Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 Review

Panasonic's TZ7 (also known as the ZS3 in American markets) follows in the wake of its predecessor the Panasonic Lumix TZ6 and improves upon many features found in the previous model by offering a 12x optical zoom to allow for relatively close viewing of locations from far away in addition to a decent 720p HD video capturing capability (where the camera can actually zoom while shooting video) and better photo quality as well as slightly better performance and lens angle capture capabilities. While the camera's lens capability is unfortunately slightly lower in its class than many competitors out there on the market as it clocks in at a mere 10.1 megapixels the overall photo quality is still quite decent - due in no small part that Panasonic has maintained a 12 megapixel processing unit inside the camera to handle image ratios at both 4:3 as well as 16:9 aspects.

For users looking to do video recording as well the presence of a dedicated video shooting button on the back is also seen by many as a nice addition to the TZ7. This allows users to quickly and easily switch their shooting mode from still image capturing to video recording on the fly without needing to change their settings entirely, effectively bringing quick and easy video capturing capabilities to a point-and-shoot camera unlike any other model has seen in the past. The TZ7 also features a new placement of the reception microphone for the device, allowing it to more easily capture sound in videos while avoid fingers accidentally covering up on receptors while shooting.

One unfortunate drawback about the TZ7 for many users, however, lies in the fact that manual controls for the compact camera are virtually non-existent and thus severely limit the user's overall control over their shooting. While photographers can still adjust their ISO setting for low-light shots nearly all other controls are automated. Though it is true that many users interested in easy point-and-shoot cameras won't really miss this at all given the fact that users tend to simply stick to automatic settings anyway more advanced users may be dismayed by the lack of options available to them.

Another slight drawback about the camera lies in the fact that the LCD views screen on the back is a bit difficult to read in many bright light settings as well as at odd angles. Though Panasonic has taken this into consideration when developing the TZ7 and has incorporated a feature to adjust the viewing image for extreme angles it still may prove difficult for many users to properly view what they are shooting out in the sunlight.

Overall, though, the bottom line of the TZ7 is that it's a nice little compact camera that can easily handle a number of different shooting situations and perform admirable while doing so - just don't expect too much in the way of manual control over your shots if you're used to adjusting every small detail like other devices may allow.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 Pros

• Decent, wide-angle lens with excellent zoom in a small body
• Zoom capabilities during movie capture
• 720p HD movie capability

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 Cons

• Difficult to view LCD in bright light situations
• Lack of manual controls may leave some users wanting more