Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

This is a great little camera for both an advanced amateur (like me) looking for a second camera to carry everywhere you can't take your DSLR or for a complete novice (like my wife) who is looking for a camera that is really easy to use yet takes good pictures.

IN SUMMARY
What makes this camera special is that you have a full 10X zoom in a very compact form factor with a real wide-angle lens at 28mm. Most other cameras offer a smaller zoom range (around 4x), provide a semi-wide-angle at about 35mm, or are much bulkier.

PICTURE QUALITY
In reality, most cameras today take pretty decent pictures. Most people really don't need more than 2 megapixels, unless you are planning to either crop your photos or make very large prints. Therefore 8.1 megapixels are more than enough. My DSLR has 5 megapixels and I have never needed more.

The Leica lens is very high quality. The multiple built-in scene modes will make it easier to capture that sunset or use custom settings for that special picture. As with most cameras, it is always to have a photo editing program to adjust contrast (or levels if you are a bit more advanced), do some cropping and adjust sharpening.

As an advanced amateur (take a look at my Nikon DSL photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdada ) I found the quality of the pictures from the Lumix TZ4 to be excellent.AT the same time, my wife was able to use the Intelligent Auto mode to snap some pretty decent pictures. The flash does an especially good job- indoor people pictures had very nice tones and not blown out or underexposed like some other cameras.

VIDEO
With a 1Gb SD card I was able to capture a couple videos of my daughters dancing (to Hannah Montana, of course). The quality and resolution of the video is pretty amazing for a camera in this price range. You may want to use Windows Movie Maker (included with XP and Vista) to do some edits and make the video a smaller size suitable for emailing.

OTHER FEATURES
The camera feels very well built and solid. Face detection technology works incredibly well, ensuring your subjects are always in focus (as opposed to focusing to whatever is at the center of the picture). Image stabilization works . The LCD screen is very large and bright. Controls are easy to understand.

SUMMARY
I spent a long time looking at many cameras and playing with them. If you are an advanced photographer, this is not a camera to replace a DSLR, but a perfect companion to take to those places where you don't want (or can't) bring your big expensive camera. The TZ45 does not provide all the manual controls of other cameras, yet it allows enough settings for me (i.e. exposure compensation, ISO settings, etc.) .

For the average user, you can find a cheaper and a smaller camera for sure. But I doubt you will find a solid, pocket camera with a 10x zoom and a 28mm quality lens that produces such great photos with little effort. Definitely, the TZ4 is highly recommended.

UPDATE ---
I uploaded a few photos fromt he Lumix to this Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/LumixTZ4/ My other Flickr page has mostly photos taken with my Nikon D50.

Most photos I uploaded are straight from the camera. I found a simple sharpen command from any photo editing software will increase the quality of the pictures.

I have enjoyed the camera and am suprised for its great flash performance. It does an incredible job at balancing the background with a just-right flash.

Battery charge lasted for a couple hundred photos. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

Product Description:
This camera has been Factory-Refurbished to perform as new. It is sold with a 90-Day Panasonic Warranty. The 10x optical zoom has a 35mm equivalence of 28mm wide-angle to 280mm telephoto, spanning virtually all photographic needs. Ideal for traveling, Panasonic's DMC-TZ4 Lumix 8.1-megapixel digital camera has a LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens with a handy, compact body. Five Intelligent Auto functions team up to help prevent shooting errors. Intelligent Exposure corrects lighting differences, so images come out just the way you see them; Intelligent Scene Selector chooses the mode that best fits the situation; MEGA Optical Image Stabilization helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur; and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings. The Intelligent big bright 2.5" LCD adjusts brightness automatically as the ambient light level changes, so images are clear, bright and easy to see. 2.5 Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (230K dots) Focusing Area Normal - Wide 50cm/Tele 200cm - infinity, Macro/Intelligent AUTO / Clipboard - Wide 5cm / Max 200cm / Tele 100cm - infinity 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30, 60sec. Shutter Speed Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode - Auto(1600 - 6400) ) ISO 27MB Internal Memory (additional memory recommended to store more photos and video) Built-in Microphone and Speaker Still and motion modes SD/SDHC, MultiMedia Card Slot Built-in Flash with Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off modes DC Input, AV Output (NTSC/PAL), HD AV Output (Component), USB Connections PictBridge Compatible Approximate Battery Life - 300 Shots (CIPA Standard) Approximate Unit Weight - 0.489 lbs

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Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30T 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Taupe)

I set out to purchase FX07, but ended up w FX30, which was offered at the same price and I think is the same camera w FX07 feature-wise, except that it is slimmer and newer.

I set out to purchase an ultra compact, because I was reluctant to bring my DSLR in my first trip to China.Used to DSLR, I have high expectation of a camera.

