The 7.2-megapixel Lumix DMC-LZ7 is one of Panasonic’s latest entries into the point-and-shoot market. Retailing for $199.00, the LZ7 features a 6x optical zoom lens and an Easy Zoom button that quickly brings the lens to the 6x point. An additional press of the button expands the zoom to 9x but reduces the image size to 3 megapixels. The LZ7 packs in a 2.5” LCD with a resolution of 115,000 pixels. As with all of the new cameras in Panasonic’s Lumix line, the LZ7 includes Intelligent Image Stabilization, a new feature that incorporates Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Intelligent ISO Control that adjusts ISO for subject movement in low light conditions. The new Lumix cameras also incorporate a Venus Engine III processor, which was formerly only available in their higher end cameras.
There is no viewfinder. The LZ7 relies solely on the LCD for composing and image review, as with most point and shoots.
LCD Screen
While bright and clear, the LZ7’s 2.5” LCD displays only 115,000 pixels. The angle of view was not very good; it easily became obscured when tilted more than about 100 degrees. Panasonic should really do better. That said, when viewed head on the display was very bright and contrast and color reproduction were very good. The High Angle button brightens the display for holding the camera above your head or down low is a helpful option for catching those concert photos or taking pictures of your dog swiping food under the dinner table.
Flash
Despite the position of the Lumix LZ7’s small, narrow flash on the far right of the camera front, no sideways shadows were evident. The flash provided pretty even coverage, even on the open and varied show floor. The published flash range for wide angle is 1.6 to 17.7 feet (0.5 to 5.4 m) and 1.6 to 10.8 feet (0.5 to 3.3 m) for telephoto, which seemed fairly accurate in the on-floor tests.
Zoom Lens
The 6x optical zoom, equivalent to 37-222mm in 35mm format, can be augmented by the E Zoom button, which pushes the optical zoom to 9x, but it reduces the image size to 3 megapixels. As a result, the user will have to be willing to sacrifice image quality to get that extra boost. The digital zoom boosts this range to a maximum of 36x, for those users inclined to reduce image quality even further. Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabilization technology can be turned on (Mode 1 or 2) or off in the menu. Mode 1, always on, is the default, but Mode 2 saves power by turning on only when the shutter is depressed.
There is no viewfinder. The LZ7 relies solely on the LCD for composing and image review, as with most point and shoots.
