I recently sold my JCV HD camcorder because I realized my lifestyle required me to take more still photos than videos.
I did some extensive research and in the process learnt a few things I did not realize. I researched blogs, reviews, and other expert and end user forums including consumer reports trends for `brand' reliability, cNet reviews and many other popular electronics authorities.
In my research I discovered that unless you are a professional photographer printing a 5 foot tall poster, for day to day use and the ability to `blow up a regular image to a reasonable size - most people do not need a camera with more than 6-8 megapixels. However if you get more megapixels then that is a bonus. (Something you get in the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K a total of 12.1 mega-pixels)
On the other hand Zoom is a different matter. Getting a camera with good range in `Optical zoom' is always better. You might say to yourself "I will never need to `zoom in' "that far" - trust me you will! And you will appreciate your decision. The Panasonic DMC-ZS7K has a total of 12x optical zoom which is also `Wide angle" and the ability to add another 4x digital zoom giving you a total of 16x zoom). However to get crisp images you should try to stay within the `optical zoom' limitations (up to 16x).
Now to review the actual camera:
Model: Panasonic: DMC-ZS7K
I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery. Once I plugged in the battery, programming the initial basic settings like the time and location, was easy. However while I have used the GPS feature, to be on the safe side (re battery draining) I keep my GPS `OFF'. If I am actively going to be in an area where I specifically want the `added' feature of the GPS then I will turn it on. BUT I will try to remember to turn it off as soon as I am done. Even if you power off your camera - as long as the battery is inserted in the unit the GPS will be running 24/7. This WILL drain you r battery.
It took me a few hours to read through the manual and play (adjust) all the advanced settings. I don't think I will use the `advanced settings much but I will have it set to my liking when I am ready to use it.
I have taken a handful of photos to test all the settings including the macro zoom. For the most part unless your environment absolutely demands `advanced' shutter and aperture settings the `iAF' mode works best. This camera in `iAF' mode (Intelligent Auto Focus) is a breeze. Just point and shoot. "Even a caveman can do it"
In macro mode once again I found the AF Macro mode to work the best. Although if you are zoomed in to the object and switch from tele-macro to af-macro you will not see any change. You will need to physically zoom out and back in or move your camera away from the object and bring it back so it can refocus.
ISSUES - QUIRKS:
At this point I do not have any major complaints with this camera - except that for the price it could have come with a carry pouch (case) and at lease 8GB of memory. I have not yet bought a camera case but however bought 32GB of memory. [SanDisk 32GB Extreme - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card 200x - NEW 30MB/s version]. Again from research I have discovered that for true HD quality recording a Class-10 SDHC memory card is the best.
I am taking a 2 week trip to Florida at the end of May 2010 and expect to use the camera extensively.
Today I am happy with my decision and this camera.
I will definitely come back and update this review after my trip.
***************************************************************
_______________
27th June 2010:
_______________
Update from my trip to Florida.
This is a follow up to my purchase of the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K.
I am adding some photos to review.
Overall the camera is great.
Photo quality is `Excellent' ***** (5 star)
HD Video quality is `Very Good' **** (4 star) only because it does not have an internal backlight.
All the special settings work great.
The `scene' mode works great. I found the `Beach' scene mode was sharper and more clear when used on the beach during mid-day in the hot sun as well as the `evening'. I shot some pictures with the camera pointing directly at the sun and still got a great result.
There was some issue with the `Sunset' scene mode.
I captured approximately 50 photos of one sunset over a period of 15-20 minutes.
I used the following modes:
- `Full Intelligent Auto' mode
- `Beach' Scene mode
- `Sunset' Scene mode
In my opinion the `Sunset' Scene mode was the worst.
The second best was the `Beach' Scene mode.
The best pictures were produced using the `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
I also traveled to the Florida Aquarium where I took some very good pictures using `Underwater' Scene mode. I was extremely impressed with two things:
1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass (see my photos attached to the product review).
2. In some areas of the Aquarium we were not allowed to use a `Flash'. I forced the flash `off' and switched the camera to `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
In all cases the colors were very good.
In a couple of instances I used the `BURST' mode you can see in my `posted' photos I have a picture of a turtle swimming in full speed.
NEGATIVES:
I tried very hard to find something negative to say but could only come up with this:
1. The shooting mode wheel can sometimes `half turn' while in your pocket or bag. So when you try to start it up and shoot you will see an error on the screen! The locking mechanism could have been tighter?
