Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K is 
a great little camera for both an advanced amateur (like me) looking for a second camera to carry everywhere you can’t take your DSLR or for a complete novice (like my wife) who is looking for a camera that is really easy to use yet takes good pictures. What makes this camera special is that you have a full 10X zoom in a very compact form factor with a real wide-angle lens at 28mm. Most other cameras offer a smaller zoom range (around 4x), provide a semi-wide-angle at about 35mm, or are much bulkier. In reality, most cameras today take pretty decent pictures. Most people really don’t need more than 2 megapixels, unless you are planning to either crop your photos or make very large prints. Therefore 8.1 megapixels are more than enough. My DSLR has 5 megapixels and I have never needed more. The Leica lens is very high quality. The multiple built-in scene modes will make it easier to capture that sunset or use custom settings for that special picture. As with most cameras, it is always to have a photo editing program to adjust contrast, do some cropping and adjust sharpening.
With a 1Gb SD card I was able to capture a couple videos of my daughters dancing. The quality and resolution of the video is pretty amazing for a camera in this price range. You may want to use Windows Movie Maker to do some edits and make the video a smaller size suitable for emailing. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K camera feels very well built and solid. Face detection technology works incredibly well, ensuring your subjects are always in focus. Image stabilization works. The LCD screen is very large and bright. Controls are easy to understand. I spent a long time looking at many cameras and playing with them. If you are an advanced photographer, this is not a camera to replace a DSLR, but a perfect companion to take to those places where you don’t want bring your big expensive camera. The TZ45 does not provide all the manual controls of other cameras, yet it allows enough settings for me. For the average user, you can find a cheaper and a smaller camera for sure. But I doubt you will find a solid, pocket camera with a 10x zoom and a 28mm quality lens that produces such great photos with little effort. Definitely, the TZ4 is highly recommended.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Review: I have a DSLR that I really, really like, but there are times when I want to travel with a minimum of gear. And then, of course, it’s absolutely true that the best camera is the one you actually have with you when you see that once-in-a-lifetime shot. So far, neither noise reduction artifacting nor watercolor effects are apparent in this iteration, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K. It is a gorgeous metal camera that is easy to hold by a guy with even fairly large hands, despite the fact that it’s very compact. The menu system is quite straightforward and there are plenty of scene modes that at least approximate what a manual control camera might offer you. ISO, AF area, metering area, exposure compensation and bracketing, and white balance can all be manually set. There is no shutter or aperture priority, although you can specify the absolute minimum shutter speed the camera will choose, down to a full second.
The custom white balance set feature is very well implemented, and I had no problem getting beautifully lit, correctly exposed existing light shots indoors using the image stabilization feature and low ISO. The LCD monitor is not as sharp as the TZ5’s but plenty good for checking pictures, and the battery lasts longer in this camera than the TZ5 if that matters to you. The AF assist light is very, very helpful and focus lock is almost always very quick and on the money. The macro feature is astounding. The controls are well placed and give good feedback.
I have three gripes: the power switch and the scene wheel can both be inadvertently activated; there need to be way firmer detents or they both have to be recesed. AF seems to struggle a bit with the movie mode, but being able to zoom during the actual video shooting is a godsend. And finally, the USB out port is irritating. It pops open very easily. I may use a piece of black electrical tape to cover it. All in all a superb little performer for what you get for your money; chock full of features and of course the lovely 28 - 280 zoom.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Manufacturer Description: The 8.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K packs a 28mm wide-angle, 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens in a compact design, ideal for the active photographer who needs a versatile camera. By combining a 28mm wide-angle lens, which lets you capture a wider-framed shot when compared to a traditional 35mm camera, with the TZ-Series 10x optical zoom, you’re empowered to take expanded shots, both wide and far. Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto technologies are also expanded, with new Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction.
With the addition of Intelligent Exposure and Digital Red-eye Correction, Panasonic’s Advanced Intelligent Auto mode consists of seven intuitive technologies, all which are specifically designed to help make photo-taking an enjoyable and seamless process unnoticed by the consumer helping them to take clear photos. When in Advanced Intelligent Auto mode, the following technologies all operate automatically; no settings need to be manually changed.
