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Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 is a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 6x Optical Zoom and optical image stabilization. It runs on 2 AA batteries and comes with 14 megabytes of internal memory built in. Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 from the following Panasonic press releasing announcing it and its DMC-Lz1 little brother.
Buy the “Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 5MP Digital Camera with 6x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Silver)”
Buy the “Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 5MP Digital Camera with 6x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black)”
DP Review has a comprehensive review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 and writes - 'The Panasonic LZ2 promises a lot for under $300, and in the most part it doesn't disappoint. For one thing offers a longer zoom range than just about every other major-brand 5MP camera in its price range, and that's before you throw in the undeniably useful image stabilization system. It's as well built as can be expected of an all-plastic 'entry-level' camera, seems pretty tough and handles a lot better than it looks. The images produced are - if you keep the ISO low - very sharp, and detailed, and color, contrast and white balance leave little to complain about.'
Steves Digicams Reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 and writes - 'The overall image quality when using 2560/Fine mode was only average. The majority or our outdoor test shots were sharp and properly exposed, but noise was present in shadow areas even at the camera's lowest sensitivity, ISO 80. In addition, the LZ2 applies more sharpening than I care for, compounding the effects of noise. Image noise is quite noticeable at ISO 100, and objectionable at ISO 200 and 400. While users of the camera's Normal exposure mode can limit noise by selecting ISO 80, beginners who use Simple and Scene modes will be disappointed when the camera selects ISO 200 or higher. Outdoor portraits were well exposed with natural skin tones; indoor flash portraits were largely without red eyes when red eye reduction flash mode was used. Although not equipped with a focus-assist lamp, the LZ2's autofocus system performed reasonably well in average room lighting at wide angle; zooming into the telephoto range reduces the lens aperture and autofocus fails more frequently. The flash range is limited at low ISO settings (under 7 feet at ISO 80 and 100); the range increases at ISO 200 and 400, but so does image noise. The flash does “throttle down” when using Macro mode, ensuring that it will not over-expose the subject.'
Imaging Resource reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 and writes - 'The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 is a pretty unique digital camera, there really isn't anything else like it on the market from any of the other manufacturers. It packs a 6x zoom lens into a surprisingly compact body, and throws in Panasonic's excellent MegaOIS Optical Image Stabilization technology for good measure. Image stabilization is becoming more of a factor in the market these days, and with good reason, as it really makes long-ratio zoom lenses a lot more useful than they would be otherwise. Along with the long, stabilized zoom lens, the Panasonic LZ2 also offers 5-megapixel resolution, very bright color without oversaturating skin tones, good macro focusing, and excellent battery life. The downsides are that its images get soft in the corners at the telephoto end of its range, shots captured at ISO 400 are noisy, and its low light shooting and focusing capability is a little limited (but still OK for typical city night scenes). None of these are by any means fatal flaws though: The Panasonic DMC-LZ2 is a fine little camera, and clearly one of the best bargains on the market for a long-zoom, optically stabilized digital camera. It just missed being named a “Dave's Pick,” but it deserves your very serious consideration if you're looking for a long-zoom camera on a budget. - You really can't match its combination of 5 megapixels, 6x zoom and optical image stabilization for anywhere near its price, and its compact body design is an added plus.'
CNET Reviews has posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 that gives the digital camera a rating of 'very good'. They write - 'The DMC-LZ2's vibration-damping optical image stabilization is especially useful at the telephoto end of this compact's 6X zoom, helping to produce sharper photos at slower shutter speeds. High-performance burst shooting and easy operation increase the DMC-LZ2's appeal for the casual photographer. But its lack of manual controls will disappoint photo enthusiasts, and even snapshot takers may wish there were an optical viewfinder in extra bright or dim lighting conditions.'
Cameras.co.uk reviews the Panasonic DMC LZ2 and writes - 'With a six times optical zoom lens in a compact body the Panasonic DMC LZ2 offers something different to other digital cameras. The quality of the outdoor photos is excellent and I was also struck by how easy it is to use the camera. If you are looking for a compact camera with a lens that can get you in that bit closer then this camera is well worth considering. '
The optical 6x zoom is able to capture and magnify subjects located at a distance that cannot be captured enough by the 3x zoom of ordinary compact cameras. Normally, blurry pictures caused by hand shake is a major problem of compact cameras, particularly with shooting through LCD monitor, but this is solved by MEGA O.I.S. It is difficult to capture crisp and clear images in shootings with high-powered zoom or with macro mode without using a tripod. The shutter speed tends to slow when shootings in low-lit indoor or of nighttime scenery. However, MEGA O.I.S. enables you to take clear, beautiful pictures in such situations easily. In addition to a consecutive shooting function that allows you to take 3(LZ2) / 4(LZ1) frames per sec at full resolution, the newly developed Venus Engine Plus facilitates an unlimited* consecutive shooting function, which allows you to shoot successive photos until the memory card or build-in memory reaches capacity.