2. The screen definitely needs a `very good quality' protective plastic screen covering it. I purchased this from Amazon.com that works perfectly:
Garmin Nuvi 755T ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector (Single Pack)
3. Te last negative comment I have on this camera would be to have the unit ship out with some sort of case?! It is amazing that a camera costing as much as this does is sold without a case!
CONCLUSION:
This camera is a keeper (with a good screen protector and a carry case :) LOL)
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This Item  Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $149.99 | $64.99 | -16% $151.15 List: $179.99 | -8% $109.95 List: $119.99 | $484.53 | $497.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | — | — | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Zoom | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | HDD Shop | Pandos-US | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | The Primary Goods | Amazon.com |
| display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 3 inches | 2.8 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 5 inches | 3 inches |
| lens type | zoom | Fisheye | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Close-Up | all-in-one-zoom |
| zoom type | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical Zoom | Optical zoom | Depth From Defocus |
| shooting modes | Landscape | Automatic | — | Automatic, Portrait, Landscape, Macro | P, hybrid auto, creative shot, portrait, smile, wink self-timer, face self‐timer, high-speed burst, night scene, low light, monochrome and more | N&A |
| connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | Type C | USB | USB | HDMI D (Micro), USB Mini-B (USB 2.0) | HDMI, USB |
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Customer Review: Good Camera , enough for that money
jmsellanes
Reviews with images
Excellent GPS and iA (intelligent Automatic) modes
I happily received the camera today from Amazon along with two batteries purchased from eForceCity Panasonic DMW-BCG10 Decoded Replacement Battery for Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZR1 / DMC-ZS1 / DMC-ZS3 / TZ6 / TZ7 Digital Camera and a mini HDMI to HDMI cable from Monoprice.First - Reviews claiming that the Panasonic DMW-BCG10PP battery is the only type that will work are inaccurate. PN-DMW-BCG10E 'DECODED' battery 3.7V 1000mAh works great. With firmware version 1.1 . The battery will set you back 7 skins if you shop around.Second - The build of this camera is SUPER excellent and buttons are well placed. The first thing I did was to power up, set the camera to iA (intelligent Automatic mode) and shoot a picture of my coffee cup at 10 megapixel 16x9 format. Depressing the shutter halfway performed a stable autofocus and the flash went off giving a great detailed picture. The camera only has 15MB of built-in memory and this is only enough to hold 3 pictures at this resolution. (you need an SDHD card for this camera, suggest SanDisk Class 6 8GB Sandisk 8GB EXTREME SDHC HD Video Card Class 6 - 20MB/s (SDSDRX3-8192) [Hassle-Free Packaging], 16GB or Patriot Class 10 16 GB Patriot LX Series 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card PSF16GSDHC10 (Black)Third - Install the software (see below for possible bugs in the installation) - Add directories for scanning to PhotoFun Studio application (this application searches subfolders and identifies many picture files that you might not be aware of that are on your computer!!!)Pros: - Durable build, large 240,000 pixel screen, 12x zoom, leica lens, 720p HD video (purchase a high quality SDHD card - at least Class 6), AVC HD video using x264 video codec, easy navigation, quick menu access to delete photo, 12MP resolution (14MP CCD chip), 4:3 or 16:9 formats, image stabilization (good for telephoto shots and set as default for video recording), GPS, detailed manual with tips for shooting best pictures.Neutral: - Quicktime motion JPEG video format for lower quality vids - 720p HD video (Nikon or Canon might provide higher res for video)Cons: - Limited availability of "freeware" AVC HD conversion software (not fault of product) (more later...) - Sleep mode disables camera output and requires power off and then power on to restore camera output (pushing the menu button does not activate the camera... no big deal)Software: - Software installation was easy enough, but for the Photo Application the setup required that I identify the location of the 'Microsoft 2008 Redistributable C++ library' installer which was transiently copied to the root of my C: drive by the launcher.exe application under some cryptic directory (7CafHJ35teYuGEHH00FFa just as an example...). Solution: 1) Just search for the necessary .msi file using Windows Search 2) navigate to the directory containing the asked for .msi file hint: right mouse click ('open file location'), 3) select the file with the mouse and hit 'OK'. 