My ground criteria: must have 28mm wide angle and optical stabliser.This significantly narrowed my selection to only 3: Lumix FX07, Lumix LX2 and Canon SD800/850IS.

Since I usually shoots w DSLR, I need 3:2 aspect and Canon does not support it, so it's out of the game.

Reading the reviews, I was initially deterred with the complaints of noise and water colour effects in Lumix.However, after seeing some samples, I decided that those noise and water colour are probably a nuisance only to those pixel peepers, not me.

It was a tough choice betw FX07 and LX2.Finally, I decided in favour of FX07's compactness and full 28mm lens, and foregoing LX2's supposedly better images, RAW support, and A/S/P exposure modes.

In a span of 1 week, I shot >600 pics.These included difficult photos: night scenery, low-light night & indoor photos, sunset, panning photos of people in the street.And wow...., this little gem camera exceeds my expectation.Extremely easy to use and very intuitive (at least for me - I hardly need to read the manual to master this camera).The quick access function menu (which provides quick access for most-frequently-changed settings such as changing ISO, white balance or single/multiple shots) is very handy.Accessing some photographic functions such as exposure compensation, flash setting and bracketing are also quick by pressing buttons instead of diving into the menu structures.

Noise turns out to be more tolerable than what I had anticipated (having read the reviews).I used ISO800 often for night photos with no flash; just do not use High Sensitivity (ISO3200) mode - this produced photos worse than mobile-phone camera. Of course, I try to use as lowest ISO as possible to minimise noise.I can handhold the camera at 1/4s with no apparent blur in the photos, thanks to the optical stabiliser, i suppose.

Being much more compact than DSLR, I think this camera is also not intimidating.I have taken many more candid photos of people in the street than I could have using DSLR.

I have not printed any of the photos, but I do not think that should be a problem.

I bought a black one, but the surface is not metal unlike the silver one.It's like a black suede material, which I just hope will not get thinned or peel off over time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30T 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Taupe)

Product Description:
The DMC-FX30 is a remarkably slim and super-stylish camera than previous models. The body features a distinctive finish with a different texture to match its cool design and lightweight. The 7.2 Megapixel DMC-FX30 houses a 28mm wide-angle f/2.8 Leica DC lens with seven elements in six groups. The DMC-FX30 is equipped with a bright 3.6x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 28mm to 100mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) that captures beautiful shots of people or landscapes. Use the Extra Optical Zoom when you want to pull the subject in just a little closer. With this powerful zooming function, you can easily capture and magnify distant subjects.Low Energy Consumption Venus Engine III reduces noise level for crisp, clear images ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode 3200) White Balance -Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen and White Set Self-Timer -2 & 10 seconds Recording Format -JPEG and DPOF corresponding Built-in-Flash -Auto, Auto & Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync & Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Dimensions -Width 3.74 x Height 2.04 x Depth 0.87 inch (94.9 x 51.9 x 22.0 mm) Weight -154 grams (0.34 pounds) with Battery and SD Memory Card

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Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30A 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

I set out to purchase FX07, but ended up w FX30, which was offered at the same price and I think is the same camera w FX07 feature-wise, except that it is slimmer and newer.

I set out to purchase an ultra compact, because I was reluctant to bring my DSLR in my first trip to China.Used to DSLR, I have high expectation of a camera.

My ground criteria: must have 28mm wide angle and optical stabliser.This significantly narrowed my selection to only 3: Lumix FX07, Lumix LX2 and Canon SD800/850IS.

Since I usually shoots w DSLR, I need 3:2 aspect and Canon does not support it, so it's out of the game.

Reading the reviews, I was initially deterred with the complaints of noise and water colour effects in Lumix.However, after seeing some samples, I decided that those noise and water colour are probably a nuisance only to those pixel peepers, not me.

It was a tough choice betw FX07 and LX2.Finally, I decided in favour of FX07's compactness and full 28mm lens, and foregoing LX2's supposedly better images, RAW support, and A/S/P exposure modes.

In a span of 1 week, I shot >600 pics.These included difficult photos: night scenery, low-light night & indoor photos, sunset, panning photos of people in the street.And wow...., this little gem camera exceeds my expectation.Extremely easy to use and very intuitive (at least for me - I hardly need to read the manual to master this camera).The quick access function menu (which provides quick access for most-frequently-changed settings such as changing ISO, white balance or single/multiple shots) is very handy.Accessing some photographic functions such as exposure compensation, flash setting and bracketing are also quick by pressing buttons instead of diving into the menu structures.

Noise turns out to be more tolerable than what I had anticipated (having read the reviews).I used ISO800 often for night photos with no flash; just do not use High Sensitivity (ISO3200) mode - this produced photos worse than mobile-phone camera. Of course, I try to use as lowest ISO as possible to minimise noise.I can handhold the camera at 1/4s with no apparent blur in the photos, thanks to the optical stabiliser, i suppose.

