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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 Camera Review

Exclusively for point and shoot camera lovers, here’s another nice offer from Panasonic; Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40. It’s light, compact and highly competent. Looking at the product profile, one cannot simply ignore the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 standing out high and prominent amongst the thousands point and shoot cameras available in the market.

Lens and Focal Specs

Offering an exceptional 5X optical zoom lens with a focal range of 25-125mm (for a 35mm camera) that is a rather unusual feature for a tiny camera measuring 3.75X2.08X0.85 inches. Apart from the lens specifications, another feature of DMC-FX40, breaking the norms is the ability to shoot video clips at a high definition of 1280X720p at the rate of 30fps- also found in the previous model FX37, but relatively new feature for this class of cameras.

The Screen

The standard features are still present such as the 2.5 inch LCD screen. Though no touch screen or any sophisticated feature in this area, the screen is fair with auto-adjustment to brightness and 230K dot resolution. At 4:3 ratio, the displays gives vibrant results and at 16:9 ratio for the movies, black bars appear at the top and bottom of the screen to give a cinematic feel and to indicate the resultant image in a better manner.

User friendly, as always has been the specialty of Panasonic cameras, DMC-FX40 is also so designed. The on-screen menus and options are easy to understand and use. A “Display” button is provided to access the screen information and the famous “Rule of Thirds” through the nine zone grid.

ISO Setting

Having a 12.1 mega pixel sensor, DMC-FX40 has a range of ISO settings. Where image noise gets noticeable from ISO 400 onwards, the image is still bearable up to ISO 800 but at ISO 1600, the overall noise makes it difficult to have a cleaner and clearer picture.

Performance and Price

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 compromises of a Venus Engine V processor that gives warm and beautiful colors in your snaps and videos. Improving the overall image quality are the options such as Auto Face Recognition, Auto Face Detection and Red Eye Reduction. The various Scene Modes and White Balance options also make it easier for amateur photographers to create movies and photo with ease and excellence. The astounding “extra” optical zoom is suitable to portraits and landscapes both though the resolution would drop to 3MP.

All these wonderful features are within your reach in just £259 which is the official list price and for a camera of this caliber, it is quite appropriate.

Design

Available in red, black and silver colors in UK, and similar in looks to FX550, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 adorns a plastic and metallic casing. Weighing only 150g (with card and battery included) the camera fit well in your palm and as well as in your pocket! The metallic lens is susceptible to scratches and marks, never the less, being light weight in the reason one would like to take this camera on adventures.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX40 Camera Specs

Camera effective pixels
12.1 mega pixels
Sensor size/ Total pixels/ Filter
1/2.33 inch/ 12.7 total mega pixels/ Primary Color Filter

Aperture
F2.8-5.9/ Iris Diaphragm (F2.8-8 (W)/ F5.9-8 (T))

Optical Zoom
5X

Focal Length
F=4.4-22.0mm (25-125mm in 35mm equiv.)
Extra Optical Zoom (EZ)
6.1X (4:3 / 8M), 7.8X (4:3 / 5M), 9.8X (under 3 M)

Lens
LEICA DC VARIO –ELEMARIT / 7 elements in 6 groups / (4 Spherical Lenses / 6 Spherical surfaces, 1 EA lens)

Optical Image Stabilizer
MEGA O.I.S (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)

Shutter Speed
8-1/2000 seconds Selectable minimum shutter speed) / Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60 seconds

File Format
Still Image: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) / Image with Audio: Jpeg (DCF / Exif2.21) +Quick Time / Motion Picture: Quick Time Motion JPEG

Recording
Self Timer
2sec / 10sec

Focus Icon Select
Yes (in Face Recognition Only)

OSD language
Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Travel Date / World Time
Yes / Yes

LCD Monitor
2.5 inch TFT Screen LCD Display (230k dots) / Field of View: approx. 100% Wide Viewing Angle / Auto Power LCD mode, Power LCD Mode

Built in memory
Approx. 40MB

Microphone / Speaker
Mono / Yes
Interface
HD Component Output, AV Output (NTSC/PAL or NTSC only) / USB2.0 high speed, DC input (requires optional DC Coupler)

Power
ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, 940mAh) (included) / AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (optional)

Battery Life (Approx)
350 pictures (CIPA Standard)

Dimensions (WXHXD)
95.3X52.9X21.5mm (3.75X2.08X0.85 in)

