Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Review: PROS: 
Fantastic “straight outta the box” image quality. There is almost little or no shutter lag the second your press the shutter button. Auto focus is fast too. It wasn’t so much that this was a standard point and shoot when I was looking for an ultra slim camera but most of the ultra slim cameras I’ve tried sacrifice image quality to cram as much technology in such a little body while boosting the price up. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K is a fantastic performer. The 6x optical zoom with OPTICAL image stabilization is a plus. It’s actually BETTER than the IS on the Canon SD700IS and SD800IS that I previously tested out. The major plus of this camera is the image quality. Fantastic, sharp and decently saturated. It’s one of the few cameras where I feel comfortable printing photos straight outta the camera. I even impressed a few colleagues of showing some 8×10s that I printed straight out of my silver Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K and they were shocked that I didn’t take the shot with a DSLR. That’s what I call great image quality!
CONS: This is quite a beefy camera. In the age of ultra-slim point-and-shoot cameras that boasts the same features as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K, for the price I paid for it, it’s totally worth it. The use of AA batteries might be convenient to some, but it sure contributes to the weight and size of this camera. I’m still pleased regardless. The image quality and pros outweigh the cons of this camera.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Review: This is my first digital camera and I LOVE it. Learning to use all the many features is comparable to learning to use a computer for the first time. I basically use just the “point-and-shoot” but I read the manual from cover to cover and plan to try the advanced features. I downloaded my first set of pictures to my Mac OSX and was pleased with how easy and fast it went. The pictures are crisp and the color is great. Other reviewers seem to want a smaller camera, but this one fits my hand very comfortably and the dial on top is positioned so that you can use it with your thumb. I appreciate the AA batteries. My snapshot camera ran through very expensive batteries at a fast clip and I always ran out of juice at most inconvenient times. I bought rechargable AA batteries for the Lumix, but I’m still working on the alkaline ones that came with the camera. I miss the viewfinder but I’ll learn to use the screen. In bright sunlight the image is very dark. I just point and shoot a few pictures then when I’m in the shade I look at the images and delete the ones I don’t like. It’s worked very well so far.
The dark screen doesn’t mean the picture will be dark. I bought an inexpensive 2 GB Kingston memory card from Amazon. It came with a plastic case to store it in when it’s full. I haven’t used the video function yet but other reviewers make it sound like something to consider. I am happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7.This is my first digital camera and I LOVE it. Learning to use all the many features is comparable to learning to use a computer for the first time. I basically use just the “point-and-shoot” but I read the manual from cover to cover and plan to try the advanced features. I downloaded my first set of pictures to my Mac OSX and was pleased with how easy and fast it went. The pictures are crisp and the color is great. Other reviewers seem to want a smaller camera, but this one fits my hand very comfortably and the dial on top is positioned so that you can use it with your thumb. I appreciate the AA batteries. My snapshot camera ran through very expensive batteries at a fast clip and I always ran out of juice at most inconvenient times. I bought rechargable AA batteries for the Lumix, but I’m still working on the alkaline ones that came with the camera. I miss the viewfinder but I’ll learn to use the screen. In bright sunlight the image is very dark. I just point and shoot a few pictures then when I’m in the shade I look at the images and delete the ones I don’t like. It’s worked very well so far. The dark screen doesn’t mean the picture will be dark. I bought an inexpensive 2 GB Kingston memory card from Amazon. It came with a plastic case to store it in when it’s full. I haven’t used the video function yet but other reviewers make it sound like something to consider. I am happy with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7.
Product Features:
* 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
* 6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
* Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
* Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
* Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory
Technical Details:
* Brand Name: Panasonic
* Model: DMC-LZ7-K
* Optical Sensor Resolution: 7.2 MP
* optical_sensor_technology: CCD Unknown modifier
* Optical zoom: 6
* maximum_aperture_range: F/2.8-4.5 Unknown modifier
* Minimum focal length: 6.1 millimeters
* Maximum focal length: 36.6 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 3200 Unknown modifier, ISO 1250 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, Party/indoor, Night portrait, Pet, Scenery, Food, Fireworks, Night scene, Panning, Sports mode, Sunset
* Viewfinder Type: None
* Width: 3.87 inches
* Depth: 1.3 inches
* Height: 2.44 inches
* Weight: 0.41 pounds
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Manufacturer Description: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K boasts 7.2-megapixel recording, a powerful 6x optical zoom lens and convenient AA battery operation. plus a bright, easy-to-see 2.5-inch LCD. Thanks to Panasonic’s careful redesign inside and out, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K has a more stylish and higher-quality appearance than previous models, and is smaller and lighter despite using AA batteries.