Also new to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K is the Venus Engine IV, Panasonic’s new high-performance image processing LSI. The Venus Engine IV produces higher-quality pictures than its predecessor, the Venus Engine III, by using a more advanced signal processing system. The new Venus Engine IV also improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects in both Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO and reduces the shutter release time lag. Both models also incorporate Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer optimal clarity in any situation, whether dark or light; indoors or outdoors. With a newly developed 230,000-dot high resolution in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 2.5-inch LCD, photos can be easily viewed on the display, regardless of the shooting environment.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K is also capable of recording 1920 x 1080-pixel high-definition motion pictures, and because of its support of SD memory cards, is easily compatible with Panasonic Viera plasma HDTVs that have an integrated SD memory card slot, so viewing photos is simple. Also, with the newly added HD component output capability, users can also connect the TZ4 to an HDTV and watch a slideshow complete with mood-appropriate music, choosing from natural, slow, urban and swing.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Highlights: Intelligent Exposure With this new feature, photos will no longer be under- or over-exposed. Instead, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K instantly analyzes the framed image and adjusts the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly. Digital Red-eye Correction This feature helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at the night. Incorporated into the built-in flash, the camera emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it. Mega O.I.S. Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image. Intelligent ISO With Intelligent ISO, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K can determine if the photo subject is moving and change the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
Intelligent Scene Selector Intelligent Scene Selector senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps you use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments. Face Detection Panasonic’s Face Detection detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear and crisp. Detecting up to 15 faces, Panasonic’s Face Detection can even track a face if the subject is moving. Continuous AF The Continuous AF (auto focus) system maintains focus on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, thus minimizing the AF time.
Product Features:
* 8.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
* 10x optical zoom Leica DC lens; Face Detection
* New Panasonic Venus Engine IV improves noise reduction, elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effects
* 2.5-inch LCD; Mega O.I.S. and Intelligent ISO
* Captures images to SD memory cards (not included)
Technical Details:
* Brand Name: Panasonic
* Model: DMC-TZ4K
* Optical Sensor Resolution: 8.1 MP
* optical_sensor_technology: CCD Unknown modifier
* Optical zoom: 10 x
* maximum_aperture_range: F/3.3-4.9 Unknown modifier
* Minimum focal length: 4.7 millimeters
* Maximum focal length: 47 millimeters
* Lens Type: Zoom lens
* optical_sensor_size: 1/2.5″ Unknown modifier
* Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
* Display Size: 2.5 inches
* light_sensitivity: ISO 100 Unknown modifier, ISO 800 Unknown modifier, ISO 400 Unknown modifier, ISO 200 Unknown modifier, ISO auto Unknown modifier, ISO auto (1600-6400) Unknown modifier, ISO 1600 Unknown modifier
* Image types: JPEG
* Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
* Exposure Control Type: Candle, Beach, Snow, High sensitivity, Starry sky, Soft skin, Baby1, Baby2, Portrait mode, Aerial photo, Hi-speed burst, Clipboard, Party/indoor, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Pet, Scenery, Food, Fireworks, Night scene, Underwater, Sports mode, Sunset
* Viewfinder Type: None
* Width: 1.42 inches
* Depth: 1.5 inches
* Height: 2.34 inches
* Weight: 0.51 pounds
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Description: Now you can fit sweeping landscapes into a single frame with the 28mm wide-angle setting. Pull in subjects from far away to capture even subtle facial expressions with the dynamic 280mm telephoto setting. Ideal for traveling, Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1-megapixel digital camera combines a wide-ranging LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens with a handy, compact body. The Extra Optical Zoom function also extends the zoom to as much as 15.9x, giving you even greater telephoto power. Set the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K to iA mode and let the five Intelligent Auto functions team up to help prevent shooting errors. Intelligent Exposure corrects lighting differences, so images come out just the way you see them; Intelligent Scene Selector chooses the mode that best fits the situation; MEGA Optical Image Stabilization helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur; and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings.
