Sigma SA 7 DATE

Advantages: Huge range of features, good value.
Disadvantages: Focusing system, limited system support.

...from the 10 second self timer or the cordless remote control which has a range of 5 metres. There's also the quartz data back for plastering dates across your prints if you like that sort of thing, though happily you can keep it switched off if you don't. In use, the SA-5 is both light and comfortable to handle, with both the top LCD panel and the viewfinder display clearly showing all the relevant information. However, it does have its downsides. The first of these is that the Sigma isn't nearly as well supported with regard to accessories as cameras from the "big four". No problem with lenses of course because as a lens manufacturer Sigma offer as many options there as you're ever likely to need. Things aren't so good with flash guns though as none of the independent flash manufacturers offer a Sigma dedicated flash gun, meaning you... Read review

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Advantages: Quality
Disadvantages: None

...'m telling you all this because I'm about to add to the controversy with today's review; the new Lumix DMC-TZ7 is another seriously good camera from Panasonic, and so I'm afraid it's going to get another high score.... Read review

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Advantages: Image quality. Consistent aperture. Internal zoom/focusing. Build. Great with converter.
Disadvantages: Needs a large (tall?) outfit bag. Quite heavy. Quite large.

....6 and EXCELLENT by the time you stop down to f/8. It stays this way until diffraction sets in (to be expected) at the two smallest apertures. This is perfectly normal however and the lens delivers quite amazing performance at this or indeed, any price level. I have used (and tested) this lens with my SIGMA EX APO 1.4x converter and can vouch for the performance being virtually just as good with only the two smallest apertures being POOR. The rest of the range is great and is particularly so when used on APS-C sized sensor cameras where only the central 'sweet spot' of the image circle is utilised. A truly great lens. David Chamberlain... Read review

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