The new Venus Engine III image processing engine gives them even higher image quality and speedier processing. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K also incorporates the Intelligent Image Stabilization system, which which comprises two features Mega O.I.S. 
and Intelligent ISO Control that together make it easy to capture beautiful photos every time you shoot. Mega O.I.S. compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, when taking macro close ups, or using high powered zooming situations in which hand shake is most likely to be a problem. Even Mega O.I.S., however, cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being snapped. That’s where Intelligent ISO Control comes in. In this system, the camera’s Venus Engine III image-processing engine detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to the degree of movement and light conditions. This happens automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. Lumix and its powerful Intelligent Image Stabilization system do all the work for you. You enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K offers a range of features that enhance usability and add convenience. The new Quick Setting function lets you quickly and easily access and set the functions used most often. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 6x zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button. With the new Date Stamp function, you can simply stamp the date on photos or you can take advantage of two new, original Lumix features. When travelling, you can stamp the day of the trip on the photos you take. Or, if you have a baby, you can stamp his or her age in months on your photos. The stamped information appears on photos that you print yourself at home or have printed at a photo shop.
Effective resolution has been increased to 7.2 megapixels in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K, supporting enhanced functions. It features approximately 27MB of built-in memory and accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards for extra shooting convenience and flexibility. Powered by two of Panasonic’s original, extended-life Oxyride dry cell batteries, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K can take around 250 shots (CIPA). The menu and its graphical user interface have also been redesigned, with the colors brightened for easier viewability.
Combining a powerful 6x optical zoom with Panasonic’s blur-fighting Intelligent Image Stabilization, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K makes it easy for even digital camera beginners to take clear, crisp, beautiful photos every time they shoot.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Highlights: Lumix DC Vario lens with powerful 6x optical zoom and Easy Zoom function In the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K, Panasonic packages a Lumix DC Vario lens featuring a 6x optical zoom among the most powerful available in this class with a 7.2-megapixel CCD into a compact, lightweight body. A crystallization of Panasonic’s advanced lens technologies, the Lumix DC Vario lens comprises eight elements in seven groups, including two lenses with a combined three aspherical surfaces, and delivers an outstanding optical performance. The powerful 6x optical zoom lets you capture impressive close up shots of distant subjects and take beautiful photos with an attractive, softly focused background. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function uses the centre part of the CCD to provide additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 9x. Using this feature in combination with the 4x digital zoom brings the total zooming power to a remarkable 36x. The Easy Zoom feature shifts the lens instantly to full 6x zoom power at the a touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the lens is shifted to 9x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function.
Intelligent Image Stabilization: Mega O.I.S. for hand-shake plus Intelligent ISO Control for motion blur Panasonic drew on its cutting-edge lens technology to invent Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), an optical image stabilizer that prevents blurring from shaky hands the leading cause of blurry images. With Mega O.I.S., it is easier than ever to capture clear, sharp, beautiful images when shooting telephoto shots, indoor portraits, illuminated night scenes or even the scenery you see from a train window.
While hand-shake is the single biggest cause of blurry images, it is not the only one. Another problem is the motion blur that can occur when a subject moves as the shot is being snapped. Incorporating Panasonic’s new Intelligent ISO Control, Lumix cameras are the first in the world to fight motion blur by themselves. This system detects whether or not the subject is moving. If it is, the system automatically raises the ISO setting accordingly, allowing the camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed. If the subject is not moving, the camera shoots at a low ISO setting and captures beautiful, natural-looking images. Intelligent ISO Control is included as one of the corrections in certain scene modes used to shoot subjects that are often moving, such as Sports, Baby and the newly added Pet mode. Simply select the mode that best suits the subject, and Intelligent ISO Control provides the optimal corrections, making it easy to capture crisp, clear photos.
With Intelligent Image Stabilization Mega O.I.S. to compensate for hand-shake plus Intelligent ISO Control to prevent motion blur Panasonic has taken image stabilization a leap forward and equipped the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K with the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring.
High-quality, high-performance Image-Processing LSI: Venus Engine III The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K features Panasonic’s Venus Engine III, an advanced image processing engine which in the past was offered only in the step-up Lumix models. It can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 with full resolution. Noise reduction is also greatly improved, with picture noise removed in stages during image processing. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and chromatic noise and luminance noise are separated. The chromatic noise, which has a greater effect on picture quality, is then selectively suppressed to a substantial degree.
With its multi-task image-processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time. Shutter release time lag is as short as 0.005 second. This fast response makes it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment shots. It also allows unlimited consecutive shooting you can continue snapping shots until the SDHC/SD memory card is full.
