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May 31, 2006
[ PANASONIC DMC-TZ1 - Review ]
Price: $660
Rating: 3.5 stars
The low-down: 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.
Panasonic boast that the TZ1 is a camera with “high sensitivity mode” with ISO settings up to 1600. On test we found that noise is obvious with visible “banding” in shadow areas at ISO 800. However, in correctly exposed areas noise is not a problem.
Exposure, white balance and focus are all good. The TZ1 is more responsive and therefore more pleasant to use than Panasonic’s other super zooms. We achieved better image results with the TZ1 than with the more expensive FZ30.
The extreme zoom range in the compact body is accomplished with folded optics and the results are impressive. Construction quality is excellent and the LCD screen is large, bright and reasonably visible in most light. There is no optical viewfinder.
Like this: 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 the hand.
Dislike that: 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 skin, for instance, look like plastic.
Parting shot: 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 you can live with that the TZ1 is a camera worth considering particularly considering the competitive price.
Posted by terry at May 31, 2006 11:50 PM
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Comments
I agree with your comments. A friend picked up one last week and it's a great little camera in the "does everything okay" range.
One area where it will be really usefull is for all those Saturday sports parents. Now the kids on the Footy or Soccer or Cricket field will no longer be merely small shapes in a photo of a grass field.
Posted by: Richard at June 2, 2006 08:05 AM