Rating Summary
“Best 10x optical zoom Point & Shoot Camera ”
- loving my digital camera, computer literate, an amateur photographer
- Pros
- 10x Optical Zoom, 2.5 inch LCD Display, Histogram and Grids Display, High Angle LCD Options, Rechargeable Battery Kit, 1080p HD recording (DMC-TZ5 model), Built-in Memory, SDHC storage, up to 16, Quick Preset Configurations, Adjustable Zoom in Video Capture mode, Intelligent AI System for ISO & Exposure, 28mm and 35mm settings, Quick editing features
- Cons
- Fingers can block flash when shooting, Fingers can block mic, Fragile battery latch
Panasonic DMC-TZ4 Digital Camera —
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 8 megapixel (and DMC-TZ5 9 megapixel) has some of the best features on the market for a consumer base camera. One of the best feature is the 10x optical zoom! Forget Digital zoom, the most useless feature on any camera (unless your trying to capture grainy images of Big Foot or UFO's). While most point and shoot come with a 3x to 5x optical zoom . The DMC-TZ Series sports a 10x optical zoom, which will allow you to focus in and take crisp image with an amazing amount of details, especially when combine with the (Tele) Macro Settings. Another great thing is the rechargeable battery kiy which comes with a very nifty portable charging dock, making powering easy if your on the go. On a single day of shooting, I get ruffly about 120 to 130 shoots in, depending on environmental conditions (read the manual for more details). So, pick up a spare battery for long shoots.
The new Intelligent system is helpful to those who are not tech savvy about cameras. With features like face detection, intelligent ISO and Exposure enable, taking pictures has never been more simple. Just point, focus and shoot. Many of the built-in presets are useful for novices who hates fiddling with camera settings. Plus, getting information on the use of each of these settings are available at the push of a button.
I know many of you think that a higher megapixels camera is better, but this the last thing you should think about when purchasing a camera. If your wondering what is so special about 8 megapixels, here is some info. It is the first resolution plateau at which you can print a full 8x10 at 300dpi (at 300dpi, your picture resolution will be 3,264x2,468 which works out to be 10.9 x 8.2 inches when printing) which is good enough to get a magazine-quality print.
I original owned the DMC-TZ1 5 megapixel, which was one of the best products I every purchased. My upgrade to the new TZ4 not because of the 8 megapixel, but for the alteration to the movie options. A few months ago I bought a Panasonic 30 gig HD Camcorder, which was OK. The TZ4 fixed several issue that I had with the camcorder. Such as the video format, which is already in MPEG4 format, no need for conversion software, Image stills are far more impressive on the TZ4 and with auto focusing enable, video zooming has become a lot easier. Memory storage has also been boosted to allow 16 gig SDHC cards to be used on the TZ4 and 5. The TZ5 model allows HD recording up to 1080p. The compact design, also makes it easy to travel without having to carry extra equipment.
Overall the Lumix TZ4 is great products for novice and hobbyist. I use it for my Photoshop and 3d projects. My wife loves it, because now she does not have to think, just shoot.
Last edited on Jun 28, 2009
Panasonic DMC-TZ4 Digital Camera
