Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ20

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

The 14.1MP TZ20 is the latest model to roll off the Panasonic production line, and it boasts an impressive 24mm ultra wide-angle 16x optical zoom with image stabiliser and a touch-screen LCD. On top of that you get Full HD video and advanced GPS technology that allows you to tag images with the location.
 
Features

Let’s start with the standard features, as it’s these that are likely to first spark your interest. The sensor is a 14.1MP chip, and this is controlled by the Venus Engine FHD processor that delivers impressive high-speed operation and improved image quality. The lens has a massive range covering the 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-384mm. It’s great to have a wide-angle starting point from such a long zoom. There are two ED glass elements in the lens construction, plus a new Nano surface coating. This, along with an advanced optical and mechanical design, helps deliver better image quality. Managing such a long zoom when handholding the camera is greatly assisted by the built-in active Optical Image Stabiliser (MEGA O.I.S.). On the back of the camera sits a 3in LCD screen that has the added advantage of touch-screen technology. The LCD also provides a superb framing platform in the absence of an optical viewfinder for both still and moving images. Talking of the latter, the TZ20 captures Full HD movie files with stereo sound. Other features include a GPS system that can work out exactly where you are and tag the image with location details. There’s also a 3D capture setting that allows an image to be shot (at 2MP) and played back on a VIERA 3DTV.
 
Performance

Before we touch on the image performance, we should say how impressive this camera is when it comes to speed. You can shoot 10fps at full resolution. General operation is very simple, thanks to well-labelled controls and a clear menu layout. Add to this the benefits of the touch-screen and handling comes out well. We did, however, find the touch-screen to be rather fiddly at times, especially controlling the zoom. It was far better using the traditional zoom control. The image quality from the 14.1MP chip isn’t bad, but on close inspection the limitations of a physically smaller chip are obvious, as the definition isn’t great. This is not a DSLR though, so in context the images are good. Colours are very strong, and the exposures are accurate. Sharpness does suffer a touch, as images are not what we would call pin-sharp, but they are not that bad.

www.panasonic.co.uk
 
Photo Answers’ verdict

You’d be hard pushed to find a better specified model than this in the compact camera arena, with high performance levels in a pocket-sized product. The Panasonic DMC-TZ20 is the perfect travel compact, with exciting and useful additional features.
 
Key spec

Street price £300

Effective resolution 14.1MP

Sensor type 6.13x4.6mm MOS

Lens (35mm equivalent) 24-384mm f/3.3-5.9             

Exposure modes PASM, scene, iA HD movie, 3D

Metering modes Intelligent Multiple, spot and centre-weighted

ISO range 100-1600 (6400 expanded)

Shooting speed 10fps

Card type SD/SDHC/SDXC

LCD monitor size 3in

Aspect ratio 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1

Live View Yes                      

Built-in stabilisation POWER O.I.S.

Weight/size (wxhxd) 219g/104.9x57.6x33.4mm