Panasonic DMC-TZ1

Reviewed April 2006

Introduction

Panasonic's new DMC-TZ1 may not break new ground when it comes to its resolution, it offers a 5 megapixel image, a size that is quite common, but it breaks new ground when it comes to its optics.

Four major controls are grouped on the top right of the camera, starting with the On-Off Switch. To its left is the Zoom Control, and in the middle, the 2-stage Shutter release. As is the case with most digital cameras nowadays, the zoom control also has a role when the camera is set to the Playback mode, offering a means of magnifying parts of a captured image, or view images in index format, which presents photos as thumbnails on the 2.5 inch, 207,000 pixel monitor.

Pulling the zoom control towards the T side magnifies the image currently on the screen, up to 16X, allowing a reasonably close look at parts the image.

Pushing the zoom control towards the W side first displays a group of 9 images, then a screen full of 25 small images, then a calendar view that shows an entire month, and the days on which photos were captured.

To the right of the shutter release and zoom control, a small button serves to control the Mega O.I.S. — the name Panasonic has given to the optical image stabilizer. The reality of digital cameras is that both their compact size, and the fact that we tend to rely on the LCD monitor to frame shots — ideal for framing but which requires outstretched arms to see the screen — increase the likelihood of camera shake ruining the shot. To counteract image shake, the image stabilizer compensates movements by the use of gyro sensors that move a lens internally, thereby minimizing shake, or even vibration.

The image stabilizer can operate in either one of two modes, or be turned off:

	In Mode 1 the optical image stabilizer lens is always compensating for camera movement, so the image is stabilized when framing the shot, as well as the shot itself.
	With Mode 2 the system provides a slightly higher level of stabilization as it stabilizes the image only when the shutter is released.

The only remaining control on the top of the DMC-TZ1 is the Mode Dial. The Mode Dial of the TZ1 has 7 positions, one of which is the Playback mode , and the other 6 for capture modes:

The other external controls of the TZ1 are clustered on the lower right side of the camera's back, which leaves the upper part to serve as a thumb rest.

The DISPLAY button, first at the top and directly below the small LED that indicates camera activity by lighting up green, controls the level of information that is superimposed on the monitor, cycling through each possible display mode as it is pressed. In addition, the button also controls the LCD MODE if it pressed and held for more than 1 second.

By default, the DMC-TZ1's monitor shows the image with some of the camera's current settings superimposed at the top and on the left side of the monitor. Pressing the DISPLAY button once adds a real-time histogram on the right side of the monitor, graphically representing the brightness of the subject. Pressing the button a second time removes all but the AF brackets, but adds a composition grid. A third press of the button removes the grid, leaving only the AF brackets.

If the DISPLAY button is held down more that 1 second, the camera presents the LCD Mode, which provides control over the brightness of the monitor. Three settings are offered:

• Off (the default).
• Power LCD brightens up the display so it is easier to see outdoors.
• High Angle increases the brightness further, and is designed to make the monitor visible to the user when the camera is held above head, as when shooting in a crowd.

Next, a group of four buttons arranged in a circle serve to navigate the TZ1's menus and review images. A fifth button, labelled SET and MENU at the centre serves to confirm choices made in the menu, and call up the menu (see the Characteristics section of the review for more information about the menus offered for each mode).

Each of the 4 directional buttons support an additional function:

	The down arrow starts the Review mode, which displays the last captured image for 10 seconds. And in this mode, while it is possible to magnify an image up to 8X, the Playback menu cannot be accessed.
	And the left arrow starts the Self-timer with a 10-second delay with the first press and a 2-second timer when pressed a second time.

The last button on the TZ1 is to activate the Burst mode when the camera is in a capture mode, or erase () an image when the camera is in the Review mode or the Playback mode:

High Speed captures 3 images at the highest JPEG image quality and the highest resolution at 3 frames per second. Low Speed captures 3 images at the highest JPEG image quality and the highest resolution at 2 frames per second. Unlimited captures JPEG images at 1.5 frames per second for as long as there is space on the memory card.

In and of itself, the stabilized and very compact 10X zoom of he DMC-TZ1 Panasonic should guarantee its success. But the fact that in addition the camera is also very user-friendly without being too overly simplistic, and well-finished and attractive should make it a favourite of the Panasonic line.