TZ7

Manufacturer Panasonic has launched its new DMC-TZ7 hybrid camera that brings together the functionality of a high-end compact and camcorder together in one body. The camera offers similar functions to other cameras in the TZ range including a 10-megapixel resolution, 3-inch high-res LCD screen, 12x optical zoom (or up to 21.4x in 3mp resolution) and 25mm ultra-wide angle lens, but also adds in AVCHD Lite motion picture recording.

You can have all at your disposal with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7. If you prefer you can choose whether or not to shoot a still image or movie which is most appropriate. The best thing is you know that it will be recorded in superb quality.

The DMC-TZ7 can really shoot fabulous High Definition movies.
The Panasonic DMC-TZ7 records HD movies (1280 x720-pixels) in AVCHD Lite, which lets you shoot beautiful HD video with almost twice the recording time compared to the conventional Motion JPEG. Optical zoom can be used when shooting motion images. The DMC-TZ7 is also the world's first compact camera to feature Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, which records dynamic, true-to-life audio that brings out the power of the HD video. The wind cut function also minimises distracting sound from the background during audio recording.

The DMC-TZ7 Venus Engine HD, with its twin CPUs, has exceptional processing capabilities and low power consumption, enabling both HDMI support and HD movie recording in AVCHD Lite. The DMC-TZ7 features effective noise reduction even at high ISO sensitivity levels. Connect to a Panasonic VIERA via an optional HDMI mini-cable, and use VIERA Link to run mixed slideshows of still and motion pictures. Or, insert your SDHC/SD Memory Card into an HDTV equipped with VIERA Image Viewer (SD Card slot) to playback pictures and movies. *must be recorded in AVCHD Lite

You can buy TZ7 at a great price with free delivery online.

DMC-TZ7

"I recently bought a DMC-TZ7 TZ7 in my continual mission to find a good hybrid camera.

I have always loved Canon cameras and when I found the TX1 it was very close to being my perfect camera... it was only let down by a small screen, poor flash and a narrow lens. So I had a Canon Ixus 870 for its wide lens and great photo quality.

Earlier this year I tried the following cameras:

- Panasonic TZ5 - Great concept but poor video sound and the Ai mode was not always brilliant - Preferred the Canon.
- Sony T500 - promised so much and the video quality was amazing but it was only 5x zoom and had really bad low light noise on photos.
- Sony TG3 - Well built but expensive and photo quality was really poor.
- Canon Ixus 100 - Great little camera with great video and photos but limited due to the 3x zoom and narrow lens.
- Canon SX200 - So much potential but slightly too big, silly pop up flash and you can't zoom in movies.

So finally I have come to the DMC-TZ7. So far I have been really impressed by the camera. The sound quality on movies is a big step forward and the intelligent auto is a big step forward. The 25mm lens is stunning and really ads a different dimension. The video quality is very good but I do find it slightly grainy even in good light but I think I am probably analysing it too much.

So, I am now finally ready to part with my Canon combo and just use the DMC-TZ7. So far it's been a great camera and it really is getting close to my perfect hybrid.

In my opinion the DMC-TZ7 could be improved and I'm sure it will when technology allows:

- Lens flare and purple banging in videos could be better.
- The sound, although better, could still be improved to Canon/Sony standards.
- A slight reduction is size would be awesome but it is still a great size camera
- A dedicated play button in place of the play/rec slider button would be good.

These are only small points as overall this Panasonic DMC-TZ7 camera is an excellent purchase.

I am happy to answer any questions on this camera. "
Source: Amazon.