4) Reboot your computer after installation is finished and update the software via the PhotoFun Studio application under the 'Help' menu. - Quicktime is also installed as an option for viewing motion JPEG files. AVC HD videos can also be viewed in the included PhotoFun Studio application. (the extension of the HD AVC videos is either mt2s or mts (will specify when I have shot some videos). Installation of Quicktime is better done by acquiring the latest version and installing manually. Quicktime Pro (not free) allows editing and creation of videos. I had to navigate to the installer on the Panasonic software disk because the launcher did not enable the installation of the Quicktime software for me. In addition, the Quicktime software may be installed on top of a previous version of Quicktime that you have on your computer. This may be an issue for you.Provided Cables: - The camera comes with a proprietary USB cable for connecting the camera to your computer. After plugging in the camera via this cable the device driver is immediately installed by Windows 7x64 bit OS. The camera also comes with a Component A/V cable for connection to devices supporting component type connections such as HDTV and flat screen monitors although connection via a mini HDMI to HDMI cable is preferred (see below).Optional Cable: - I also purchased a mini HDMI to HDMI cable for connection to my 1080p monitor/HDTV for about 6 clams - or mini HDMI to HDMI adaptor sold thru Amazon RiteAV - HDMI to Mini HDMI Type C Adapter - 8 inch (this is really not optional - increases quality of viewing on 1080p monitors for minimal cost)Connectivity and resulting image rendering: - Viewing images on my LG1080p HDTV/monitor (see 'Equipment List' below) was a total pleasure... Best: Image rendering was best by connecting to my HDTV with the optional mini HDMI to HDMI cable via a direct connection to my HDTV/monitor configured for 1080p 16:9 format. Excellent: Detail was rendered at HD 1080p resolution (upscaled by my Seagate Theatre+ media player to 1080p) 16:9 format and gave greater resolution than my laptop monitor [I could easily read the calories on a can or 'Bumble Bee Tuna' from a picture taken in iA (intelligent Automatic mode) from 6ft @ 200iso 1/15th of a second exposure with flash] Very Good: Detail was very good when viewed on my laptop 1366x768 screen resolution (Intel Graphics, onboard vanilla flavor) using IrfanView graphics application. (you can probably expect similiar results or better using other software and good video graphics hardware. Very Good: Detail was very good when connecting via VGA from laptop to VGA port on LG 1080p monitor configured for 1920x1080 resolution (Intel Graphics, onboard vanilla flavor) ???: Could not test. HDMI connection to HDTV/Monitor via HDMI [ my laptop does not have HDMI output :( ] I suspect that the rendering of these images could be awesome. Good: Detail was good using my Seagate Theatre + Media Player set for 720p resolution (no upscaling...) Seagate FreeAgent Theater+1080P HD Media Player STCEA201-RK Acceptable: Detail was rendered good, but noticeably degraded by direct connection to my 1080p HDTV/monitor using the included HDMI to Component cable provided with the camera. (Not recommended for HD) Equipment list: Lumix SZ7 camera, Seagate Theatre+ Media Player (upscaling to 1080p), LG 22" HDTV/1080p LCD Monitor or 32" equivalent thru Amazon: LG 32LD450 32-Inch 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV, Lenovo laptop 1366x768 resolution 15.6" monitor w/Intel onboard graphics, mini HDMI to HDMI cable (see above under optional cable) or RiteAV - HDMI to Mini HDMI Type C Adapter - 8 inch, Component A/V cable (provided w/ camera), USB/PC cable (provided w/camera), Image Viewer Software (optional) I recommend IrfanView package [freeware, many good plugins, highly configureable, Exif aware, IPTC aware, GPS mapping via GoogleEarth, GeoHack-Wiki (access to many GPS mapping tools)]GPS: - GPS connectivity is set as off by default (saves on battery). GPS of sample image pegged my address when viewed on Google Maps, Bing Maps, or GeoHack-Wiki. The IrfanView software (freeware) is great for viewing EXIF data attached to JPEG images by the camera and can map the coordinates of the GPS information in GoogleEarth, and GeoHack-Wiki (access to GoogleEarth, Bing Maps and other GPS aware mapping tools). The Lumix SZ7 pegged the image to my address but about 100 ft from the exact location. See my example images under 'Customer Images' user="niebling"Notes: I will update this review next week after heavy testing of this camera.Recommend: Gordon's video review at Cameralabs.com (excellent video review for this camera and Nikon/Canon competitor models)
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2010
I recently sold my JCV HD camcorder because I realized my lifestyle required me to take more still photos than videos.
I did some extensive research and in the process learnt a few things I did not realize. I researched blogs, reviews, and other expert and end user forums including consumer reports trends for `brand' reliability, cNet reviews and many other popular electronics authorities.
