Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black) by Panasonic
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Digital camera reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
Digital camera Review: Comparative Review: Panasonic Lumix TZ4; Canon SD 800IS and Canon SD850IS
Summary: 3 Stars
I decided to do a little test comparing the SD 800 IS (28mm to 105 mm), SD 850 IS (35mm to 140 mm) and the Panasonic Lumix TZ4 (28mm to 280 mm). I just wanted to make sure that I got the camera that was right for me.
As part of the test, I took about 70 photos with each camera in various lighting conditions, indoor lighting behind, indoor lighting in front, outdoor, zoom, wide angle, etc. Because I usually use only 4x6 prints, I printed all the photos in 4x6 prints at a local photo lab. There was no post photo processing on any of the photos. I just wanted to see the results right out of the camera so to speak.
Thus, to me, the test was as real world as possible because that is how people use the camera, you don't shoot screens of color swatches, you shoot people, things, landscapes, grass, etc. Printing it out at a photo lab let me see the pictures as best as they could be. All cameras were set on full auto and no special modes were used for any of the shots.
The results were very intersting but hardly surprising. With the exception of a somewhat noticeable difference in the telephoto and zoom ranges, at a 4x6 size, there is essentially no discernable difference in the pictures generated by the Canon SD 850IS and the Canon SD 800IS. There was no difference indoors, outdoors, or anywhere else. This is not surprising, because the cameras are very very similar, use the same processor, and only differ in the lenses.
The Panasonic was another story. It exhibited performance issues, had zoom hunting, poor focus, fringing, etc. on the indoor shots. Outside, with plenty of light, it performed very well and produced excellent photos, but because I don't shoot exclusively outside, that was a deal killer for me. You basically cannot shoot anything moving indoors with this camera. Based on the reviews, I understood that this camera had limitations, but did not realize how much the processor hobbled this camera's indoor performance.
Here's the Review for the Panasonic Lumix TZ4:
PROS:
LENS: The quality and range of this lens are ideal. That is the absolute best part of this camera. Wide angle lens is a real treat in a point and shoot sized camera. I shot many group shots with this camera and everyone of them fit in the picture, and I did not have to walk back any steps (or wedge myself into a corner, etc. to do it). Also, outside, and especially outside, it is amazing what you will fit into a picture. There is absolutely no distortion with this lens. The outside pictures are superb.
ZOOM RANGE: You will not find better.
FEEL: The feel of this camera is of a well built quality piece. The grip is excellent and it feels good in the hand.
FAST: Pretty fast for a point and shoot. Not as fast as the Canons.
SIZE: The smallest superzoom anywhere. Smaller than Canon's superzoom the SX-1000. Looks better too.
LOOKS AND FEEL: I absolutely loved the looks and feel of this camera. It reminded me of my old SLR. It had a nice heft to it, and the controls were laid out nicely. Also love the fact that it was black and made of good quality materials.
BATTERY: Battery life is very good. Took almost 200 shots and did not even come close to using up the battery.
FLASH: Flash is very strong for a camera this size. Reaches rather far, but will not illuminate an object at the end of the 10X zoom.
CONS:
PROCESSOR: This camera is a grand slam waiting to happen if they can just put in a better processor. On indoor pictures, there is no ability to take a good candid with the camera because it hunts for focus and zoom for too long. Many of the pictures that were taken exhibited astounding amounts of fringing, or were out of focus. Because I was looking for a camera that I needed to take many indoor candid shots (where people are moving around and not posing), this was a deal breaker for me.
On outside shots, where you have plenty of light and if people don't move around too much, the camera takes excellent pictures. Many of the professional reviewers lament Panasonic's heavy handed noise reduction, but you don't see anything on the outside shots. This zoom range is an unbelievable asset to have outdoors.
Overall, many reviewers labelled this a "travel camera" and it is easy to see why. It is durable, has a great lens, and will take excellent sightseeing photos. For that purpose, it is highly recommended. I knocked it down to three stars because I need a camera that does it all very well, and the indoor performance of this camera was disappointing in view of how much I really wanted to like and keep this camera.
Hope this helps and best of luck in your shopping!
Digital camera Review: Descent
Summary: 3 Stars
No frills, feels really solid, pretty compact for a 10x. But I think if I had to do it over I would get the TZ5K, the manual is annoying when it says it can do a certian function then has a * saying TZ5 only....Digital camera Review: EXCELLENT ZOOM, & SKIN TONES, I LOVE IT.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this camera to replace my larger x12 zoom Sony, as I needed a small one to carry around with my new baby. This is a perfect camera for family pictures, small, fits in a pocket, has a x10 optical zoom + some advanced features that allow semiprofessional adjustments. The Leika lens, plus x 10 optical zoom make all the difference, plus programmed scenes allow for easy picture taking when you are out of time. What I find is optimal is the camera's skin tone colour... even with flash it captures it better than all the other ones I've tried. The burst mode is also excellent for capturing that first baby smile. The filming and sounds also work nicely, so for such a compact little thing, and the price, I give it 5 stars.Digital camera Review: Excellent Camera
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros: Easy to use; easy to view & erase pictures already taken; nice size - comfortable to grip; great zoom & lens; takes excellent photos ie. clear & accurate
Cons: we still prefer an viewfinder. The monitor is difficult to see in bright light, and you cannot know if the photo is properly composed. However, I guess this is the standard with most smaller travel cameras.
Digital camera Review: Excellent Choice
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a truly excellent choice for a small camera. Pocket sized yet a great 10x optical Leica zoom, excellent auto function and easy to read instructions. Fantastic view finder and wide angle, as well as macro. I highly recommend the TZ5 and TZ4. Simply said, used it over a month with 200 plus photo's of graduation and grandchildren, including crystal clear movies, 10 out of 10.