Weight
Approx. 128g (0.28 lb) approx. 150g with battery and SD Memory Card (0.33 lb)

Others
Recording
Face Recognition
Optical Image Stabilizer
Photo and Movie
Intelligent ISO control
Face Detection
Intelligent Scene Selector
Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro)
Intelligent Exposure
AF Tracking
Digital Red Eye Correction

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 Camera Review

The famous Lumix range of Panasonic has always proved to be an excellent choice for photographers going on a holiday or on outdoor trips since the cameras in this league are strong, robust and easy to carry. Enjoy these summers with yet another exciting offer from the house of Panasonic; the Lumix DMC FX550. It is a compact digital camera with reliable performance and options to make the user more comfortable with the latest technology.

DMC FX550 is a 12.1 mega pixel camera with a 5x optical zoom lens offering the best quality pictures and movies. Though sharing the same 3- inch 230k-dot touch screen with the Sony’s T900 and an equal price to that of Sony T90 (£294 in the UK), still DMC FX550 distinctively stands among the rest with the convenience it offers to the user. For example the Side panel of the camera at the rear end comprises of a host of buttons and keys within the range of your thumb that represent an ample control over your camera.

The screen itself is a wonder being able to adjust itself to the various types of lighting conditions, it may be exposed to and also makes use of the 11 different settings available for you to select. With the touch screen, you can not only select the proper settings but can also shoot and play back the images. In the play back mode, the touch screen can produce high resolution and excellent quality images that can be played back with the touch scroll provided.

Moreover, the Easy Organization menu gives you the liberty to organize the images, scroll them, edit, resize and customize them by adding text or titles to the images, mark them as your favorites or can just simply delete them if you desire. Every thing right under your thumb!

Coming to the image processing, the Venus Engine has enhanced the speed of processing to around 2.4x the speed of its forerunner. That’s another point of competition between DMC FX550 and T90. At this speed, it offers picture capturing at the rate of 10fps at an image ratio of 4:3. The astounding Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens is an ultra-wide 25mm zoom(equivalent to 25-125mm on a 35mm film camera) having F2.8 brightness and the best possible image integration without any deteriorating effects on the image in case of extra zooming.

With the Image Stabilization option to support the image integrity and prevent blurring, the picture eminence is simply brilliant and in case of low light when you don’t want to use the Flash, the ISO sensitivity ranging from 80 to 640 comes to your help.

The camera also enables you to make High Definition movies at 30fps that can be replayed on the desktop in Quick Time. Though the maximum resolution for movies is 1920×1080 pixels, you can reduce it to 848×480, 640×480 or 320×240 pixels in order to record a longer footage in lesser memory space.

Talking of memory, the DMC FX 550 supports SD and SDHC cards. However, an optional removable media with a built in 40MB space is available, so is the optional HDTV cable. Another negative aspect to the camera is the inability to use the amazing zoom option while shooting movies. But all in all, the camera still stands higher than its competitors due to the user friendly features and its efficiency.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC FX550 is a solid 167g digi cam with a powerful look owing to the metal face plate. The traditional appearance may not make it an ultimate style statement but a slim and sleek body gives a sophisticated aura to the gadget. Available in black and silver colour, the camera is well built to firmly fit into your palm.

With features like Intelligent Auto mode that helps the camera to remember familiar faces, the agony of missing spontaneous and beautiful shots is very well avoided. It includes AF tracking for better focus and clearer image, Auto Face Detection and Recognition. Other smart features in DMC FX550 include Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure, so that all you have to do is target and shoot!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Review

What’s the best thing about a compact digital camera? Obviously, the small size which enables you to carry it anywhere weather it is a vacation on a hill station or your camping trip with friends. But what’s the best thing about a Panasonic compact digital camera? Well! For Panasonic, customer convenience is as important as the quality of the product. Once again, proving its excellence, Panasonic has come up with the exciting new compact digicam, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.

Following the footsteps of its predecessor Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2, and upgrading its features, LX3 offers the ultra sensitive CCD sensor i.e., 1/1.63 inch bearing a lower pixel count of 10.1 mega pixel. Reason for this “downsizing” is the fact that maximizing the pixel count results in higher picture noise; a problem frequently faced by compact digicam users. Moreover, LX3 consists of modified peripheral circuits that further support noise reduction.

