Panasonic DMC-FZ7 Reviews

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Good Points: Image quality is very good below ISO 400, it has even surpassed that of some companions with D-SLRS.This camera is also very easy to use, well-placed controls, great hand grip.There is also a well-placed joystick for rapidly accessing frequently used functions such as White Balance, ISO sensitivity, image resolution and compression level.The optical zoom provides a long reach for wildlife photography. There is no distortion at the telephoto end that I have noticed. At the wide end, there is a little distortion if the subject is close by. Images are also sharp and clear.Auto focus is usually fast and silent, excellent for action pictures. Burst mode is also great.There is also the option of fully manual controls and selecting different light metering modes.Contrast, saturation, sharpness and noise reduction each can be adjusted three different levels.Another very useful feature is the macro mode, it allows shooting close-ups up to 5 cm from the subject.

Bad Points: The few things that I complain about this Lumix are:High picture noise upwards of ISO 400. With noise reduction on at full power, the pictures turn out soft-looking. I usually shoot at low ISO levels.Accurate manual focus is very hard with this camera because of the low resolution screens, especially the viewfinder. When taking pictures with auto-focus, this low resolution usually isn't a problem.The camera feels and is sturdy, but I wouldn't be rough with it because the camera body can be very easily scratched, especially on the flash cover.

General comments: My conclusion:This is an excellent camera. I decided on it after considering several models from other manufacturers. After trying it out for a few weeks, I knew that I had< made a good choice in picking the FZ7.The Lumix DMC-FZ7 is my first camera so far, and to this day I don't regret I chose it. The pictures I take are mostly nature, especially birds and close-ups.The DMC-FZ7 is not targeted, or intended for casual point-and-shooters.I would recommend this camera, or the newer, improved FZ8, FZ18 or FZ28 for people who want the most possible features and versatility without resorting to a larger, heavier, more expensive D-SLR.-----------Tip: Super-zoom digital cameras tend to suck dust INTO their lenses, so a clear filter to encase the entire lens barrel is essential.

noteinstein's review has yet to be rated - Be the first!
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I have used the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 camera for almost two years and it has never let me down , friends and family love the photos it produces. You can use it as a simple point and shoot and be sure of getting a good photo or advanced users can be creative with shutter or aperture priority or even full manual control. If I part with the fz7 it will only be to buy a fz18 for an even longer zoom.
You can't go wrong with this camera

fox1's review has yet to be rated - Be the first!
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Not bad for the money (£157 delivered) I expected better image quality, clearer viewfinder and certainly crisper images. Panasonic have to work on the blown hoghlights..too many pictures ruined. Metering seems a bit hit or miss. Good point and shoot camera but expect above average spoiled pictures

babus123's review has yet to be rated - Be the first!
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Bought the camera for its impressive optical zoom lens. This coupled with the Leica lens do not disappoint. Both aperture and shutter speed controls are easy to use which allows very creative photography. The simple "heart" setting means that children can use the camera and still produce good results. Battery life is impressive. Coupled with a 1GB card you have enough space for plenty of high quality photos.

Camera is surprisingly light when you first pick it up which gives a "cheap" fee ...

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I was looking for a 12 x camera with OIS, and I was considering a FZ5 when I come across the Panasonic DMCFZ7BS. For just £30 more, I thought it would be better to get a newer camera.

This camera was great; a big improvement over my LZ1. The best thing (and selling point) about this camera is its 12 x zoom. What it did not say on the box is that it becomes 16.5 x zoom if the picture is taken below 6MP, which is over 450mm! The OIS works to cancel out hand shake at such huge zoom numbers ...