Record clear, bright, wide-aspect VGA motion images ideal for widescreen viewing In addition to recording standard VGA (640 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K can record stunning wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) motion images at 30 frames per second. These 16:9 motion pictures look extremely impressive on a wide-screen TV. The pixel-mixed readout method used by the CCD enhances image brightness, so the pictures you see are clear, bright and beautiful.
Bright 2.5-inch LCD for easy shooting and playback The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K has a large, bright 2.5-inch LCD for comfortable viewing both while monitoring shots and while playing back the results. The pixel-mixed readout method used by the CCD automatically increases the brightness of the live image on the LCD, making it much easier to shoot in low lighting. The High Angle mode, which can be accessed quickly and easily via a dedicated button, makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as to shoot over a crowd.
Fast, easy auto focusing To match the shooting situation and subject’s position, the user can select from five auto-focusing methods: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. As with all powerful zoom models in the Lumix family, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K leads the industry with its short AF time, especially in the 1 point high-speed AF, achieving quick, smooth operation. Although screen-freeze in high-speed auto focusing is now minimised, it can be entirely eliminated when taking pictures of fast-moving subjects by selecting 1-point normal-speed AF.
Extended shooting with Panasonic’s Oxyride AA batteries The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K runs on two AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere. Each camera also comes with two Panasonic Oxyride AA batteries, which let you take around 65 percent more shots than you can with ordinary Panasonic alkaline batteries. The Oxyride batteries let you take around 250 shots (CIPA).
Other advanced features In addition to outstanding basic specifications, a host of other improvements make the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K ideal for taking beautiful pictures with ease. Approximately 27 MB of built-in memory is provided, and the camera accommodates large-capacity SDHC memory cards. A total of 18 scene modes, including the new Pet and Sunset modes, also make it easy to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations. Three of the modes Sports, Baby and Pet apply Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO Control to help you capture crisp, blur-free photos even if the subject moves as you shoot. Frequently used functions, such as white balance adjustment, ISO setting, picture size, quality (compression format) and consecutive shots, are quickly and easily handled with the Quick Setting function without having to enter the menu and set each of them.
The fun continues even when the shooting is done With the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K, the enjoyment of photography doesn’t end when you’re done shooting for the day. One additional function that broadens the fun of photography is Direct Print mode. To select it, simply turn the mode dial on the camera top. Then use the USB cable provided to connect the camera to a Pictbridge-compatible printer, and you’re ready to print beautiful photos. Print all the images you shot or only your favourites, and make one copy or multiple copies as you wish. When you turn the mode dial, the mode selected is indicated on the LCD. This lets you change the mode to recording, playback or direct printing without taking your eyes off the subject.
Also interesting is the new Date Stamp function. In addition to showing the date a photo was taken, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K can show on which day of the trip a photo was taken. They can also stamp your baby’s age in months on a photo, after you’ve taken the shots. These dates, which can be helpful when making a photo album, can be stamped on photos whether you print them yourself at home or have a photo shop do them.
With the optional Panasonic DMW-SDP1 HDTV Photo Player, it’s easy to have a slide show of Lumix images in 1080i high-definition quality. By simply connecting the SDP1, via a component cable, to a high-definition TV such as a Panasonic Viera, and inserting the SDHC/SD memory card into its slot, users can view their photos on a large display together with family or friends. Like Lumix cameras, the DMW-SDP1 incorporates the Venus Engine III imaging engine. This provides extremely quick advancing from one slide to the next. It also allows playback of wide-aspect VGA (848x 480) motion images that fit an HDTV’s 16:9 screen.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K camera takes good pictures at the default settings. The flash pictures come out very well; the background further away from the camera is not way under exposed as it is with some cameras. The functions are relatively intuitive, and are easy to set up. For a camera, it takes pretty good movies.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Review: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K 
camera has performed better than expected. Easily used right out of the box with the internal memory. This is a great feature to use if you want to keep two groups of pictures seperate. For everyday pictures we use the SD card, and for work photos I use the internal memory. This makes it easier to download the right pictures and dosen’t take up space on the card or computer hard drive. Camera has more zoom and image stabalization, than a lot of cameras in this price range. Options are easily accessed and explained in the manual. Great camera for beginners and experienced photographers.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7K camera takes amazing pictures under almost all conditions. Its “anti-shake” technology really seems to work and the 6x optical zoom realy adds additional performance to an already feature packed camera. I especially like the fact that I can use AA batteries which are available everywhere. This adds a little bulk to the camera but it is still very compact. If you are looking for a great all round digital camera at a great price you need look no further!