The second upgraded feature in LX3, is the F 2.0 LEICA DC VARIO- SUMMI-CRON ultra wide angle lens (24mm-60mm focal length) that produces sharp and clear images with three sets of Aspect ratios available; 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The additional option of Multi-Aspect allows the photographer to take a shot with all three aspect ratios and then choose the one that is the best. Though LX2 had F 2.8 lens, Lx3 has the lens which is twice as bright as the older one. And it also gives better image quality with faster shutter speeds up to 60 seconds even in low lighting situations.

Another magnificent feature in LX3 is the 3.0 inch LCD screen that makes both viewing and shooting easier and better than before. The advanced LCD panel and the intelligent LCD mode provides brighter and wider angle of viewing plus, it adjusts the LCD backlight according to the surrounding conditions, making it feasible for the user to view the images.

The 2.5X optical zoom lens, 720p HD movies and ISO 3200 sensitivity are the usual options that any compact camera would have but what makes Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 stand out is the command it gives the user over the various technical features of the camera. The manual mode gives you full freedom to shoot with different settings while exploring the features of camera whereas the Auto Focus function will mark a number of focus points in the image and after the image capturing the same button will allow you to view the focused area in the imaged more closely so as to check its precision. The customized setting function enables the user to assign a set of features to an independent button provided at the back of the camera.

For a quick retrieval of any of the settings that you have selected, the Mode dial comes to help. By the way, you can store up to 4 sets of functions in the memory. So, now you don’t have to go through all the settings in order to select the one you want.
Just a click and shoot! An efficient Venus Engine IV (in contrast to Venus Engine III in LX2) present in LX3, offers the faster continuous shooting feature of 2.5fps for 8 frames, and 2fps for 5 frames. The improved battery life and a boost up 50 MB internal memory just adds to the overall package. With a flash hot-shoe to provide for illumination and a USB 2.0 Hi Speed interface, Lumix DMC-LX3 has only the best to offer.

The advancements don’t end up here, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 has the optional wide conversion lens, and ND filter and a PL Filter which makes photo shooting more creative and something to be amazed of! The optical viewfinder and the mega O.I.S (optical image stabilizer) makes imaging simple, easy and fun.

Bringing the colors to life, the LX3 model offers you the freedom to capture the beauty around you at a mere price of just UK £330. Available in cool silver and black colors, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is a piece of art; classy and technically chic. You must own one!

Panasonic Lumix DMC FT1 Review – Budget 12.1 MP Digital Camera

In January 2009, Panasonic introduced an exciting deal in the market. An intelligent combination of advanced technology and improved user compliance, Panasonic DMC FT1 is a smart wonder.

Giving you the freedom to shoot anywhere and that literally means “anywhere”. Built to bear tough and rough conditions, the camera is water resistant up to 3 meters in water owing to the rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins present inside the camera and an airtight body so you can take photos and while you are way deep in water.

Making video and photo capturing more fun, the camera also proves to be a tough sport! Where there are risks of water damaging the machinery, chances are also there that dust might enter the camera and cause problems. But hey! This camera is dust proof too. And if that was not enough, Panasonic DMC FT1 is also shockproof. You don’t believe it? Go, drop it from a height of 1.5 meters and see the strength of the camera. This is possible due to the additional coating of shockproof material over the surface and the extra protection given to the lens unit so that it can absorb the shocks from a hit or a drop. These features make the camera ideal for adventurous trips. The LCD screen is intentionally thickened so that it can remain intact even under high pressure and shocks and also enables the user to view images underwater.

Coming to the technical features, the camera offers a 28 mm wide angle lens, a 4X optical zoom and the ability to shoot HD movies with ease not only in JPEG mode but also in AVCHD Lite that gives brilliant audio and visual quality. A host of other amazing features are also incorporated in this master piece, such as the Auto Face Detection and Auto Recognition mode that not only detects human faces but also records frequently shot faces into its memory so that whenever your friend or family are in the frame, the camera automatically focuses them. You can also tag those faces with specific icons like cute hearts for your loved ones. Other than names, you can also specify a particular age group. For example using the baby mode, if the baby under 3 years of age is detected in the frame, the camera automatically switches to the specific mode. The category playback will show only the photos of registered faces so that you can compile all the images of the desired person. The Auto Face tracking is also something unique since it lets you keep track and clear focus of objects that are fast moving in order to ensure perfect imaging. You just have to aim at a particular object, lock the mode and you are free to shoot! And don’t worry about the image blurring due to a sudden handshake as the Optical Image Stabilizer takes care of it all. The ISO control also adjusts the ISO sensitivity so that excellent images are obtained free from blurring plus you don’t miss any shots.

