Overview
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.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
6x
2.5 inches
98.5 x 62.3 x 33.1mm
184g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
No
AA
SD / SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
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.
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.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.47 seconds
23.01 seconds
0.52 seconds
24.07 seconds
Ease of Use
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.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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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 LZ7 Review Panasonic DMC LZ7 Specification Panasonic DMC LZ7 Sample Images Panasonic DMC LZ7 Features
Review Date
June 2007