The Intelligent big bright 2.5″ LCD adjusts brightness automatically as the ambient light level changes, so images are clear, bright and easy to see. f=4.6-46mm (35mm equiv - 28-280mm) Focal Length 2.5 Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (230K dots) Focusing Area Normal - Wide 50cm/Tele 200cm - infinity, Macro/Intelligent AUTO / Clipboard - Wide 5cm / Max 200cm / Tele 100cm - infinity 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30, 60sec. Shutter Speed Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode - Auto(1600 - 6400) ) ISO 27MB Internal Memory (additional memory recommended to store more photos and video) Built-in Microphone and Speaker SD/SDHC, MultiMedia Card Slot Built-in Flash with Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off modes DC Input, AV Output (NTSC/PAL), HD AV Output (Component), USB Connections PictBridge Compatible Approximate Battery Life - 300 Shots (CIPA Standard).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Review: This being a new product i was little apprehensive about buying it. But after getting this i just found that its too good. All round winner and would be a very good competitior for Canon SX-100 with 10X optical zoom. Its predecessor didn’t have the zoom active while taking videos, but with this new model its taken care of that. More or less the remaining review will be same its predecessor except for some improvements. Looks are good and also small and will easily fit in a loose jeans pocket as well. Absolutely worth the money and a complete all-round camera.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Review: I bought Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K camera, after quite a bit of research, to replace my Canon SD400 that was going on three years of use (and I always have a camera on me, so that’s a lot of use). I wanted something relatively small but more capable than my Canon, which took great pictures of still objects in great lighting and decent video, but was slow and limited by its 3X zoom and insensitive flash. Out of the box, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K looks nice, albeit a little clunky next to the sleek Elphs and other more compact cameras on the market. However, it powers up quickly and adapts readily to just about anything I’ve tested so far (the first week I had it consisted of nothing but rain, so for a while I was just doing poorly-lit indoor shots of my cats and random furniture. That said, that my cats actually looked like cats and not blurry blobs or white glowing things is a major improvement over my old camera).
I took it to the zoo, where it had a little trouble deciding what to focus on if using the long end of the zoom, but I suspect this could be helped by turning off the continuous auto-focus. I got a few interesting action shots of my three-year-old nephew running around. I took it to the bar with a few friends and had a shoot-off with a friend who owns a Nikon. Today I took it on a hike and tried out the scenery and macro modes, the latter of which can be a little tricky sometimes. It can’t always decide whether it should be focusing on the background or the foreground, even when macro mode is selected.
I did notice some of the focus 
changes during video mode that some people have complained about in reviews of this and the TZ3/TZ5, but to be honest it was minimal and can be avoided by turning off the AF. Sound quality is comparable to my Canon not the highest quality, but clear and audible. Battery life is good and it has a battery meter on-screen, so you don’t have to hunt through any menus to find out how long you’ve got. I bought it bundled with the 4GB SDHC and reader and they arrived on the same day. Also got a Lowepro Rezo 30 case for it, which isn’t too bulky but has a soft lining and lots of padding. Overall, I really love this camera and would recommend it to anyone interested in purchasing it. Definitely worth it.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K Review: I probably don’t need all the features Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K camera has, but because of rave reviews by amateur photographers and professionals, I decided I had to have this one. I haven’t had any of the pictures printed yet, so my gauge of picture quality is based only on what I’ve seen on the camera and on the computer screen, but I have no complaints there. I absolutely love how great it takes pictures through windows with the ariel scene option. The iA mode does take remarkably good pictures, but beware! I was getting terribly blurry shots of a tiger until I realised the the tall grass right in front of me had prompted it to switch to macro. I turned it to normal picture mode, and got some great shots. The only thing I wish is that it could take a shot quicker from the moment you turn it on, but then I wouldn’t have that great zoom lens which really does take fantastic pictures. Also not really an option for someone insisting on a very slim camera, but for me, it’s just fine.