In my research I discovered that unless you are a professional photographer printing a 5 foot tall poster, for day to day use and the ability to `blow up a regular image to a reasonable size - most people do not need a camera with more than 6-8 megapixels. However if you get more megapixels then that is a bonus. (Something you get in the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K a total of 12.1 mega-pixels)
On the other hand Zoom is a different matter. Getting a camera with good range in `Optical zoom' is always better. You might say to yourself "I will never need to `zoom in' "that far" - trust me you will! And you will appreciate your decision. The Panasonic DMC-ZS7K has a total of 12x optical zoom which is also `Wide angle" and the ability to add another 4x digital zoom giving you a total of 16x zoom). However to get crisp images you should try to stay within the `optical zoom' limitations (up to 16x).
Now to review the actual camera:
Model: Panasonic: DMC-ZS7K
I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery. Once I plugged in the battery, programming the initial basic settings like the time and location, was easy. However while I have used the GPS feature, to be on the safe side (re battery draining) I keep my GPS `OFF'. If I am actively going to be in an area where I specifically want the `added' feature of the GPS then I will turn it on. BUT I will try to remember to turn it off as soon as I am done. Even if you power off your camera - as long as the battery is inserted in the unit the GPS will be running 24/7. This WILL drain you r battery.
It took me a few hours to read through the manual and play (adjust) all the advanced settings. I don't think I will use the `advanced settings much but I will have it set to my liking when I am ready to use it.
I have taken a handful of photos to test all the settings including the macro zoom. For the most part unless your environment absolutely demands `advanced' shutter and aperture settings the `iAF' mode works best. This camera in `iAF' mode (Intelligent Auto Focus) is a breeze. Just point and shoot. "Even a caveman can do it"
In macro mode once again I found the AF Macro mode to work the best. Although if you are zoomed in to the object and switch from tele-macro to af-macro you will not see any change. You will need to physically zoom out and back in or move your camera away from the object and bring it back so it can refocus.
ISSUES - QUIRKS:
At this point I do not have any major complaints with this camera - except that for the price it could have come with a carry pouch (case) and at lease 8GB of memory. I have not yet bought a camera case but however bought 32GB of memory. [SanDisk 32GB Extreme - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card 200x - NEW 30MB/s version]. Again from research I have discovered that for true HD quality recording a Class-10 SDHC memory card is the best.
I am taking a 2 week trip to Florida at the end of May 2010 and expect to use the camera extensively.
Today I am happy with my decision and this camera.
I will definitely come back and update this review after my trip.
***************************************************************
_______________
27th June 2010:
_______________
Update from my trip to Florida.
This is a follow up to my purchase of the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K.
I am adding some photos to review.
Overall the camera is great.
Photo quality is `Excellent' ***** (5 star)
HD Video quality is `Very Good' **** (4 star) only because it does not have an internal backlight.
All the special settings work great.
The `scene' mode works great. I found the `Beach' scene mode was sharper and more clear when used on the beach during mid-day in the hot sun as well as the `evening'. I shot some pictures with the camera pointing directly at the sun and still got a great result.
There was some issue with the `Sunset' scene mode.
I captured approximately 50 photos of one sunset over a period of 15-20 minutes.
I used the following modes:
- `Full Intelligent Auto' mode
- `Beach' Scene mode
- `Sunset' Scene mode
In my opinion the `Sunset' Scene mode was the worst.
The second best was the `Beach' Scene mode.
The best pictures were produced using the `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
I also traveled to the Florida Aquarium where I took some very good pictures using `Underwater' Scene mode. I was extremely impressed with two things:
1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass (see my photos attached to the product review).
2. In some areas of the Aquarium we were not allowed to use a `Flash'. I forced the flash `off' and switched the camera to `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
In all cases the colors were very good.
In a couple of instances I used the `BURST' mode you can see in my `posted' photos I have a picture of a turtle swimming in full speed.
NEGATIVES:
I tried very hard to find something negative to say but could only come up with this:
1. The shooting mode wheel can sometimes `half turn' while in your pocket or bag. So when you try to start it up and shoot you will see an error on the screen! The locking mechanism could have been tighter?
2. The screen definitely needs a `very good quality' protective plastic screen covering it. I purchased this from Amazon.com that works perfectly:
Garmin Nuvi 755T ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector (Single Pack)
3. Te last negative comment I have on this camera would be to have the unit ship out with some sort of case?! It is amazing that a camera costing as much as this does is sold without a case!
CONCLUSION:
This camera is a keeper (with a good screen protector and a carry case :) LOL)
I did some extensive research and in the process learnt a few things I did not realize. I researched blogs, reviews, and other expert and end user forums including consumer reports trends for `brand' reliability, cNet reviews and many other popular electronics authorities.
