Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ7 Review
What was missing a compact already interesting as the Lumix DMC-TZ5 climbing one more rung in the catalog of the traveling calls cameras? Although responses vary, most agree, pointing four good ideas: wider zoom, high-definition video, manual controls and RAW format. Panasonic has made the case only in part, because while the new Lumix DMC-TZ7 presents an impressive 25-300 mm zoom and video recording at 720p as its best arguments, other functions are still reserved for models range top.
The Lumix DMC-TZ up one of the most popular sagas showcase compact Panasonic. In fact, until either a few weeks, were almost the only references in this class designed for travelers who want to go light without sacrificing luggage but, above all, a very powerful zoom.
The new Lumix DMC-TZ7 and TZ6 take over the TZ5 and TZ4, contributing mainly to developments that affect the lens used, and in the case of TZ7 to recording high-definition video to 720p.
Given that despite of some limitations and problems with noise, its predecessor managed to be the undisputed queen of the class, the question is whether the TZ7 will be able to maintain this title against the new competitors, such as Canon PowerShot SX200 IS or Samsung WB500, flirting with the same type of user.
Light touches
In general, the TZ7 sticks to what has been the design of this saga for years. A relatively compact body-let us not forget that we are talking about a zoom of 12 increases, metal construction, a comfortable and firm grip in short-and-good sensations in my hands.
Could it be lighter or smaller? Possibly, but the balance between firm size and we feel that until someone invents something better, one of the most successful of the window.
As in recent compact Panasonic models, lack of shortcuts to the menu control is centralized at the “Q. Menu” in the lower back. Perhaps a command something larger and with more prominence would be appreciated.
Also the lack of joystick incorporating some Lumix TZ7 and that this would be a very good time to browse through all of these control parameters or select the focus point.
Post a stick to find a design-as we note, with approval, some errors are repeated too strongly from model to model. Thus, the dial of the top can be moved by mistake or stay fixed in position, which can be a problem if you’re in a hurry, we encounter an error message when you turn the camera and just missing the picture.
In the same vein, the switch that allows the shooting of the review is not the ultimate agility. While other cameras simply press the trigger to retrieve the image and continue taking photos in TZ7 is required by this command.
Now 25 mm
Unchanged in the subsequent 3-inch screen and 460,000 points of resolution, refresh and visibility without hit in almost all circumstances, the first stop brings us to the new lens used.
Panasonic has not only chosen to extend the zoom of 10x which until now had used to arrive in this saga is now at 12 magnification. The most interesting is undoubtedly that in addition to lengthening the focal angle has also benefited from this renewal.
The result is a spectacular goal from 25-300 mm with a maximum brightness of f3.3-4.9. It is clear that we are not talking about the 24mm f2 of the Lumix DMC-LX3, but the truth is that the extensive range and wide-angle coverage make this TZ7, now more than ever a true SUV.
Although the distortion at 25 mm is visible, the general behavior of the lens in terms of sharpness, contrast and definition at the edges is more than acceptable given its size and coverage. The chromatic aberrations are not a problem, since the purple halos appear only in very specific situations and usually extreme.
The behavioral approach also lies in the normal parameters, with a fast and accurate operation only if you abuse the faltering long zoom or when faced with dark environments.
Detection and Recognition
Before you get into more serious issues, it is worth reviewing the endless list of automation that brings the TZ7. A lack of manual controls, this Lumix deploys its full range of modes, settings and scenes, some of them new bill.
Thus, the well known face detection mode, it is now a curious one-sided recognition system that Panasonic has released this new batch. The idea is quite simple and fun (at least when we start to use it): the camera can store up to six faces (which can include name, age, priority, etc.), which will then be recognized when they appear on stage.
Despite being a new system, the truth is that it works pretty well, even when they appear to identify two people at the scene. The setup process is not no mystery: either directly through the menu or the camera offers this option, the fifth time (more or less) the same subject appearing in our images.
