The Panasonic DMC LZ7 is a seven megapixel camera with a longer than standard six times optical zoom lens. Where the DMC LZ7 is different from many digital cameras is that it offers the extra zoom power while remaining an easy to use, point and shoot digital camera. Therefore it is ideal for anyone who would like some extra zoom, but does not what either increased complexity or the higher price tag that the additional, more advanced features usually brings.
Image Quality Panasonic DMC LZ7 test shots
My first test shot produces a pleasingly sharp photo. The sharpness is also retained as you move towards the edge of the shot. Colours are well balanced without being as deep and vivid as you can manage with some digital cameras. There is a degree of noise showing in the photo and there are also areas on the boats where the DMC LZ7 finds in difficult to deal with the glare of the sun shining directly down onto the boats.
If the second scenic shot looks darker than other similar test shots I have taken then this is likely to be related to the time of day the photo was taken rather than a fault on the camera itself. This was taken during a long run of poor weather and I was just able to squeeze my test shots into a small time window before cloud started to roll in.
This photo is not a bad effort from the DMC LZ7, but I have detected a fair amount of noise in the shot. If you have not come across noise in a photo before it is similar to, although nowhere near as bad as, the effect found when a television set is not tuned in correctly.
For the third scenic shot I have zoomed in as far as the lens lets me. As I have noticed with other digital cameras this reduces the level of colour in the shot and the sky, which was blue at the time the photo was taken, is now much greyer. I have also noticed noise creeping into the shot. This is especially noticeable in the darker shaded areas, for example where an area of boat is facing away from the sun. Despite these issues the photo is still of a better quality than many cameras manage.
Looking at the dedicated test for colour this shot again suggests that the DMC LZ7 doesn't produce the boldest colours. This is a matter for personal taste. Not everyone likes strong colours.
The outdoor portrait is my favourite test shot. I used the white balance shady setting to add a bit more depth to the colours and was rewarded with a photo with a pleasantly warm feel to it. The shot has a glow to it.
Both my indoor tests in lower light produce good results. The DMC LZ7 is able to focus and produce sharp photos despite the conditions. There is a small amount of red eye showing in the indoor portrait.
The macro shot is another that works well for this level of camera. It is a clear and sharp shot. This suggests you should have no problem if you plan to take the occasional macro photo.
Pushing up the ISO sensitivity produces the usual drop in picture quality. At ISO 400 this is at a fairly acceptable level, but as you move higher towards the top 1250 setting picture quality hits serious heavy weather.
Shutter Lag
The DMC LZ7 has a noticeable problem with recycle times. This is the time it takes to get ready for the next shot after a photo has been taken. A single photo took 0.47 seconds while five photos took 23.01 seconds. Turning flash on makes little difference to the times recorded. This is probably because the flash is able to recharge while the camera is focusing. A single shot with flash took 0.52 seconds while five shots took 24.07 seconds.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
Style: This camera has a bit of a bulky feel to it. Its too large to fit into a pocket and I would suggest a case to carry it around in. There is a raised grip area on the front to help you hold the camera steady when taking a shot. It is available in black and silver.
Dimensions: 98.5 x 62.3 x 33.1 mm
Weight: 184g
Batteries: Two AA. Panasonic suggests you should be able to take in the region of 250 before needing to replace the batteries.
Memory cards: Panasonic have built 27mb (enough for about 9 shots) of memory into the DMC LZ7. Therefore no memory card is supplied. The camera is compatible with SD and SDHC cards.
Click here to save money on SD cards.
Ease of use rating: Very Good - Easy enough to find your way around. There is not much Panasonic could do to make it any easier to use.
Points I like:
Ease of use - indoor photos - LCD display quality
Where it could improve:
Recycle times - noise apparent in a number of photos
Verdict:
The Panasonic DMC LZ7 is a solid camera for the price. Compared to cheaper models with shorter zoom lenses I think this camera offers better value for money. Although picture quality is not perfect it is a cut above that offered by many entry level models.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Panasonic DMC LZ7 Summary |
| Description: | Seven megapixels and a six times zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 9 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 8 |
| Indoors: | 9 |
| Value for Money: | 8 |
| Style: | 7 |
| Movie Mode: | 8 |
| Image Quality: | 7 |
| Build Quality: | 7 |
| Total: | 79 |
| Verdict: | "The Panasonic DMC LZ7 offers twice the standard amount of zoom for only a little more money than a fairly basic digital camera. It is easy to use and takes a decent, if not perfect, picture." |
| Review Date: | June 2007 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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