Review on Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1K: Black Compact Digital 📷 Camera with 5MP & 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom by Randy Bin

The Panasonic Lumix range is really great. Leica-approved design lenses, incredibly effective optical image stabilization and very decent ergonomics fill almost every need. I wanted a pocket camera with exceptional zoom. The TZ1 pretty much meets my needs. There are things I don't like about it. There's no optical viewfinder, but the reality is that with a 10x zoom, you don't get an optical viewfinder. (The compact TZ1 camera because it uses a really unique folding lens system. The image is actually tilted 90 degrees. Very slim design.) The battery lasts about 200 shots if you use the flash. With this camera, you'll definitely want to carry around an extra batter or two. The flash load time is also a bit long. Working with a conventional lens cap is quite difficult. Attached with a short cable, it tends to move towards the lens when taking pictures. When shooting, it is better to hold it in your hand. It's almost the worst. There are many good moments. The TZ1 isn't super compact, but it fits nicely in a trouser or jacket pocket. Start times are pretty quick for point and shoot. A resolution of 5 megapixels is more than sufficient for most purposes. The 10x zoom is great, although the zoom speed is a bit slow. Focus is a bit soft even at maximum zoom. The exposure metering is quite decent. The possibilities of video are extraordinary. A 2GB SD card can record just over 20 minutes of video at 640x480 24fps with good sound quality. As mentioned, the optical image stabilization is top-notch. Ergonomically, this camera is easy to operate even in relatively large hands. All controls on the back are well placed and easily accessible. The exposure button is positioned almost perfectly: it wasn't difficult to find it. The zoom switch naturally comes to the rescue (although, as mentioned, the zoom speed is slow). You can easily operate this camera with one hand. The LCD screen can be used in any situation except direct, strong sunlight. The viewing angle is surprisingly wide, allowing you to shoot from both low and high angles. Incidentally, the flash works outside the specified range. The metering system does a great job with fill flash. Overall, the TZ1 is a very good pocket camera. Don't worry about the 5-megapixel sensor - with Leica-approved optics, 10x optical zoom and optical image stabilization, the TZ1 is more than adequate for most casual photo situations. Jerry