Panasonic Lumix TZ10
Discussion
Knowing little or nothing about photography, I thought I'd seek a little help.
I need a new compact(ish) camera and have narrowed down my choice to the above.
It's just for holidays, nights out etc so nothing serious is needed.
Good choice or can anyone suggest a better alternative?
Cheers
I need a new compact(ish) camera and have narrowed down my choice to the above.
It's just for holidays, nights out etc so nothing serious is needed.
Good choice or can anyone suggest a better alternative?
Cheers
CameraPriceBuster.co.uk has Amazon as the cheapest at the mo - http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod1363.html
They are tracking the average price as just under £250 so £200 from Amazon does indeed look like a bargain
They are tracking the average price as just under £250 so £200 from Amazon does indeed look like a bargain
Having recently purchased one, specifically for a carry round snap camera for a trip down under, I can give you my thoughts.
Prior to this I had a Nikon coolpix compact, which whilst slim and compact, didn't have enough zoom range, naff video and I just didn't like it. Although I'm sure newer ones are better. After looking at many reviews and samples, I thought I'd have a go with the TZ10. It's slightly more lumpy and a bit bigger than the coolpix, but still pocketable, which was one of my requirements. The zoom range is great, especially the wide angle, another requirement for me (great when you want to snap a group of friends round the diner table).
Picture quality, the colours are great, very pleasing to the eye. (Like all compacts, looking at pixels 1:1, the quality sucks, crunchy, lumpy and ugly. Also in lower light when the camera ups the sensitivity, it soon becomes very noisy). However, for internet web galleries or prints up to 10x8 (i.e. in the real world), it's not really going to be an issue.
Battery life for me was OK, but I didn't use GPS (I tend to know where I am and where I've been, most of the time). The only real negatives I can think of is the flash is underpowered (as most compacts are) and you will find the mode dial will move quite easily as the camera gets taken out of a pocket, so need to check that before you snap. I did once accidentally take a few snaps onto the internal built in memory (which come to think of it, still haven't taken off!) Although it has a few modes and a small bit of manual adjustments/overrides, I found myself using it on Ai (idiot mode), most of the time and, for the most part, it it did a pretty good job. The only time I stuck it on P was to force the flash on, or limit iso to 80.
The 720p video is also useful, the quality is pretty good, considering the size and form factor of the camera, plus you can zoom whilst recording, should you wish. You can also purchase a dedicated underwater housing, if you're into snorkelling etc.
Although I did take quality gear with me, due to bad weather, only took it out once. So everything else was with the Lumix and I'd have to say I've been really pleased with it. So all in all, I'd recommend one!
Prior to this I had a Nikon coolpix compact, which whilst slim and compact, didn't have enough zoom range, naff video and I just didn't like it. Although I'm sure newer ones are better. After looking at many reviews and samples, I thought I'd have a go with the TZ10. It's slightly more lumpy and a bit bigger than the coolpix, but still pocketable, which was one of my requirements. The zoom range is great, especially the wide angle, another requirement for me (great when you want to snap a group of friends round the diner table).
Picture quality, the colours are great, very pleasing to the eye. (Like all compacts, looking at pixels 1:1, the quality sucks, crunchy, lumpy and ugly. Also in lower light when the camera ups the sensitivity, it soon becomes very noisy). However, for internet web galleries or prints up to 10x8 (i.e. in the real world), it's not really going to be an issue.
Battery life for me was OK, but I didn't use GPS (I tend to know where I am and where I've been, most of the time). The only real negatives I can think of is the flash is underpowered (as most compacts are) and you will find the mode dial will move quite easily as the camera gets taken out of a pocket, so need to check that before you snap. I did once accidentally take a few snaps onto the internal built in memory (which come to think of it, still haven't taken off!) Although it has a few modes and a small bit of manual adjustments/overrides, I found myself using it on Ai (idiot mode), most of the time and, for the most part, it it did a pretty good job. The only time I stuck it on P was to force the flash on, or limit iso to 80.
The 720p video is also useful, the quality is pretty good, considering the size and form factor of the camera, plus you can zoom whilst recording, should you wish. You can also purchase a dedicated underwater housing, if you're into snorkelling etc.
Although I did take quality gear with me, due to bad weather, only took it out once. So everything else was with the Lumix and I'd have to say I've been really pleased with it. So all in all, I'd recommend one!
Have the TZ10 also, not noticed poor battery life but I don't tend to use GPS as it doesn't seem to lock on fast enough and then tags the pictures with the last destination it was locked onto. Annoying.
It's also quite a large camera making it more of a pain to carry around in jeans pocket or whatever.
Having said the above, picture quality is excellent and I picked it up for £180 from eBay.
It's also quite a large camera making it more of a pain to carry around in jeans pocket or whatever.
Having said the above, picture quality is excellent and I picked it up for £180 from eBay.
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