Overview
The Panasonic DMC LZ10 is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. It has manual exposure controls.
Why Buy The Panasonic DMC LZ10
If you are looking for some extra features for a reasonable price then the DMC LZ10 could be the right camera for you. The specification includes manual exposure controls, image stabilisation, bracketing and wide screen movies. It also has a wider than standard lens for landscape and group portrait photos.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
5x
2.5 inches
97.5 x 62.0 x 33.3 m
141g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
Yes
AA
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
My first test shot with the DMC LZ10 suggests that focusing is likely to be roughly average. There is evidence of a loss of detail on the boats where the sun strikes them. This has also caused some of the blue lines to take on a purple tinge in places.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
This photo shows vivid colour. Sharpness is good without being outstanding. Some areas of the photo are darker than they could be.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
I am disappointed with this shot. It is just not sharp enough for my liking.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
Overall sharpness is better than with the zoom fully extended, but it is still not pin sharp. Taking all four outdoor test shots into consideration I would like to have seen sharper photos in general.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
This is my favourite portrait shot of those taken with the DMC LZ10. The colours have a warm feel to them. As with one of the outdoor scenic shots the shady areas could do with more light.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
Even with the flash on I feel the photo could be brighter. Focusing is better for the portrait shots in general than for the more distant scenic shots.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
I must admit that the day this photo was taken was not quite as bright as it has been for other recent test shots. Even so I am still disappointed that the photo is as dark as it is. The lighting available at the time was still good.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
This is a good effort. I find Panasonic digital cameras take good close up shots in general and the DMC LZ10 carries on that reputation.
Colours:
As with other cameras in the Panasonic range colours are stronger than they are from other brands. I have mentioned before that colour strength is a mater of personal taste. I think the colours stay within reasonable bounds.
ISO 400 and ISO 1600:
Noise is always a problem as the ISO rating is increased no matter what camera you use. At ISO 400 noise levels are quite acceptable in the brighter areas of the shot. As you would expect the darker areas show higher levels of noise. Once you reach ISO 1600 noise is a big problem.
Summary
The DMC LZ10 could do better when it comes to focusing. I also found lighting to be a bit uneven and shady areas could do with greater illumination.
Style
The DMC LZ10 has a fairly standard design for a compact camera that is too large to slip into a pocket. It is a typical rectangular shape with a raised grip area on the right hand side.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.45 seconds
12.25 seconds
1.73 seconds
25.25 seconds
Ease of Use
Panasonic cameras have clear and easy to read menus. The control dial on the top of the camera places a number of key controls at your finger tips as well.
Points I Like
Ease of use - wide screen movies
Where it Could Improve
Shutter delay could be that little faster, especially with flash.
Verdict
When it comes to picture quality my feeling is that the Panasonic DMC LZ10 does not quite hit the mark. It is not that bad, but there are one or two problems that make other cameras a better choice.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ45 has a lot going for it. I thought picture quality compared very well against digital cameras with a similar specification. There is a wide range of features to get to grips with too. In my view this is one of the best super zoom digital cameras and offers good value for money.
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Related Pages
Panasonic DMC LZ10 Review Panasonic DMC LZ10 Specification Panasonic DMC LZ10 Sample Images Panasonic DMC LZ10 Features
Review Date
June 2008
