Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
The Panasonic Lumix range has impressed for several years now, with its wide field-of-view, and it is safe to say that the brand has moved into the market leader slot with ease. The TZ range has always received acclaim and the 10.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is the latest incarnation, taking that ultra-wide message one stage further.
Not only does the camera stretch the wide-angle performance to a new level with an impressive 25mm, it also boosts the optical zoom to a massive 12x. This gives you the 35mm equivalent zoom range of 25-300mm on a compact measuring just 103.3x59.9mm and 32.8mm thick, and that’s impressive. As has become commonplace on Panasonic compacts, the long zoom is complemented by the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) system that prevents camera shake giving you blurred images. This system is one of the best you will find in a compact, and you can rest assured that at 300mm you have a stable handheld shooting platform.
On the back of the camera sits a high resolution (460k dot) 3in intelligent LCD panel offering a wide viewing angle. On the inside, there are a number of internal technologies to help improve your images, as well as movie mode. Coming from a TV manufacturer, the movie mode is also geared up for HD playback, so you have AVCHD Lite file recording and HDMI output for connection to your HDTV.
The TZ7 is not filled with complicated shooting modes, as it has the tried and tested iA (intelligent Auto) that can be used for still or video recording. This mode works out what it is you’re shooting, and then applies the best settings for capture. The TZ7’s face recognition remembers faces so you can register people and their ages. The latter input can be used for children under 3 years of age so that the camera can engage baby mode.
Build quality is excellent and the design is intuitive, with a great layout. The main command dial on the top of the camera is chunky yet discrete and the zoom control is positive. On the back of the camera alongside the LCD panel is a simple playback/capture selection, and also an instant video record button. Menus are very easy to navigate.
Performance The TZ7’s picture quality is quite superb, with exposure and definition being most impressive. ISO sensitivity is limited to 1600, but the camera can raise this to 6400 in high sensitivity mode. The noise levels are very well controlled across the range, and the iA mode does exactly what it should, as it makes shooting so simple. At £300 this isn’t a budget compact, but the Leica glass lens with its 12x optical zoom and ultra-wide angle 25mm focal length are, for me, well worth the money. Add to that the great quality pictures from the 10.1 megapixel sensor and ease of operation and portability and we think Panasonic have a winning combination. Yet again.
Specifications Resolution: 10.1 megapixel
Zoom: 12x optical (25-300mm equivalent)
LCD screen size: 3in
Image stabilisation: O.I.S
Memory: SD/SDHC
Weight/size (wxhxd): 206g/103.3x59.6x32.8mm