Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1

Résumé : With a big 10X zoom lens and optical image stabilisation, Panasonic's DMC-TZ1 looks enticing, but image-quality issues keep it from making the grade.

Points forts : 10X optical zoom, Optical image stabilisation, Cool flip-book movie mode, No manual exposure controls, Lots of noise in pictures taken at middle and high ISO levels, Auto white balance produces warm shots under tungsten lighting

Points faibles : No manual exposure controls, Lots of noise in pictures taken at middle and high ISO levels, Auto white balance produces warm shots under tungsten lighting

Points forts : 10X optical zoom ; optical image stabilization ; cool flip-book movie mode

Points faibles : No manual exposure controls ; lots of noise in pictures taken at middle and high ISO levels ; auto white balance produces warm shots under tungsten lighting

Conclusion : With a big 10X zoom lens and optical image stabilization, Panasonic's DMC-TZ1 looks enticing, but image-quality issues keep it from making the grade.

Résumé : Compact cameras with long-reaching optical zoom lenses are all the rage right now. Panasonic's 5-megapixel DMC-TZ1 is its latest entry, with a 35mm-to-350mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-to-f/4.2 10X Leica optical zoom lens in a body that measures 4.4 by 2 ...

Points forts : Very good image quality Rich, saturated colours Easy to use Good macro mode Good battery life Optical image stabilisation - works well for low-light or zoom photography Very compact for a 10x optical zoom digital camera (world's smallest with optical ...

Points faibles : High sensitivity / High ISO 1600 mode only available as a scene mode - makes images overly blurry. Plastic Tripod mount close to the edge of the camera Some purple fringing (mainly at full optical zoom) Higher than average noise at all ISO settings - ...

Conclusion : Front view - camera on, lens at telephoto position, flash, focus assist lamp

Résumé : The Panasonic DMC-TZ1 is a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 10x Leica optical zoom with image stabilisation. The focal length range of the lens is 35 to 350mm in film terms.

Points forts : The Leica lens is optically excellent with effective vibration reduction. Resolution is very good for a 5 megapixel camera. Skin tones at low ISO speeds are especially agreeable. Controls are logical and well placed. The TZ1 is a pleasant camera in ...

Points faibles : The picture noise at medium to high ISO settings is characteristic of Panasonic cameras. The "high sensitivity mode" at ISO1600 has aggressive noise reduction activated and it not only removes noise but in the process eliminates surface detail making ...

Conclusion : The Panasonic DMC-TZ1 is a good camera that boasts of more than it can deliver. The lens, image stabilisation and useability are very good and the zoom range is a marvel in such a compact body. In real life ISO200 must be regarded as its top speed. If ...