Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 is part of a brand new series of cameras designed to bring the benefits of long zoom and image stabilization to the masses. The newly released LZ2 has a total of 5.36 megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD that works with an updated Panasonic Venus Plus imaging processor. This compact zoom camera contains an efficient processor, which consumes about 50 percent less energy than its predecessor. Stocking a 5 megapixel imager, 2-inch LCD display, 6x optical zoom Lumix DC Variolens and 3 frame-per-second burst mode, the LZ2 offers a unique combination of features to budget-conscious point-and-shooters. The new LZ2 lacks manual functions and the Leica lens which dresses other Lumix models, but extends its appeal to the more automatically inclined consumer at a retail price of $299.95.
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Picture Quality / Size Options (7.5)
The following image sizes are available on the LZ2: 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, HDTV (1920 x 1080), and 640 x 480. The picture quality can be selected to Fine or Standard, each represented by icons of squares piled atop one another.

Picture Effects Options (8.0)
Images in the LZ2 can automatically be shot in cool or warm tones, as well as black and white or sepia. To enhance skin tones, users can select the Warm color mode, which gives the picture a slight red tint. For the opposite effect, users can choose the Cool mode. The traditional Black & White and Sepia modes are available – and they look and work quite well. Picture adjustments are also available. Natural, Standard, and Vivid options are available, but there are no live views available in this mode, so it is hard to tell what effects these options have on the final product until an image is recorded. While the quality of in-camera picture effects is often debatable, the included options should appease most fans.

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