What’s more, the new models include 14 megabytes of built-in-memory, which enables you to take pictures even when you do not have an SD Memory Card, and allows you to always have your favorite pictures in your camera wherever you go. Also, despite the large LCD display, the battery life achieves 215 pictures for LZ1 / 235 pictures for LZ2 (CIPA) recording with included 2 AA OXYRIDE batteries.
The DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1, thanks to the optical 6x zoom and MEGA O.I.S., are the perfect compact cameras for parents to easily take clear, beautiful pictures of family events such as traveling or camping and other moments worth preserving.
*The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory.
The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card and built-in memory size, battery life, picture size and compression.
1. Optical 6x Zoom – Top Class for Compact Cameras
The LUMIX DMC-LZ2 and LZ1 are equipped with a newly developed optical 6x zoom (equivalent to a 37 – 222 mm zoom on a 35 mm film camera) lens, while keeping the body size as compact as ordinary 3x zoom cameras. With 24x magnification when combined with 4x digital zoom, the models boast top-class performance for compact camera zooms. This powerful zooming function allows you not only to easily capture and magnify subjects in distant locations, but also to take impressionable photos with soft-focused backgrounds. In addition, the zoom lens features the crystallization of Panasonic’s optics technology, 2 aspherical lenses, which are used to achieve compactness and higher optical performance.
2. MEGA O.I.S. – The Essential Feature for Digital Cameras
Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera. It also features two corrective modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1 constantly detects and follows movements and continuously compensates for them. In contrast, in Mode 2, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution image can be taken by capturing the image as close as to the center of the lens. In consequence, since MEGA O.I.S. enables a beautiful picture shot without blurring at slower shutter speeds of more than 3 steps compared to the conventional models without O.I.S., you can enjoy shooting clear and beautiful pictures easily even in the situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots and nighttime scenery, as well as shooting with 6x zoom or macro mode.
3. The New Image Processing LSI : Venus Engine Plus Achieves Low Energy Consumption Enhancing Responsiveness and Image Quality
Venus Engine, which was used in the previous DMC-LC80/70/50, has been substantially upgraded in terms of performance in the energy consumption, responsiveness and image quality, and newly reborn as Venus Engine Plus. This newly developed image processing LSI consumes only about 50% as much power as previous Venus Engine. In terms of response, release time lag has been improved from the conventional 0.1 seconds down to industry-leading 0.008*(LZ2)/ 0.006*(LZ1) sec minimum, allowing you to precisely capture your target subject. What’s more, consecutive shooting performance has also been improved, so that you can take consecutive shots at a rate of 3(LZ2) / 4(LZ1) frames per sec at full resolution. An unlimited** consecutive shooting function has also been added. With this function, you can take photos in succession until the memory card or the built-in memory is full. In addition, by adjusting the amount of noise reduction depending on the brightness of the subject, the models have succeeded in fully preserving image resolution in bright areas and reducing noise in darker areas to as much as one-third of previous levels.
Last but not least, the auto focus consisted of 1-point and spot focus modes, you can now choose between 4 modes, 5-point, 3-point, 1-point, and spot focus. This makes the auto focusing even easier but very accurate.
* Not including the time for AF.
** The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card or built-in memory.
The number of recordable picture depends on the memory card and built-in memory size, battery life, picture size and compression.
4. 2.0 Inch Large LCD Monitor – Easy to View Even Outdoors
The large 2.0 inch size makes the display extremely easy to view when taking photos or playing back them. In addition, a TRM(Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD has been employed to prevent wash-out even outdoors on a bright day. This means that you are able to view crystal-clear images on the LCD monitor regardless of the circumstance.
5. Other Features Expanding the Usability
The improvements go beyond just the main functions; a number of convenient features have either been added or upgraded. With 14 megabytes of built-in memory, you can take photos without missing an chance that may suddenly arise even when you do not have an SD Memory Card. You can also store your favorite photos like an album that you can enjoy viewing or showing at any time. Additionally, you can easily copy photos from the built-in memory to the SD Memory Card and vice versa. The cameras run on 2 AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere. And, if you use Panasonic’s OXYRIDE dry-cell batteries included with the camera, you can take up to a maximum of 215 photos with LZ1 / 235 photos with LZ2 (CIPA).
It also offers easy shooting even to the entry-level users by providing the Simple Mode, in which most settings are made automatically. You just aim at the subject, zoom in or out, and press the shutter button.
8 scene modes that meet most any shooting situation can be appropriately selected thanks to the newly installed Scene Mode Help screen. This shows the description of each mode on the LCD monitor, makes it easier to select the mode that best fits the shooting conditions.
Another new feature, Auto angle detection, records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your LUMIX with an AV cable*, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.
* Video cable for LZ1
Get the Latest Price on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2Posted by Darren in our Panasonic category on February 08, 2005