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Top Panasonic Lumix TZ1 Camera Reviews
Photography
Blog reviews the
Panasonic Lumix TZ1 and said: "Image
quality is on the whole good, although the inability to alter
sharpness in the camera is frustrating as the images are soft.
The 5 megapixel 1/2.5 inch sensor used in the DMC-TZ1 is not as
noisy as those used in other Panasonic cameras that I have
tested, with ISO 80-200 being perfectly usable. This means that
in conjunction with the Mega O.I.S system, the Panasonic Lumix
DMC-TZ1 can deal with most shooting situations, both indoors and
out, although in low-light situations the camera struggles to
focus at the telephoto end of the zoom range."
Digital Camera Info wrote a review of the
Panasonic Lumix TZ1 and said: "The Panasonic Lumix TZ1 is priced
fairly at $349. When considering manual control and image
flexibility, it isn’t a steal, but for an optically stabilized Leica-approved
10x zoom lens in a pocketable frame, it is extremely affordable. The
TZ1 is positioned in its own little niche of the digital camera
market; there are no other point-and-shoot-styled cameras that offer
double-digit optical zoom with image stabilization. Because of this,
the Panasonic TZ1 is setting the standard with its price point."
Panasonic Lumix TZ1 News Release Summary:
Another world first from Panasonic: The Lumix DMC-TZ1 - the
world's smallest 10x optical zoom digital still camera
Panasonic Lumix cameras go from strength to strength with
technological advancements designed to offer the ultimate in
picture performance and user convenience. Building on its
digital still camera achievements, Panasonic presents you with
the world's smallest 10x optical zoom digital still camera, made
possible by the world's first integrated retractable lens system
with folded optics technology.
Traveller Zoom - the ultimate travelling companion
The lens part of the super-compact TZ1 features the integration
of a retractable lens system with folded optics technology,
realized by the inclusion of a prism. Incorporating three
aspherical lenses, the crystallization of Panasonic optics
technology, results in an amazingly powerful 10x optical zoom
LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens contained within a slim and stylish
body. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 12.5x in 3 megapixel
resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra
Optical Zoom. Furthermore, in combination with the 4x digital
zoom, a zoom factor of up to 50x can be achieved.
The power of the Venus Engine III engine
The DMC-TZ1 boasts the newly developed Venus Engine III,
offering the ability to take 250 pictures on a single charge
whilst consuming only 80% of the power utilised by the
predecessor, Venus Engine II. The TZ1 allows unlimited
consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the 13.4MB built-in
memory or the SD memory card. This new engine, the brain of a
digital camera, boasts outstanding response time with an
industry leading shutter release time of only 0.006sec minimum
(the time taken between pressing the button on the camera and
the photo being taken) and a shutter interval of approximately
0.5 seconds, thus enabling easy capture of spur-of-the- moment
shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at
three frames per second in full resolution.
Offering quick response times and high quality image output, the
TZ1's Venus Engine III also dramatically reduces noise levels
even at increased ISO settings. Shooting up to a manually
selectable ISO800 setting, in full resolution, it is possible to
enhance your photographic potential by taking advantage of high
shutter speeds which suppress image blur caused by subject
movement.
A stir without the blur
Panasonic has enabled the TZ1 to shoot at a maximum setting of
ISO800, with its new High Sensitivity Mode. This ingenious mode
reduces image blur caused by moving subjects - especially
indoors by shooting at fast shutter speeds. Made possible by the
mixed-pixel read out method of the CCD, users can now enjoy good
quality 4x6 prints of moments that would otherwise be lost.
Whilst the resolution will not be as high in this mode, High
Sensitivity is the difference between getting a shot or not at
all.
In addition to the new High Sensitivity Mode, Panasonic has also
equipped the TZ1 with its globally recognised Optical Image
Stabiliser feature. O.I.S minimises the jitter from shaky hands
that causes many photos to look blurred by shifting the O.I.S
lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the
CCD, to ensure images are always beautifully clear.
Be it hand shake or subject movement, the TZ1 incorporates the
solution for both major causes of blurred images, resulting in
amazingly sharp photos in various situations.
The fiercely fast linear auto-focus system
The TZ1 is the first Lumix model to adopt a Linear AF system
which, combined with the high speed AF function, achieves an
industry-leading high speed AF response time among high zoom
digital cameras, whilst reducing the noise of the motor. The
superior AF capabilities also enable an increased speed in
continuous AF, allowing easy and precise focusing even when
shooting moving subjects. It is now even possible to zoom in
while recording motion images. Together with the TZ1's overall
quick response time and the power of the Venus Engine III, this
linear AF system also contributes to a super fast start-up time
of 0.95sec. The speed in which this camera operates means you'll
be able to capture special moments, spontaneously.
Bright and beautiful motion pictures
In addition to standard VGA (640x680) at 30fps motion image
recording, the TZ1 also records stunning full-size movies in
wide aspect VGA (840x840) at 30fps, enabling you to view them on
a widescreen television. The brightness level is enhanced as a
result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD.
The linear AF system enables zooming in while recording motion
images, while the O.I.S ensures blur-free footage.
The perfect travel companion boasting 18 scene modes
The Lumix TZ1's 18 scene modes allow you to effectively capture
your travelling experience, wherever you go. The 'aerial' mode
assists with shooting through aeroplane windows, and once you
reach your destination, the new 'beach' mode is ideal for taking
photos in strong sunlight. Used with a separately available
marine case boasting a water-resistance of up to 40m deep, the
'underwater' mode helps produce spectacular underwater shots,
even at depths where there is no sunlight.
Travellers further benefit from the useful Travel Date Setting
which, once you have preset the date of your departure, records
and displays the images in chronological order of your trip. The
World Time Setting is also useful as it allows you to set the
time and date of 74 locations across the world.
These modes are welcomed additions to the existing portrait,
soft skin, scenery, night portrait, night scenery, food, party,
candle, fireworks, starry sky, snow and baby mode. Panasonics
Baby Mode has now doubled its appeal with the ability to set two
birthdays for two children. When shooting in Baby Mode1 or 2,
the relevant child's age at the time of image capture is
automatically recorded onto the image, allowing you to forever
treasure your children's special moments.
...and another first by Panasonic - aiming high with the
TZ1's High Angle Mode
The TZ1 has a 207K high resolution, 2.5 large LCD. The
pixel-mixed read out method performed by the CCD automatically
increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD,
which greatly facilitates low-light shooting.
Panasonic is the first manufacturer to incorporate the highly
useful High Angle Mode to a digital still camera LCD, making it
easy to view when holding the camera up high to take pictures
over a crowd, for example. With the help of the Power LCD
function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even
shooting in bright outdoor situations is no longer a problem.
The high-resolution LCD can also display your images in up to 25
thumbnails on a multi-split screen and allows you to date search
an image with the Calender Display Mode.
A traveller's treasure - the small DMCTZ1 boasts huge features
to make travel photography a real pleasure. Available from
April.
Panasonic Lumix TZ1 Best Price:
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