Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic Lumix TZ7 Digital Camera - Black (10.1MP, 12x Optical Zoom) 3.0 inch LCD

This really is a cracking camera. I do lots of hillwalking and this camera allows me to take some truly fantastic landscape shots because of the amazing wide angle & zoom capabilities. I particularly like the panoramic mode, which helps you create brilliant panoramas by showing the last third of the previous shot so you can judge where to take the next.

There's not much in the way of manual controls, but the miriad of scene modes makes up for this. Also, I'm always in a bit of a hurry when out hiking, so manual mode would be wasted functionality for me.

The compact size of the camera is a great bonus too, meaning you can just shove it in your pocket and whip it out when you're feeling inspired (yes, I am still talking about the camera). And I was amazed by the quality of the pics this little beauty took. If I can upload images onto this site, you'll see. Also, these are my very first efforts. So the camera takes virtually no time to get to grips with: you point and it takes beautiful shots.

Only critisism is battery life isn't comparable to some previous cameras I've had. That said, a full charge will have you taking stacks of photo's (without flash) for about 4 full days. Indcidentally, battery life does seem to increase after a few charges (weirdly enough). Anyway, just can't mark it down on that, since the photo's are so good.

I have researched compact cameras for months now and eventually settled on the TZ7 having looked at loads...... and am I glad I did, it's great! I've just been to Paris and gave it a test run and I've got some excellent photos - both outdoor and indoor (I was worried about low light conditions but this hasn't been a problem).
Great camera - you will not be disappointed - go for it!

Just purchased the TZ7 to replace my 18 month old Fuji F50fd camera, and WOW... What a camera. I was slightly concerned as the TZ7 is only 10mp compared to 12mp on my old Fuji but the image quality is so much better on the Lumix. Crystal Clear images, fantastic night/indoor shots and the 12x optical zoom is just amazing.

Camera is so easy to use, just switch to the iA setting and the camera does all the work for you. There are also manual settings which you can use for certain situations, but I prefer the simple iA feature as it takes perfect shots each time in any situation.

Only slight dissapointment is the size of the Lumix, although not huge it reminds me of the compact cameras from 4/5 years ago. Build quality is solid though.

Battery life is good, and I'm comparing this against my old Fuji, which needed charging every couple of days. I've taken around 300 photos with the Lumix and only had to charge the battery once.

Video quality is also very good, recording in 720p/1080i and the sound is also top notch for such a camera. You can purchase the hdmi mini cable on Amazon for around £3.99.

If you're looking for a compact(ish) camera that takes excellent photos without you fiddling around with manual settings, then this camera is for you... The perfect Point and Shoot camera.

I phoned up Panasonic before buying this camera and raised the question of battery life. The nice young man said 'don't believe everything you read in the reviews.' So I bought it. Here's my advice: 'Don't believe the nice young man from Panasonic.' The battery will run out on a typical day's tourist photography. Especially if you use Intelligent Auto and you do any video.

That wouldn't matter too much but Panasonic have rigged the camera so that you have to use a Panasonic battery. The lens cover is very fragile so you also need a case. And you need a memory card.

So it's not a £300 camera or a £260 camera. You need a spare battery - £50, a case - £20 and a memory card - £20. That's more like a £390 camera and if you buy insurance, over £400.

Having said all that, it's a super camera and it would be worth the effort if you could buy a 'clone' spare battery at £20. Personally I will wait a few months until someone has produced a clone battery which works or until Panasonic have been made to change their policy. I suggest you wait too.

I debated for a while before purchasing this camera, reading many reviews and pondering the pros and cons. I am pleased to say I am extremely happy with my camera, it is easy to use, takes great photographs and has a fantastic zoom for a compact camera. There are many features to this camera and I am still happily working my way through them to see exactly what it can do. I am really pleased with the LCD screen that can be viewed no matter how bright the surrounding area. I noted that some people have had problems with the mode dial but I have to say this hasn't been an issue with myself and the camera seems very robust. Would recommend to anyone that wants a compact camera with a good zoom.