Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 6x Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

Overall, this is a great camera.

Some notes:

For informational purposes, I use Energizer NiMH rechargable batteries (2500 mAh) and an Ultra II 2.0GB SD card.

Battery life is exceptional--I can typically take around 400-500 pictures (not using the flash) and a few less with the flash, before noticing the zoom slowing down, etc. To give an idea of the battery life, I took about 1500 photos while in China (2.5 days of my stay was touring), and used approximately six batteries (the rechargables). I swapped them out when the zoom started slowing. I could have taken more pictures with them, but wanted the faster 'ready' response time.

The download speed to the above SD card is great, and provides nice response time after a non-flash photo. The flash recharge seems to take a bit longer to bring the camera back to a 'ready' state, especially when the batteries are low.

With respect to image quality, the camera is great for objects. However, pictures of people are better with more light (sunlight or flash).

Changing the ISO to 800 or 1250 makes the pictures look very grainy. Better lighting probably would have made the pictures turn out better, but then I probably wouldn't have needed to use this setting!

I like the camera's macro mode, though again, sufficient lighting is the key to higher quality images.

I've also tried the movie mode, which is fabulous. The only drawback is you cannot use the zoom while recording a movie. There is also no stereo sound (of course, what can you expect from a small unit like this?).

The protective covering over the LCD should be a default feature for all cameras. I really appreciated this feature, though I wonder if it could be replaced if it ended up with an excessive amount of scratches. Haven't pursued an answer to this question yet.

The camera's functions were very accessible. I especially like the fact that when pushing the shutter button the settings menu goes away and allows you to continue taking pictures, i.e., you don't have to 'exit" the settings menus before attempting to take another shot--just push the shutter button.

I also dropped this camera a couple times, once on brick (outside) and once on a wood floor. It still functions as if new (though I'm not sure how much of an impact it could take before becoming non-functional). Hence, it seems rather durable for the average user.

I'm a happy customer, and am very pleased with this purchase. I liked the price for the features provided in the camera.

This DMC-LZ7 is a fantastic camera! When reviewing and giving it 5 stars, it has to be relitive to the price and class it is in. This camera is supurb. I was worried about "noise" that some people say Panasonic is prone to, but it just is not there unless you go into the really dark zone (which would happen with all cameras). I came from a Nikon and the shutter delay is WAY better. I would not complain about it at all. I compared it to Canon and Olympus (both fine cameras) but the optical stabilization, focus and price for the features blew them away! The bottom line..do not hesitate. It takes wonderful pictures with so much clarity. Add the 6x zoom and it is a no brainer! It is not tiny (compared to some) but it feels so good in your hands and still fits in a pocket. This is a winner!

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 (keep holding the camera up to my face!) but I'll learn to use the screen. In bright sunlight the image is very dark (like almost nonexistent). 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.

Been using the camera extensively for the last month. All in all I would rate it as a really excellent camera. As compared to other point and shoots in its price range, this has significantly better capabilities. I am particularly impressed with its ability to take blur-free pictures while on the move in a vehicle.

Color modes are sufficient, and the 6X zoom+OIS is really handy for getting some nice long range shots. The camera boots up real quick too, and the burst mode is pretty effective.

Another plus point is the really nice video mode, which allows you to take VGA quality movies with sound. The videos come out really nice and it is quite handy to make good resolution small home videos.

Battery life is pretty good, and a set of 2 AA NiMH batteries last for at least 300 shots in typical usage conditions.

Only small con is the size. The camera is slightly thicker than other point and shoots owing to the large zoom lenses. So, it cant be carried in a trouser/jeans pocket.

Received prompt shipping by by amazon. All in all a great experience !

Would definitely recommend a buy.

Had one of these for a while. It doesn't write me. No calls. Nothing. Seriously, this camera is mega value for the money. I got mine for $97 on ebay. This was open box, right time. It handled well.
Bottom Line:
LCD Screen is big, but 93K resolution makes the photos look worse than they are. This is it's biggest drawback, but not a deal breaker. The DC Vario lense is better than most at this price/megapixel. Love the 6x when your friend is dipping into their digital zoom (uggg, do that on the computer later, don't distort the image prematurely). Additionally, this camera is now next to the definition of ultra value in the dictionary for the $97 - $140 range.

Get a set of Engergizer 2500Mah batteries and you'll get about 500 pictures on ONE CHARGE. Don't be cheap and buy single use batteries of any kind. Walgreens had it in store with a charger and 4 AA's for $22.
Camera:
8.1/10 (10 is entry pro-level)
Batteries:
10/10 (They are reviewed as top notch)

Thank you to those who went to the effort of uploading pictures. Nice work.


P.S.
I borrowed this from the person I gave it to previously when I went to Key West. WOW!! Excellent photos. If there was a major problem with this camera, I would find it. I even took it parasailing. This gave me great, detailed, sharp and color rich shots. 200+ shots, all on one set of rechargeable Nimh batteries.