Another elegant feature of Panasonic DMC FT1 is the Backlight compensation that automatically comes into action as the focus object moves to backlight. Moreover the Intelligent Scene Selector is available to provide Night Portrait, Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery and Macro Modes which are selected according to the requirement.

The ever efficient Venus Engine HD gears up in this camera to perform faster and better than before so that powerful and perfect High Definition AVCHD Lite movies are easy to make. The high speed of the Engine is due to the incorporation of a dual CPU system that has increased the speed of the camera operations and processing up to 2.4 times approximately. The camera itself saves time and thus energy; it starts within 1.3 seconds with the shutter release lag time of only 0.005 seconds approximately. This makes it ideal to shoot spur of the moment snaps such as a basketball shot or an embarrassing fall of a friend. Keeping the full 12.1 mega pixel resolution, DMC FT1 can take around 2.3 shots per second in the burst shooting mode whereas the ultra fast High Speed burst shooting mode allows 10 shots per second. Also you can shoot without any pause until the memory card is all consumed so a whole day out with friends or a wedding ceremony can be captured without having to worry about the space or energy failure.

Another unique feature of Panasonic DMC FT1 is the Wind Cut function that is usually found in camcorders. It reduces the noise from the background as encountered in out door shooting or extremely windy weather. With the audio in the movies polished by this function, the visual integrity is not neglected too. The FT1 offers over 16 different scene modes other than the scene modes given for stills which give the perfect setting to your movie making with only a single mode selection. There are 3 different levels available for movies recorded in AVCHD Lite; SH (17 Mbps), H (13 Mbps) and L (9 Mbps) so that you can select the one you think suitable. The built in LED light comes into action automatically as you start making motion pictures if the surrounding area is not well lit. The Panasonic DMC FT1 just pampers you to such an extent that you only have to press a button while aiming at the object of your desire and there you have created another beautiful memory in the form of a photo or a movie. The Panasonic Lumix DMC FT1 retails around £250 which makes it a highly recommended deal for those who want to relive the happy moments of life!

Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 Review – Digital Camera Review

Going beyond the conventional approach has always been the prime target of Panasonic. Take the example of Panasonic Lumix G1; a camera privileged to be the first one to possess an electronic view finder and an electronic inter changeable lens. In appearance, it is like a small version of an SLR, however it’s not! The typical camera look was opted for intentionally by the manufacturer, since the main market of this camera was originally Japan where people still want the conventional looking camera. The 5-mirror view finder has been replaced by the latest and highly technical view-only system offering high resolution that can be viewed on the large screen at the back of the camera with an aspect ratio of 3:2.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 is the first Micro Four Third digital camera. Unlike other DSLRs, it is more user friendly, compact and simple in function. The quality and a fantastic adaptability make it better in terms of digital photography than other cameras available.

The usual technical aspects include a 12.1 mega pixel resolution, the option to shoot 3fps with 800X600 megapless pixel resolutions, 3.0 inch LCD screen and an electronic view finder with 60 fps of imaging with the view finder. The camera is also very tough since it has supersonic wave filter dust reduction that makes it usable in dusty climates. This gives you the freedom to take your camera everywhere; from deserts to forests, it is capable to bear the tough climates.

Now photography in the dark is made easier thanks to the built in flash and the image is supported by high ISO sensitivity ranging between 100-3200: The camera also features 23 point high speed contrast detection Auto Focus System that enables the camera to focus on people and keeps tack of fast moving objects.

This camera is no doubt one of the fastest performing devices with a power-on time of 1 second and shutter long time with full Auto Focus being 0.35-0.37 seconds. The unique lens provides a wide angle with a negligible 0.4% distortion and view finder with 98X73 mm accuracy.

Summarizing the whole deal, Panasonic G1 has a high quality imaging system with a flip and twist screen and conventional camera look; it looks like an amazing combination of something classic and chic. It supports secure digital memory card, SDHC and multi media cards. A lithium ion battery is available for the power supply. You can connect the camera to USB very easily and can share your happy memories with others.

The gadget is available in brilliant red, blue and black colors, so pick a colour that suits your personality the best! The Price range is between £450 – £550 which is not bad at all if you keep in view the unique and intelligent features that it incorporates. Some downsides are encountered in this deal like the accident prone jog dial, large size and disability to shoot videos but these are acceptable looking at the quality results that it has to offer.

