Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7 First Impressions Review

by Tom Warhol
Published on March 09, 2007

Navigation
Intro	Testing/Performance Expectations
Physical Tour	Components
Design/Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity/Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs

The LZ7, a slightly beefy point-and-shoot, has plastic construction with metal bands running along the left side, the top panel, and surrounding the lens. The floor model we looked at was the black version with silver metal bands. The model also comes in all silver. The lens sits to the right of the front, with the bulge/battery compartment/grip on the left and the Lumix logo at the top between them. A one-half-inch wide metal band extends from the lens to the left and follows the curve of the battery compartment. Below it and to the left is the 6x Optical Zoom label. The flash, a narrow rectangular affair, lies at the top right, above the AF Assist Beam, which is a small, round lamp. A white script L sits in a square field of orange at the bottom right. The outer lens barrel ring shows the words Mega O.I.S. at the top right. The inner ring of the lens barrel displays the specifications: 1:2.8 – 4.5/6.1-36.6 Asph.

 

 

The back of the camera is dominated by the large 2.5” LCD on the left. A thumb pad at the top right consists of eight small recessed dots in a 3/3/2 pattern. The 4-way control ring sits on the bottom right. The Menu/Set button is surrounded, from top clockwise around the dial, by the Exposure compensation button, the Flash button, the Review button, and the Self-timer button. Below this and to the left sits the Display/High Angle button, with the Function/Trash button to the right of that.

 

 

The right side of the LZ7 shows the metal band that runs up the side. Two screws holding the band to the plastic casing sit at top and bottom. The wrist-strap ring lies below the top screw, and the media card door sits below that. Five raised bumps serve as the thumb anchor to press and slide the door open.

 

 

The LZ7's left side is fairly simple, with just the door hiding the computer and power connections at the bottom.

 

 

The bottom of this Panasonic features the tripod mount on the left, the manufacturer’s label in the middle, and the battery compartment on the right which can be accessed by pushing along three raised ridges.