Picture Quality / Size Options (8.25)
The FZ7 records images in three different aspect ratios, and in several sizes at each ratio. Aspect ratios define whether the image is shaped more like a square, or more wide or tall. Larger sizes are needed to make good quality large prints, while smaller sizes are easier to email and store.
In the 4:3 format, the FZ7 makes files in the following sizes: 2816 x 2112, 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960 and 640 x 480. In 3:2 format the FZ7 makes files at resolutions of 2816 x 1880 and 2048 x 1360. In 16:9 the files can be 2816 x 1583 or 1920x1080. Note that the 3:2 files and 16:9 files have the same horizontal measure as 4:3 formats, but smaller vertical measures. The FZ7 simply crops its maximum sizes to make the wider formats.
The FZ7 can record images at three levels of quality in these various sizes. The best quality images are TIFFs, which retain all the digital information that the imaging system records. Fine JPEGs lose data as they are compressed, but are still good enough to print from, while Standard JPEGs are more compressed and may not print well enough to suit many users' needs. Fine JPEGs take up much less room in memory than TIFFs, and Standard JPEGs are even smaller than Fine ones.
Picture Effects Mode (7.0)
The FZ7 can be set to shoot black and white or sepia-tone images as well as color ones. It offers Cool and Warm effects for color pictures. The effects might be fun in casual use, but converting color images to black and white or sepia on a computer after the shot offers many more options than in-camera settings like these. Users who want to hone their black and white skills ought to experiment with post-processing, rather than in-camera settings.
