removed the vertical rubber strip found on the TZ15 and replaced it with a thin line of metal instead. While the new implementation serves aesthetic purposes, we would have preferred the rubber version as it provides a better grip on the point-and-shoot.
The top houses a stereo microphone, power switch, shutter/zoom control and mode dial. One thing to note about the mode dial is that it turns 360 degrees, and the snapper will refuse to take pictures if it is not in an appropriate position. Shutterbugs who have used a Lumix point-and-shoot will be familiar with the layout of the controls on the back of the TZ7. There is the playback/shooting mode switch near the thumb rest and directly below is a dedicated movie-recording button. The four-way navigation pad not only lets you scroll through menus, it also makes adjustments to exposure compensation, self-timer, flash and focusing modes.
Besides the usual black, silver and blue, the TZ7 is also available in red color.
Tags: Mode, movie, compensation, Panasonic, adjustment
Design
Aesthetically, the TZ7 is easily distinguishable from its predecessor. Not only is it slimmer and lighter than the TZ15, it is also smaller in size. We certainly like the design of the new long-zoom Lumix--the front of the shooter is uncluttered and features only a large lens barrel and the flash.There are very few cosmetic differences between the TZ15 and the TZ7, save for the metal strip on the handgrip.
The TZ7 feels solid in our hands and the slight bulge on the right serves as a decent handgrip. However, we noticed that Panasonic has removed the vertical rubber strip found on the TZ15 and replaced it with a thin line of metal instead. While the new implementation serves aesthetic purposes, we would have preferred the rubber version as it provides a better grip on the point-and-shoot.
The top houses a stereo microphone, power switch, shutter/zoom control and mode dial. One thing to note about the mode dial is that it turns 360 degrees, and the snapper will refuse to take pictures if it is not in an appropriate position. Shutterbugs who have used a Lumix point-and-shoot will be familiar with the layout of the controls on the back of the TZ7. There is the playback/shooting mode switch near the thumb rest and directly below is a dedicated movie-recording button. The four-way navigation pad not only lets you scroll through menus, it also makes adjustments to exposure compensation, self-timer, flash and focusing modes.
Besides the usual black, silver and blue, the TZ7 is also available in red color.
Tags: Mode, movie, compensation, Panasonic, adjustment
Rate It Now
User Reviews
Best camera i ever owned
Dec 29, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Super long optical zoom and HD quality video clips
Cons: slightly bulky size compared to compact point & shoot but no complaints
Opinion:
This is the best camera i ever had. Though it's a little bulky compared to compact point & shoots, i have no complaints as the 12X zoom and high video & photo quality more than makes up for the slight bulk. The look, build and feel of the camera are all very solid and well thought out. The 3" screen is also very helpful in viewing pics. Overall, Best-est camera i ever had. I love it!!!
perfect compac camera with awesome features...
Dec 26, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: excellent image quality
Cons: no much manual conrols
Opinion:
i recommend this camera for all photography enhusiasts...
Trade my DSC H7 for this Lumix
Sep 15, 2009Rating: 9 out of 10 (Spectacular)
Pros: Easy to use function, especially the IA mode. Vibrant and sharp images. Works very well in low light conditions. No regrets for swapping to this Lumix.
Cons: The zoom dials could have been more firm. Worry it might get loose after intensive usage.
Opinion:
Had no regret trading my Sony DSC H7 for this baby. Compact, stylish and powerful. For amateurs like me, the HD video recording feature included in this LUMIX is just as great. Bottomline is NO REGRETS...