Beyond the strange and funny, this feature could prove useful to review the pictures and find only those that appear in certain individuals.
Interesting options are also working in the 16:9 format, but if we select this mode in iA (Intelligent Auto called), the resolution is reduced to 2 megapixels instead of the nearly 9 offered in other ways.
The same is true for some types of scene, as the “blow sand” (a very grainy black and white) and camera estenopeica.
1280 x 720 points
One of the strengths of the new TZ7 is its ability to record video in high definition, namely 720p. One feature that has almost become the leitmotif of many new and compact Panasonic has added his personal touch backs the AVCHD codec Lite, a reduced version of the format used in many high-definition camcorders.
As we experienced, the TZ7 is imposed on this subject to its main competitors not only in regard to image quality and fluidity, but also on details such as, for example, you can use the optical zoom while recording the videos.
It should be remembered, though, that the camera has an excessive reaction time from pressing the record button until video sequence actually begins to register.
Despite its relatively good performance in regard to sharpness, color and smoothness, without reaching the level camcorder that offers a clear-the use of this codec and the resulting files with extension MTS is a little complicated to play by their lack of compatibility with many programs.
Fortunately, the new version of Lumix Viewer accompanying the TZ7 can play these files with enough speed, even powerful computers. You can also make a small edit on the sequence, although the chances are very basic.
To view the videos, the easiest option pass – ¬-as always to take advantage of the HDMI connector which incorporates the camera to connect to an HDTV.
Improved Performance
Although changes in the image sensor pass unnoticed that the most recent developments relate to the optic or video, also releases a new TZ7 CCD 1 / 2, 33 inch and 12-megapixel it is true that limits its resolution Effective for 10 million points.
In line with its predecessors, the overall performance is very good in terms of detail and color of the image. Only Panasonic’s stubbornness not to give your camera to adjust white fluorescent light for a change without a fully automatic solvent requires the use of pull proverbial ears.
Despite the slight increase in the order of 9 to 10 megapixels is not seen to shove, it is true that the firm has done its homework with this new compact and has a slightly refined the image processing.
If until now we complained that from the ISO 400 noise is overcome by a reduction scheme that was carried forward the detail of the photo, something TZ7 improvement in this area. Noise remains an obstacle-course-to work with little light, but the results obtained at 400 and 800 ISO beyond it too much to ask, are pretty decent compared to what is customary in the compact.
The dynamic range, for its part, does not experience major changes from the norm, with high lights the weakest point of the image. Activate the role of Intelligent Contrast or leave everything in the hands of the camera with Intelligent Auto mode can help to lift the shadows a little, but not much is gained in the burned areas.
Regarding battery life, a single charge allows for about 300 pictures with some high-definition video interleaved. In any case, we must be careful if you decide to use the “Quick AF (which remains active continuously for the autofocus, in theory, improve the shot), as have a significant impact on energy consumption.
The Best in Its Class (for now)
After spending a few weeks with the Lumix DMC-TZ7 and, most importantly, compare it with potential competitors, it is clear that Panasonic has managed to survive the ENVIT other companies interested in the compact segment of travelers.
Starting from a base as solid as the TZ5, the TZ7 squeeze even more to offer a better argument stabilized 25-300 mm lens, no competition today, in this segment.
The high-definition video can also be a good hook for some users, but we are convinced that many of them would switch without hesitation a minute manual controls and RAW format.
These two functions are still, undoubtedly, the two main shortcomings of a compact without intruding on the ground of its bigger brothers, get succeed.
Incoming search terms for the article:
- panasonic lumix tz7 system error focus
- lumix system error focus
- lumix tz7 system error zoom
- panasonic lumix system error zoom
- panasonic tz7 system error (focus)
- panasonic tz7 focus error
- lumix dmc-tz6 system error focus
- panasonic LX3 system error (zoom)
- panasonic dmc-fx60 raw
- tz7 raw
Comments
Leave a Reply