All in all, you are suely going to love Panasonic Lumix DMC G1 camera for its versatility and amazing functions; may it be high speed, the ease of changing the lens or the ultra fine image quality, it’s simply perfect!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 – Digital Camera Review

The market is over flowing with compact digital cameras of all sizes, prices and kinds. So, what’s new with Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18? Externally, almost the same as DMC-FZ8, it is the “super zoom” model added to the Lumix range of Panasonic. However, it offers better zoom, enhanced pixels and some intelligent features that its predecessor lacked.

With the giant optically stabilized zoom of 18X (28X504ram) DMC-FZ18 has joined the race with Fuji film’s Fine Pix 5800fd and Olympus Sp 550 UZ. The ½.5 inch sensor allows 8.3 mega pixels beating the Olympus model which offered only 7.2 mega pixels. And when the optical zoom is this large and the sensor is ultra

sensitive, then one would expect noise production in the images but Panasonic once again taking the lead has reduced noise by 5 levels whereas the Olympus model offered up to 3 levels only.

This Lumix camera has a 28mm wide angled LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens that with it’s bigger aperture allows maximum light to enter and brings out beautiful images. Variable numerous image sizes are available from 640X480 to 3264X1840. Movie clips can be made at 640X480, 320X240 and 848X480, all at the rate of 30/10 fps. This versatile camera is a cross between compact and digital SLR which enables the user to shoot outside home and boundaries without changing the lens. The JPEG and Quick Time motion file formats are available for your convenience, but the actual comfort comes from the smart functions DMC FZ18 performs. The features are modern, enhanced and efficient to such an extent that you only have to smile in front of the camera, and the rest is taken care of by the Intelligent Auto-Mode that automatically activates Face detection, intelligent ISO for motion, Shake Detection Mega O.I.S and Scene detection for any kind of situation so the user does not have to bother about adjusting the settings and the picture can be taken in a single click with ease. The Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S) prevents the blurring of image in case the user’s hand shakes when the position of the camera is changed. Auto scene selector option further enhances the image quality by adjusting itself to the various scene modes such as night scenery, portrait, etc. and also makes a focus and detects faces all by itself. The Auto Face detection can recognize up to 15 faces and make them prominent in group photos. Unlike other cameras you don’t have to press the shutter button half way to focus on the subject, the Auto focus does that for you thus reducing the time.

Another stunning feature of Panasonic DMC FZ 18 is the Venus Engine III which speeds up image processing and let you record images at ISO 1600 with maximum resolution. It allows the user to take consecutive shots at the rate of 3 frames / sec and is capable of taking continuous photos until the whole memory is consumed, so that you can record all the fun without facing the disappointment of memory failure.

In addition to noise reduction, the chromatic noise is also lowered allowing you to get clearer images. The Venus Engine III has also improved the picture quality. Even in pitch darkness, now you can shoot without using the flash as the Highly Sensitive Mode lets you shoot at ISO 6400 owing to the efficiency of the Venus Engine. This processing unit also reduces power consumption and allows the user to shoot 400 shots in only one charge. Good for picnics and camping trips.

The price of the camera is around £270 and has a finely textured body of metal & plastic that is certainly commendable. The previous model DMC-FZ8 had a joystick for some manual functions which is also incorporated in FZ18 model too all for the ease of the customers and with the smart feature of AF/AE locking the settings, the camera offers convenience with style. The lock button will ensure that your desired settings remain untouched and they are not changed by accidental pressing of a button. It also keeps the focus intact so all you have to do is click it! The Custom setting is your personal set of options that you most commonly apply to pictures or videos and so by just selecting the option you don’t have to adjust them all over and over again so it saves you the time and energy.

Panasonic DMC FZ18 is simply a stylish wonder that helps you retain those beautiful memories on truelife quality pictures, so that each time you view them, its like reliving those happy moments!

Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 Review – Budget Digital Camera With High End Features

The arrival of New Year 2009 spelled good news to all the Panasonic Lumix fans, as the company added yet another exciting model to its existing Lumix range, the Panasonic Lumix DMC- TZ7 hybrid camera- a combination of both a camera and a camcorder. It has been awarded multiple times for its remarkable quality and convenience of use. So keeping up with the past reputation, Panasonic launched its latest venture in January 2009 that speaks up for it’s excellent performance.

