The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera with a Leica lens has been a fantastic little camera for me. It offers a good range of features for photography enthusiasts. This camera has a fairly powerful lens [good piece of glass] that is able to capture high-quality images, whether using the zoom or taking close shots in macro mode.
With its compact size and fast start up time, the TZ1 camera is also great for on-the-go photography. It offers settings like image stabilization / anti-shake, which helps in eliminating blurriness. There are two stabilization options to choose from. I think number 1 is the best out of the two stabilization options.
Also, the DMC-TZ1 comes with various shooting and scene modes like sepia, warm, vivid, sports mode and many more that make it easy for users to experiment with different styles and effects. I quite like vivid sepia and vivid black and white. I think the sensor in this model is small. High ISO is a problem. As in, the images are noisy. But keep the ISO low and the results can be pretty good.
The TZ1 can also record video in 480p. Overall the TZ1 is a really good option if you're in the market for an old-school, cheap compact camera. I think it came out in 2006, so now, while low-tech to some or most people, it is still quite a capable camera. And it can be bought for such a low price.
A little update years later. I've had a lot of cameras come into my possession over the years I have owned the TZ1. From very good brands like Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm etc. And the one thing I have noticed that has stood out to me more than anything else has been their build quality. It's been nothing short of terrible. The camera models I've had, which consisted of various, supposedly highly sought after point and shoots and Bridge cameras, were mostly made of plastic. Like, almost totally plastic.
I compared a little Canon IXUS 55 to my Panasonic TZ1, and the difference in build quality was quite shocking. I have no idea why IXUS cameras have had a rise in popularity over the last few years and now sell for high prices. It was so flimsy and poorly made.
In comparison to the TZ1, which is heavy for its size and has real metal around the lens, the zoom ring is metal, the top is metal, the screen is much better quality etc, there is no comparison at all. The IXUS was built like a cheap plastic toy, and the TZ1 is a well built, quality camera. It's that simple.
I sold my IXUS and was glad to see the back of it. Same with the Nikon point and shoot camera I had. Build quality was laughable. They were both prone to faults also. Lens errors, dodgy display screens, weak battery door latch etc. I really expected better from these brands.
And this is why I won't sell my TZ1. Because I know I'll want it back a week later!
2 comments:
Why don't you upgrade to something else Panasonic.
What about the GX1.
As an avid photographer, I have always sought out the good cameras. Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Panasonic Lumix GX1 and thought I'd quickly share the experience.
The First use: My excitement reached its peak as I unboxed the Panasonic Lumix GX1 camera. Its sleek, compact design immediately impressed me, making it convenient to carry around. The camera's sturdy build hinted at its strength and durability. Hopefully it can withstand challenging conditions. We'll see I guess.
Features: The Panasonic Lumix GX1 camera opened up a world of possibilities with its ton of features. The high-resolution electronic viewfinder gives a clear view. The 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor offered good image quality, capturing small details and bright colors with accuracy.
Out for a test run, I was amazed at its snappy autofocus and fast shooting speed. Its ability to capture up to 20 frames per second in burst mode proved invaluable when photographing fast-moving subjects. I never really missed a crucial moment.
Lastly, the camera's low-light performance impressed me to be honest, producing sharp and some noise-free images even in low lighting conditions. This says something because many panasonics perform badly when in dull or dark lighting.
Hey. I would have considered the GX1 but don't want a camera with a changeable lens or touch screen display. I'm after one that has a built-in lens and a normal screen.
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