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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Testing/Performance
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Sample Photos
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12.Specs / Ratings
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13.Comments
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8
Previous: Page 2
Testing/PerformanceNext: Page 4
Design / LayoutViewfinder (0)
The Panasonic DMC-LZ8, like the majority of modern point-and-shoots, doesn’t have an optical viewfinder. This is for the best, as viewfinders on small point-and-shoots like this one are usually fairly inaccurate. Battery savers might miss the viewfinder, however, as turning off the LCD saves precious battery juice if the batteries are running low. Since there’s no viewfinder, users will have to rely on the LCD to frame their photos.
LCD Screen (5.25)
The LZ8 features a 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel Polycrystalline TFT LCD. While some point-and-shoots feature upward of 3-inch screens, a 2.5-incher with industry-standard 230,000 pixels is appropriate for a budget, entry-level model.
The back of the LZ8 is dominated by the
2.5-inch LCD screen
The LCD automatically adjusts its brightness in 10 steps as light conditions change, making it easier to see images on the screen in bright or low-light conditions. It can be seen from most normal angles, so users shouldn’t have a problem angling the camera to get the shot they want. In addition, a "High Angle" LCD mode, found in the Setup menu and Q.Menu, allows the LCD to be seen when held at – you guessed it – a high angle. If you’re at a concert and need to hold the camera over your head to get a shot of the band on stage, this is the LCD mode for you.
An Auto Power LCD mode can be set, which automatically turns the LCD off after 15 or 30 seconds of inactivity. The screen easily greases up with fingerprints, but it’s quick to clean off. The display button on the back of the camera allows users to change what is shown on the LCD. One option shows a white grid to help line up shots, another shows no shooting information, and the third view features shooting information such as battery life, Flash mode, ISO, and Metering mode.
Overall, the LCD isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s adequate for a budget model – it will allow you to effectively frame your images and view them in playback.
Flash (4.75)
The built-in flash on the LZ8 sits above and slightly to the right of the lens. Its center placement is good, since fingers gripping the camera won’t get in the way, but it’s too small and too close to the lens. This isn’t good for portrait photos, as it often leads to red-eye. Red-eye removal modes are available, though.
The flash is effective from 1.96 to 20.66 feet when the lens is zoomed out and 0.98 to 10.17 feet when the lens is zoomed in. It creates a lot of glare, though, especially on close-up subjects, and the flash isn’t as evenly distributed as we’d like.
The Flash modes can be chosen by pressing the right button on the four-button multi-selector. Options include On, Off, Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Removal, and Slow Sync with Red-Eye Removal.
The small flash unit on the LZ8 is located just above the lens
Zoom Lens (6.00)
The Panasonic LZ8’s Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens has a focal length of 5.2 to 26mm (32 to 160mm in 35mm equivalent). Its 5x optical zoom lens telescopes out of the camera body when the camera is powered on in shooting mode. In wide angle, the aperture ranges from f/3.3 to f/8.0, and in telephoto is ranges from f/5.9 to f/8.0.
Optical image stabilization is a standout feature in this inexpensive camera
Panasonic includes its Mega O.I.S. optical image stabilization system on the LZ8, a feature not commonly found on entry-level point-and-shoots. The stabilization feature moves the lens to compensate for camera shake, and is considered the most effective way to reduce blur in images. Intelligent ISO Control also boosts the ISO sensitivity to further stabilize images.
Focal length is adjusted using the zoom ring around the shutter button, or by pressing the Easy Zoom button to automatically focus to the full 5x. Making slight adjustments to zoom is a challenge, since the camera tends to "breathe" slightly before settling on a zoomed spot. Users will be able to hit about 20 different spots in the 1x to 5x zoom range when slightly tapping the zoom toggle, however, which is better than some point-and-shoots.
Shop for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8
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