Optical Zoom

The high quality LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens giving an exceptional 12.0 x optical zoom provides a range of 25- 300mm in a 35mm film equivalence which I am sure no one would expect from a camera of such a small size. Comprising of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ED lenses, 3 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces, it utilizes new lens material in its design. The TZ7 has 12.0 mega pixel CCD which can capture images up to 10 mega pixel resolution and the Extra Optical Zoom can enhance the zoom power to 21.4x with a 3 mega pixel resolution by simply using the centre part of the large CCD so that you can focus on an object without destroying the image quality. In a range of 25mm- 300mm the camera can capture in all 3 aspect ratios; 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 and not only this you can select the photo that you like the best. This is made possible by the Multi Aspect Mode.

Still Photography and Video Capture

The AVCD Lite Option allows the user to record longer clips in the High Definition Motion in addition to the Motion JPEG Images for a time period double to that given by the conventional Motion JPEG format while the quality remains uncompromised. The Dolby Digital Stereo Creator provides an outstanding sound system. The Stereo Microphone and Wind Cut Functions prevent the disturbing noise due to the background and allows an Audio Sampling of 48 KHz. This makes the TZ7 a dual deal…a wonderful and ultimate combination of a camera and a camcorder. And not to mention the famous Intelligent Auto-iA option that ensures a smooth and easy operation. And when it comes to high power zooming, hand shakes may ruin the video clip but you don’t have to worry about it as well…the Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 has the option of Optical Image Stabilizer which enables the user to shoot without any turbulence. The Intelligent Exposure works throughout the movie session to adjust the proper light throw without over blowing or shadowing the scene whereas the Visual quality is continuously checked by the Intelligent Scene Selector which routinely checks the modes for Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light. The Face Detection can automatically detect and focus a face while adjusting the lighting, contrast and skin tones so that the mage looks stunning!

This camera also enlists 16 different scene modes for movie making and you can choose the three motion image quality levels available that suits you best: SH (17 Mbps), H (13 Mbps), and L (9 Mbps). Stills or motion images recorded in AVCHD Lite on SD Memory Cards can be viewed on a Panasonic VIERA TV by only inserting the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SDHC/ SD Memory Card Slot) or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player so that you can playback the recording and by using the optional Mini HDMI cable you can view the still and motion images directly to the TV for VIERA link. The play back functions doesn’t end over here, you can also incorporate both the stills as well as the videos in the slide shows integrated within the time line and categorize them on the basis of scene modes that you used or the calendar display or so on and all this can be controlled by a simple TV’s remote control. No worries about the editing of the recorded clips as the incorporated software PHOTOfunSTUDIO HD is available for the task. And by the way, you can also upload the videos on YOU Tube or even burn them to DVD disc for archiving.

AF Tracking and Face Recognition

But the most striking feature of all that is unique and impressive is the AF Tracking and the Face Recognition function that helps the camera to remember a familiar face that has been shot various times by giving you the option to register the face by the name of the person. Not only this, it will then prioritize that particular face or faces with respect to sharp focus and brightness, especially in a group shot so that the object of your desire appears to be more beautiful than the others plus you can add special icons such as a love heart to your loved one…how romantic! You may manually register the personal details of your friends and family and can even specify their ages. For e.g. if babies under the age of 3 years are registered then the camera will automatically switch to the Baby mode. Planning a surprise birthday collage for a friend, just enter the registered person’s name in the play back and you will get all his/ her photos shot from your camera…isn’t it great!

Other attractions that make this master piece a must buy is include its high performance and high speed Venus Engine HD which with its twin CPUs boosts up the processing capacity to 2.4x approximately thus improving the camera operations speed.
There is relatively reduced luminance and chromatic noise that further beautifies the image. This engine also speeds up the time of the shooting so that you don’t have to miss the spur-of-the-moment scenes since the shutter release lag time is just 0.006 seconds. In Burst shooting mode, the camera can take approx. 2.3 shots per second in 10.1 mega pixel full resolutions. In High Speed Burst shooting modes, it lets you capture around 10 shots per sec. whereas unlimited consecutive shooting option allows the user to shoot until the memory card id full. The newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take shots one after the other with non stop emission of flash. It also boosts up the battery life to 300 shots (CIPA) per single charge.

And last but not the least…. the cost factor! The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 is available at the latest price of which is a fair bargain because the quality and functions that this hybrid camera offers is difficult to find in any other model in the market. So, in my opinion its highly recommended.