Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ2

...I am quite familiar with Panasonic cameras. That is the reason I picked the TZ2. My friends are so impressed with this camera that they keep stealing it from me.

This may not be the smallest camera out there, but it packs a massive 10x zoom, that include a very useful 28mm at the wide end, better than most other compacts that only goes down to 38mm. This 10mm allows you to pack more into the frame without having to move back as much.
...improved over previous generations of Pansonics. They used to have a problem with noise, but it seem to be under control on the TZ2. Throw in the "Intelligent" mode, where you can allow the camera to auto select the ISO, but only to a limit set by you, helps to control the noise situation too. The best way to make use of this mode is, for example, at a dinner party, use the normal mode at ISO100 for close up shots of people, and then use ... more

I needed a replacement for my LZ1 and got myself a Samsug S850. I was so disappointed by it that started looking around again. What I needed was 6x or more of zoom. At first, I wasn\'t even looking at the TZ series as the TZ1 did not have a built in lens protection. However when I was in the shop, I was told that the TZ2 was a great improvement over the TZ1 so I gave it a look. And I was quite impressed by it so I bought it.

As I also have a FZ7 for more serious use, I wanted a somewhat compact camera for casual use. However I do not want those small piece of crap by Casio or their likes. I also had a LZ1 in the past and so I am quite familiar with Panasonic cameras. That is the reason I picked the TZ2. My friends are so impressed with this camera that they keep stealing it from me.

This may not be the smallest camera out there, but it packs a massive 10x zoom, that include a very useful 28mm at the wide end, better than most other compacts that only goes down to 38mm. This 10mm allows you to pack more into the frame without having to move back as much.

I would say the image quality had improved over previous generations of Pansonics. They used to have a problem with noise, but it seem to be under control on the TZ2. Throw in the "Intelligent" mode, where you can allow the camera to auto select the ISO, but only to a limit set by you, helps to control the noise situation too. The best way to make use of this mode is, for example, at a dinner party, use the normal mode at ISO100 for close up shots of people, and then use the "i" mode at ISO 800 limit for shots across the room. It helps to keep details of the dark areas. This is not a feature found on most cameras, instead they will just bump their ISO up to the max in auto mode.

Panasonics have one of the best, if not the best Image stabilizer in cameras. I had taken shots down to 1s shutter with no shake. This with the "i" mode allows you to take shots of really dark areas and produce great pictures.

Bearing in mind that this is more of a point and shoot instead of a dSLR or SLR like camera, there is a lack of manual settings. There are some presets on the camera, but I hardly use those as the usual settings are pretty good enough.

Its size is not tiny, but tiny cameras do not produce great pictures. It, however, is comfortable enough to be placed in a pocket, jeans is possible if it is not to tight. And it is also the right size for a stable grip unlike those "deck of cards" sized cameras popular these days.

Its image quality is good enough, but could be a little dull, as it is a Panasonic. It performed worse in cloudy days and could make the sky look worse than it really is. However the picture could be brighten up later on a computer if you wish.

The main problem I had with it is that it uses its own type of rechargeable batteries. And it is different from the FZ cameras. So I need to carry different chargers when I go on trips. It will be nicer if it uses AA or AAA batteries and I can just get some from the shops if I run out of juice. However to be fair, the battery in this camera seem to last for a long time.

Overall, this is a great camera, and I do not regret getting it. Its quality could be proven by the number of times it was "stolen" by my friends needing a camera that performs better than a camera phone. My friends had taken more pictures on it than I had so far.

Picture Quality - The pictures are quite detailed and sharp. However it did not score an excellent due to slightly dull pictures on cloudy days.
Range & Quality of Features - I rate this based on size, price and intended function. Of course a dSLR will have more functions, but will cost more and is bigger. The TZ2 has a very useful 28mm wide angle combined with a 10x zoom (280mm). This beats ANY other cameras of this size out there. Combined with OIS and "i" mode, it produce pictures that no other similar cameras can.
Ease of Use - As I already had 2 other Panasonics before this, it is easy to me. However common settings like White Balance and ISO need to be set from the menu, although they are at the first page of the menu, which makes it a little easier.
Durability - It sits in my jeans pocket without complaint and survived many drunken nights out (although the persons with embarrassingpictures taken did not!).
Reliability - Never had a problem with it. However a Casio bought by my boss at the same time had a burnt circuit board, battery and jammed lens in just 3 months.
Size - Average for a "compact", but if you look at the features it is quite small.
Weight - Average for its size.
Overall Look & Design - It looks like a camera, not a deck of cards or a cigarette box.
Value for Money - I bought it in the Far East, so...
Instruction Manual - I did not even looked at it.
Recommended to potential buyers? - Of course, in fact my friends keep stealing it so they need not buy it themselves. 

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