Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Digital Camera Review

Canon PowerShot S2 IS – Like the TZ1, the Canon S2 has 5 megapixels and a lot of zoom. The PowerShot digital camera is much larger, though, as it is shaped like an SLR and will require a camera bag. The S2 has a longer 12x optical zoom lens and an optical image stabilization system that is just as effective as Panasonic’s. The S2 IS is more of a hybrid camera, with stereo audio for shooting movies and a stalk-mounted LCD. The S2 IS's LCD is smaller, though, at only 1.8 inches. It also has a lower resolution at 114,000 pixels. The camera performed well during testing, and its burst mode impressive as it filled up the memory card at a rate of 2 fps. There is a lot more manual control available on this model, along with plenty of scene and automatic modes for point-and-shooters. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS costs about $75 more than the TZ1, with online prices in the neighborhood of $300.

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 - The Panasonic FZ7 is bulkier than the TZ1, with a housing that measures 4.43 x 3.11 x 2.84 inches and comes with a larger Leica 12x optical zoom lens. Like the TZ1, this model comes with the optical image stabilization system. This camera doesn’t try to be compact, and comes with a more comfortable hand grip and lugs to attach the included neck strap. The FZ7 comes with more resolution at 6 megapixels, and offers much more manual control though it can be set to operate as simply as the TZ1. It has a 2.5-inch LCD, which has lower-resolution than the TZ1's with only 114,000 pixels. Available online for around $285, it's about $60 more than the TZ1. Price difference aside, the big difference here is the size of the camera. 

 

Nikon Coolpix S4 – The Nikon Coolpix S4 has a 10x zoom, like the TZ1, but it offers a resolution upgrade to 6 megapixels. Featuring an unusual pivoting design, it flattens to a 1.4-inch thickness. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD, but with an inferior resolution of 110,000 pixels and a very limited viewing angle. The S4 includes Nikon's “Face Priority” system, which detects faces in the image and automatically focuses on them. This Coolpix has a range of “assist” features to help absolute beginners take reasonable pictures along with 15 scene modes. The long optical zoom lens is a nice feature, but there isn’t much to back it up. There is no image stabilization and it isn’t functional while recording video. The movie mode isn’t that desirable anyway: it can only shoot at a choppy rate of 15 fps. The S4 is a splashy offering, with a premium price. Many online retailers are asking $375 for it.

 

Kodak EasyShare V610 – This digital camera came out only weeks after the Panasonic TZ1 and stole its thunder. The TZ1 was marketed as the smallest 10x zoom digital camera in the world – until the Kodak V610 came out. The EasyShare crams 10x zoom into a body 0.9 inches thick; it does this with two internal lenses that combine to form a total of 10x. Still, there’s a catch to this system. The lenses don’t line up exactly, so when zooming there is a jump between 114mm and 130mm. This is especially noticeable in the movie mode, when the 10x zoom is available. There is no optical image stabilization system to keep the ride smooth either. The Kodak V610 has other handy features though. The 6.1-megapixel digital camera has a sturdy metal body with a 2.8-inch LCD screen and far better resolution at 230,000 pixels. It has Bluetooth technology that can wirelessly send photos to cell phones, computers, printers, and other enabled devices. The V610 has its downfalls too: inaccurate colors and slow processing times are the main complaints. The camera originally retailed for $449, but can now be found for around $275 online.

Value (7.0)
The Panasonic TZ1 is a simple point-and-shoot camera with a long lens, effective image stabilization, and a lack of manual control. The camera originally retailed for $349 when it was released last year. Now it sells for about $250 online and is cheaper than the alternatives. There is a market for snapshooters who want plenty of telephoto for sports or scenics or even bluejays on the birdfeeder. The TZ1 is a good value for them – as long as they don't miss the manual controls that Panasonic left out. 

Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters - The TZ1 is a simple camera to use for beginners with its image stabilization system, and zoom range.

Budget Consumers - The TZ1 is a low-cost choice for people who need an automatic point-and-shoot with a long lens.

Gadget Freaks - There isn't much that is cutting-edge or clever about the TZ1. Of the alternatives listed above, for gadget freaks, the Nikon Coolpix S4 would be a better choice.

Manual Control Freaks - Without any manual exposure option, the TZ1 is not for this market.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - The TZ1 lacks the manual controls and image quality serious users require.