The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 Reviewed

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_tz7_review/' target='_blank'>http://www.photographyblog.com/revi...dmc_tz7_review/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 (also known as the DMC-ZS3 in the USA) is a brand new ultra-compact super-zoom camera, offering several major improvements on its predecessor, the popular TZ5 model. There's now a 12x, 25-300mm optical zoom lens, both wider and longer than the TZ5's, the megapixel count has increased from 9 to 10, the Venus IV Engine processing engine promises enhanced responsiveness, and the 720p HD video mode is recorded in the new AVCHD Lite format which almost doubles the recording time."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1239311670.usr1.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>I have the previous generation of this camera, the DMC-TZ5, and it's a nice little unit - well, not so little actually. That's one of my main gripes - it's much harder to fit into my pocket than my other point and shoot camera, a Canon Powerhsot SD870. But with the 10x optical zoom and 720p video, I can forgive the Panasonic camera for being a little bulky. The successor to my DMC-TZ5 is this new DMC-TZ7. Zoom is boosted to 12x, it's 3mm wider, there's that new AVCHD Lite for video, and it has stereo microphones - even a wind-cut function to block wind noise. Nice!</p><p>With a <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/having-a-son-1545" target="_blank">son on the way</a>, suddenly I have a lot more to think about when it comes to capturing all the precious moments I know are going to happen. I'm pondering whether or not the TZ7 (which is actually the ZS3 in North America - I know, so confusing) is a worthy upgrade over what I have now. Does it offer enough improvements to warrant replacing what I have now? The ZS3 <a href="http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-ZS3R_11002_7000000000000005702" target="_blank">comes in red</a>, which is simply awesome (I love red gadgets!), but I'm wondering if I'd get more milage out of getting one of their <a href="http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-TS1D_11002_7000000000000005702" target="_blank">new rugged cameras</a> (the DMC-TS1D) instead. Thoughts? Opinions? I guess I'd better read this review first...</p>

[ptyork]

Me, I'd get the TS1D just because it'd be primarily for my wife who tosses cameras into and out of the diaper bag like they are another of my daughter's toys. Plus it'd be great for those rare ski trips and such. However, YMMV. To me the question would be how much you'll use this as opposed to your Nikon DSLR and how often you'll be shooting movies with it. The TZ7 undoubtedly will have superior image quality for both stills and video due to the superior lens. It has a slightly lower density CCD (which is probably why they put in the one notch bump in ISO). It'll also do the zoom/resume video thing. But, it won't do the swimming pool/bath time/beach/etc. pics nor is it likely to survive long in the diaper bag if your wife is anything like mine.

Okay, I lied. Me, I'd stick with your TZ5. But if I was determined to make a move, it'd be towards practicality (and then send the TZ5 to the first person to reply to this post). ;)