Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ7 reviewed

PC Magazine just laid-out a postivie review on Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ7 six megapixel superzoom shooter. The reviewer fawned over the “excellent image” produced by this “very inexpensive” cam's “outstanding” VARIO-ELMARIT 12x optical zoom lens steadied by Panny’s MEGA Optical image stabilizer. The ability to shoot 640 x 480, 30fps video in both bright and low light with "little noise" was found to be “above average” -- especially in this price range. Yeah, there was some noticeable shutter lag and the non-articulating 2.5-inch LCD solarised when viewed from a sharp angle. Still, that didn’t stop PC Mag from slapping an Editor’s Choice, 4/5 rating on this $400ish $300ish cam when all was said and done.

[MDJ @ Apr 20th 2006 7:46AM]

Panasonic digital cameras are consistently underrated, its refreshing to see the mass media recognize them (yes, PC Mag is mass media). I have two Lumix cameras and they are excellent, once you have 12x zoom with optical image stabilization you can't go back.

[IC @ Apr 20th 2006 8:58AM]

Where do you get $400ish from? I just paid $329 plus shipping from Amazon of all places. If you're willing to deal with no-name online vendors, it's closer to $317.

In case you were curious about Amazon, it's this cutting edge new online store with a really wide selection of products. You can find it at www.amazon.com

[Matt Volk @ Apr 20th 2006 9:13AM]

The camera also does 848 x 480 widescreen video at 30fps.

I love it, the I.S. is great and the manual focus is easy to use as well.

[duke @ Apr 20th 2006 9:55AM]

"If you're willing to deal with no-name online vendors, it's closer to $317." actually you can get FZ7 for less than $250 if you willing to deal with those brooklin crooks, but i must warn ya, they don't really come with the batteries or anything else...

* Higher than average Noise at ISO 80
* Strong color noise at ISO 200+
* Mild Chromatic aberration and corner softness in macro mode
* Mild vignetting at widest zoom setting / widest aperture
* New LCD is bright, but resolution is lower
* Occasional focus hunting at long end of zoom in low light
* Macro mode pointless - why not a macro button?
* High sensitivity mode results next to useless

when dealing with digital camera, its better to look at every perspects from different reviewer's angle. these are the cons they listed on dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz7/page14.asp)

[Nick @ Apr 20th 2006 10:17AM]

I am stuck trying to decide if I want this or the Lumix DMC-FZ30K. I've done a fair amount of research. I hear this one has an ISO 1600, though I can only imagine how much noise would be in those shots. I'm making a trip the the Phillipines in three weeks, any suggestions on which one?

[steveo676 @ Apr 20th 2006 10:29AM]

this is like the sony H-1 bbut with the panasonic logo

[Thomas Ricker @ Apr 20th 2006 11:04AM]

$399 was MSRP. Updated to $300ish to prevent a coup and reflect Froogle pricing.

Thomas

[nikescream @ Apr 20th 2006 12:09PM]

I've had this camera for two weeks now and I am very happy with it so far. I am looking forward to reviews for the TZ1..That camera is mighty small with big zoom lens.

[Sceptic @ Apr 20th 2006 7:25PM]

I just got a TZ1 two days ago, after a lot of doubt because of the noise issues in the review of the closely related FX01 on dpreview. But in the end my shortlist came down to the TZ1 and the FX01. The latter has a 28mm wide angle, a slightly higher resolution (6M instead of 5M) and is much smaller, but I feared I'd miss the superzoom so I went for the TZ1.

In reality the noise is not that big an issue because of the great IS system: handheld shots at 1/8sec are very doable, at least if your subject doesn't move. Of course you cannot compare a compact (smaller lens, smaller sensor) with DSLRs that are five times as expensive, bulky and heavy.

As to the ISO 1600 mode: it's there, so you can at least make a bad picture instead of none at all.

Macro shots from 3", 10x tele, all handheld in low light. Decent 848x480 30fps widescreen movies (and yes, you can operate the zoom while filming!), fast and easy operation, great LCD, lots of features, great lens with minimal distortion over the entire zoom range. It's a stunning package.

[Rich - UK @ Apr 22nd 2006 12:41PM]

@duke - "when dealing with digital camera, its better to look at every perspects from different reviewer's angle. these are the cons they listed on dpreview"

...but not all sides are negative - the same page also has many positives:

* Excellent resolution & sharp results
* Good, natural color and excellent exposure
* Superb 12x optical zoom
* Effective image stabilization
* Small and light, but well built
* Comprehensive range of controls
* Very fast operation
* Very fast (and accurate) focus using 'High Speed' option
* Well designed menu system
* Nice handling and improved controls
* Easy to use
* Bright, clear, large LCD screen
* Usable EVF
* Good burst mode and fast card writing
* Autofocus illuminator and generally excellent low light focus
* Powerful flash
* Excellent battery life
* Huge improvement in video performance
* Superb value for money

...I've had a FZ7 for over a month now, and although it has negative points (haven't all cameras?) the ones shown on dpreview aren't as evident as made out, and it could be argued that they don't overly affect the type of user that the camera is aimed at.

[Perrey Z. @ Apr 23rd 2006 12:39AM]

So Lumix owners you said these Panasonic cameras are worth a second look?

I'm trying to decide between the Lumix DMC-FZ30S/K or the Cyber-Shot DSC-R1., any input from both camps about these cameras will be appreciated.

[Steve Weiler @ Apr 26th 2006 1:26PM]

I've just purchased this from Beach Camera (online) for $324, NO TAX, NO SHIPPING! I have a new baby on the way come Sept. (yea!) and wanted to upgrade from my Fuji Finepix 3800 (3.2 megapix).

I was seriously considering the Canon Rebel since the price has come down to around the $750-$800 range. But after reconsideration, and reading reviews and posts from others, I decided on the Lumix.

From what I've read here, I think I'll enjoy it. My main concern is being able to print the occassional 8x10 after doing some minor cropping.

Anyone printed a 8x10 from this camera yet?

Jivedaddy.com

[Don @ Apr 26th 2006 9:35PM]

Steve,

I've had this camera for about 3 weeks now and I can print fantastic looking 8X10s. I've been very happy with it so far.

[Jose @ Apr 27th 2006 12:52AM]

The Lumix line is fanstastic. My sister has an FZ5 and the colors and quality is amazing. The FZ7 is an upgrade to the FZ5 right? I am guessing that the FZ30K is an upgrade to the FZ30? I am a fan of the cameras, but Panasonic doesn't seem to dilineate very well what their flagship is vs. their latest offerings etc. Incidentally, for the guy with the upcoming baby: I faced the same dillemma and found a great article that helps you make a better decision: http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/panasonic_lumix_dmc-fz30_canon_eos-20d_camera_shootout/

[Chris @ Apr 29th 2006 2:34PM]

I had been shopping the DMC-FZ5 when I noticed that the FZ7 is now priced a mere ~$20 more.

My qualms about the FZ5 were that it's only 5 MP (not much of a jump from what I have now), lack of native 3:2 at its highest resolution, and proprietory battery... the FZ7 resolves my concerns (less battery) but introduces some new ones. According to dpreview.com and other reviews the noise is worse than that of the FZ5, which the extra MP doesn't make up for, and the screen, while bigger is actually a lower resolution. I also think the FZ7's new look is fugly, but that's not a killer point for me.

I'm really digging the 12X optical zoom and other specs that this series has to offer though. So I suppose the most important thing is MP vs image noise... any thoughts? Has anyone done more image comparisons between the two?

Thanks!