Being much more compact than DSLR, I think this camera is also not intimidating.I have taken many more candid photos of people in the street than I could have using DSLR.

I have not printed any of the photos, but I do not think that should be a problem.

I bought a black one, but the surface is not metal unlike the silver one.It's like a black suede material, which I just hope will not get thinned or peel off over time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30A 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)

Product Description:
The DMC-FX30 is a remarkably more slim and super-stylish camera than previous models. The body features a distinctive finish with a different texture to match its cool design and lightweight. The 7.2 Megapixel DMC-FX30 houses a 28mm wide-angle f/2.8 Leica DC lens with seven elements in six groups. The DMC-FX30 is equipped with a bright 3.6x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 28mm to 100mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) that captures beautiful shots of people or landscapes. Use the Extra Optical Zoom when you want to pull the subject in just a little closer. With this powerful zooming function, you can easily capture and magnify distant subjects.Low Energy Consumption Venus Engine III reduces noise level for crisp, clear images ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode 3200) White Balance -Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen and White Set Self-Timer -2 & 10 seconds Recording Format -JPEG and DPOF corresponding Built-in-Flash -Auto, Auto & Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync & Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Dimensions -Width 3.74 x Height 2.04 x Depth 0.87 inch (94.9 x 51.9 x 22.0 mm) Weight -154 grams (0.34 pounds) with Battery and SD Memory Card

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Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

I set out to purchase FX07, but ended up w FX30, which was offered at the same price and I think is the same camera w FX07 feature-wise, except that it is slimmer and newer.

I set out to purchase an ultra compact, because I was reluctant to bring my DSLR in my first trip to China.Used to DSLR, I have high expectation of a camera.

My ground criteria: must have 28mm wide angle and optical stabliser.This significantly narrowed my selection to only 3: Lumix FX07, Lumix LX2 and Canon SD800/850IS.

Since I usually shoots w DSLR, I need 3:2 aspect and Canon does not support it, so it's out of the game.

Reading the reviews, I was initially deterred with the complaints of noise and water colour effects in Lumix.However, after seeing some samples, I decided that those noise and water colour are probably a nuisance only to those pixel peepers, not me.

It was a tough choice betw FX07 and LX2.Finally, I decided in favour of FX07's compactness and full 28mm lens, and foregoing LX2's supposedly better images, RAW support, and A/S/P exposure modes.

In a span of 1 week, I shot >600 pics.These included difficult photos: night scenery, low-light night & indoor photos, sunset, panning photos of people in the street.And wow...., this little gem camera exceeds my expectation.Extremely easy to use and very intuitive (at least for me - I hardly need to read the manual to master this camera).The quick access function menu (which provides quick access for most-frequently-changed settings such as changing ISO, white balance or single/multiple shots) is very handy.Accessing some photographic functions such as exposure compensation, flash setting and bracketing are also quick by pressing buttons instead of diving into the menu structures.

Noise turns out to be more tolerable than what I had anticipated (having read the reviews).I used ISO800 often for night photos with no flash; just do not use High Sensitivity (ISO3200) mode - this produced photos worse than mobile-phone camera. Of course, I try to use as lowest ISO as possible to minimise noise.I can handhold the camera at 1/4s with no apparent blur in the photos, thanks to the optical stabiliser, i suppose.

Being much more compact than DSLR, I think this camera is also not intimidating.I have taken many more candid photos of people in the street than I could have using DSLR.

I have not printed any of the photos, but I do not think that should be a problem.

I bought a black one, but the surface is not metal unlike the silver one.It's like a black suede material, which I just hope will not get thinned or peel off over time.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

Product Description:
The DMC-FX30 is a remarkably slim and super-stylish camera than previous models. The body features a distinctive finish with a different texture to match its cool design and lightweight. The 7.2 Megapixel DMC-FX30 houses a 28mm wide-angle f/2.8 Leica DC lens with seven elements in six groups. The DMC-FX30 is equipped with a bright 3.6x optical zoom lens (equivalent to a 28mm to 100mm zoom on a 35mm film camera) that captures beautiful shots of people or landscapes. Use the Extra Optical Zoom when you want to pull the subject in just a little closer. With this powerful zooming function, you can easily capture and magnify distant subjects.Low Energy Consumption Venus Engine III reduces noise level for crisp, clear images ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250 (High Sensitivity Mode 3200) White Balance -Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen and White Set Self-Timer -2 & 10 seconds Recording Format -JPEG and DPOF corresponding Built-in-Flash -Auto, Auto & Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync & Red-eye Reduction and Forced Off Dimensions -Width 3.74 x Height 2.04 x Depth 0.87 inch (94.9 x 51.9 x 22.0 mm) Weight -154 grams (0.34 pounds) with Battery and SD Memory Card

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