I was looking for a 12 x camera with OIS, and I was considering a FZ5 when I come across the Panasonic DMCFZ7BS. For just £30 more, I thought it would be better to get a newer camera.
This camera was great; a big improvement over my LZ1. The best thing (and selling point) about this camera is its 12 x zoom. What it did not say on the box is that it becomes 16.5 x zoom if the picture is taken below 6MP, which is over 450mm! The OIS works to cancel out hand shake at such huge zoom numbers. There are bags of controls for you to fool around with. You can even set/fine tune your own white balance, the weakest point of most digital cameras. Although having said that, the flash is not neutral, and if you are using the flash, you must set it to flash wb, unlike Canon cameras. But that has not been a problem yet.
Some digicams can have filters fitted to them, but you need to buy an adaptor. Not with the FZ7. The lens hood adaptor also works with 52mm filters. Although I am not an expert with filters, this allows me to play around with them.
With any cameras, the most important thing is the image quality. The FZ7 is fairly good in this aspect. The Leica lens helps a lot here. There are some complaints with noise on this camera, but with OIS, I can be using ISO80 most of the time and the pictures will turn out perfectly fine.
Macro mode is meaningless on this camera. It can successfully focus down to 5cm from the lens. I had never found the need for switching to Macro mode.
What I do not like (but have to live with it) is it does not use AA batteries. This means I have to make sure my main and spare are fully charged before going on a long trip.
Another thing is that Panasonic does not make a custom bag for it. I had to use a SLR bag, but this camera is not really SLR size. I can fit this AND my LZ1 in the bag nicely, which says a lot about the small size of this camera.
The main design fault of this camera is the joystick control thing. Most people do not find it easy to use, as it is not in the most natural position. The IR assist lamp tends to be blocked by the other hand, but it still managed to focus correctly without the light (at most times).
As a whole, this camera is perfect for a serious amateur who wants to play a little with SLR like controls but also wants to have a point and shoot when he does not feel like it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Ultra-compact dimensions, fun automatic tools, good performance for the asking price (-) Cluttered menu layout, camera buttons are scarce, specs are almost identical to the Samsung ES15
I might give this a miss, as I'm not keen on heavy things. A good review - Kupo x
MAFARRIMOND 27.05.2006 20:13
An impressive first review. Maureen
JeffFromPoole 27.05.2006 06:56
Good review. I have the FZ20 which I rate very highly. I was a little concerned about the batteries but got a spare from eurobatteries which was less than a tenner, I haven't managed to use two batteries in a day yet.
This Professional Photo&Video Tripod extends to 70-Inch. It is perfect for any DSLR, ... more
compact, medium format camera or DV Camcorder. It features telescopic leg-angle adjustments for a better macro angle. It has long video handles for a smoother operatio...
Postage & Packaging: £3.50 Availability: Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
This Professional Photo&Video Tripod extends to 70-Inch. It is perfect for any DSLR, ... more
compact, medium format camera or DV Camcorder. It features telescopic leg-angle adjustments for a better macro angle. It has long video handles for a smoother operatio...
Postage & Packaging: £3.50 Availability: Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Advantages: Good quality optical zoom, light weight, pleasant and easy to use, excelent stabilization system Disadvantages: "Grainy" images when using ISO 200 or ISO 400, 6MP is a bit too few when printing large sized pictures.
cryptochid 17.03.2007 (17.03.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
Advantages: Takes fantastic pictures at basic level and for more advanced photographers. Disadvantages: Slightly large for carrying around constantly, but worth it for picture quality.
juliebrombley 08.02.2007 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
May 27th, 2006
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