Review
6mp Panasonic (October 03, 2006)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(4/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Aaron P. - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This was my second digital camera purchase and I wanted an upgrade from my small 2mp Minolta Dimage. I wanted to be able to take quality pictures and my wife and I decided that photo quality was more important than size. This camera is larger than some competitors, but does have a great Leica lens. On our first trip we took over 300 pictures and were very happy with the photo results. It is fortunate that the photos turn out better than the LCD image otherwise it would have been returned immediately. I expected Leica to provide the optics, which they did, and Panasonic to provide the electronics and LCD. The LCD is a grainy picture on the large 2.5 LCD and I think Panasonic needs to improve their contribution to the camera. The camera does operate slower than I would like between pictures, especially when using the flash. Battery life with 2AA bateries seems adequate over 100 photos and I try to keep rechargeable spares. I accidentally tested the durability by dropping the camera from waist height onto the pavement in front of the Washington Monument and came away with small scracthes to the plastic body.
The 6x optical zoom is excellent, photos are good even when zooming in with the digital zoom. I was able to zoom in on some wildlife that was around 100 yards away and get a good photo. Weve enlarged some scenery photos to 12x18 inch size and were pleased enough with the results to frame them. I havent mastered the different settings on the camera, but it appears to have features that I can use to expand my knowledge of photography.
I would eventually like to purchase a larger camera with more zoom and resolution for wildlife photography. Panasonic makes models that would fit that need. Ill definitely consider them for the next purchase due to the quality of lens, the sell will depend on how the improve the electronics.
In summary my wife and I wanted a portable camera small enough to fit in a purse, maybe not a pocket, with an extended zoom, high resolution, take quality pictures, and be less than $250. I think the Lumix does a good job meeting those needs.
Positive
- Leica lens
- optical zoom
- ease of use
- cost
Negative
- delay between photos
- LCD display
- not impressed with the photo software provided
Review
Great camera (April 28, 2006)
| Ease of Use |
|
(4/5.0) |
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(3/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
|
(4/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Chang L. - Sunnyvale, CA
Got this camera to replace my aging Kodak camera just before we went on vacation. I am really please with this camera.
My requirements for a new camera were a good optical zoom, anti-shake, video and voice recording. We took about 700 pictures and there were very few blur less than 10 pictures! The zoom x6 is sufficient for most situation and works hand in hand with the anti-shake feature. The video recording was handy too.
One complain that I have is the recharge cycle takes a couple of seconds and the display is blank for that duration. Also the LCD display resolution is on the low side. Overall, I am very happy with this camera.