In my research I discovered that unless you are a professional photographer printing a 5 foot tall poster, for day to day use and the ability to `blow up a regular image to a reasonable size - most people do not need a camera with more than 6-8 megapixels. However if you get more megapixels then that is a bonus. (Something you get in the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K a total of 12.1 mega-pixels)
On the other hand Zoom is a different matter. Getting a camera with good range in `Optical zoom' is always better. You might say to yourself "I will never need to `zoom in' "that far" - trust me you will! And you will appreciate your decision. The Panasonic DMC-ZS7K has a total of 12x optical zoom which is also `Wide angle" and the ability to add another 4x digital zoom giving you a total of 16x zoom). However to get crisp images you should try to stay within the `optical zoom' limitations (up to 16x).
Now to review the actual camera:
Model: Panasonic: DMC-ZS7K
I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery. Once I plugged in the battery, programming the initial basic settings like the time and location, was easy. However while I have used the GPS feature, to be on the safe side (re battery draining) I keep my GPS `OFF'. If I am actively going to be in an area where I specifically want the `added' feature of the GPS then I will turn it on. BUT I will try to remember to turn it off as soon as I am done. Even if you power off your camera - as long as the battery is inserted in the unit the GPS will be running 24/7. This WILL drain you r battery.
It took me a few hours to read through the manual and play (adjust) all the advanced settings. I don't think I will use the `advanced settings much but I will have it set to my liking when I am ready to use it.
I have taken a handful of photos to test all the settings including the macro zoom. For the most part unless your environment absolutely demands `advanced' shutter and aperture settings the `iAF' mode works best. This camera in `iAF' mode (Intelligent Auto Focus) is a breeze. Just point and shoot. "Even a caveman can do it"
In macro mode once again I found the AF Macro mode to work the best. Although if you are zoomed in to the object and switch from tele-macro to af-macro you will not see any change. You will need to physically zoom out and back in or move your camera away from the object and bring it back so it can refocus.
ISSUES - QUIRKS:
At this point I do not have any major complaints with this camera - except that for the price it could have come with a carry pouch (case) and at lease 8GB of memory. I have not yet bought a camera case but however bought 32GB of memory. [SanDisk 32GB Extreme - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card 200x - NEW 30MB/s version]. Again from research I have discovered that for true HD quality recording a Class-10 SDHC memory card is the best.
I am taking a 2 week trip to Florida at the end of May 2010 and expect to use the camera extensively.
Today I am happy with my decision and this camera.
I will definitely come back and update this review after my trip.
***************************************************************
_______________
27th June 2010:
_______________
Update from my trip to Florida.
This is a follow up to my purchase of the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K.
I am adding some photos to review.
Overall the camera is great.
Photo quality is `Excellent' ***** (5 star)
HD Video quality is `Very Good' **** (4 star) only because it does not have an internal backlight.
All the special settings work great.
The `scene' mode works great. I found the `Beach' scene mode was sharper and more clear when used on the beach during mid-day in the hot sun as well as the `evening'. I shot some pictures with the camera pointing directly at the sun and still got a great result.
There was some issue with the `Sunset' scene mode.
I captured approximately 50 photos of one sunset over a period of 15-20 minutes.
I used the following modes:
- `Full Intelligent Auto' mode
- `Beach' Scene mode
- `Sunset' Scene mode
In my opinion the `Sunset' Scene mode was the worst.
The second best was the `Beach' Scene mode.
The best pictures were produced using the `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
I also traveled to the Florida Aquarium where I took some very good pictures using `Underwater' Scene mode. I was extremely impressed with two things:
1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass (see my photos attached to the product review).
2. In some areas of the Aquarium we were not allowed to use a `Flash'. I forced the flash `off' and switched the camera to `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
In all cases the colors were very good.
In a couple of instances I used the `BURST' mode you can see in my `posted' photos I have a picture of a turtle swimming in full speed.
NEGATIVES:
I tried very hard to find something negative to say but could only come up with this:
1. The shooting mode wheel can sometimes `half turn' while in your pocket or bag. So when you try to start it up and shoot you will see an error on the screen! The locking mechanism could have been tighter?
2. The screen definitely needs a `very good quality' protective plastic screen covering it. I purchased this from Amazon.com that works perfectly:
Garmin Nuvi 755T ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector (Single Pack)
3. Te last negative comment I have on this camera would be to have the unit ship out with some sort of case?! It is amazing that a camera costing as much as this does is sold without a case!
CONCLUSION:
This camera is a keeper (with a good screen protector and a carry case :) LOL)
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2011
