Panasonic recently introduced the 10.1 megapixel LUMIX DMC-TZ7 and LUMIX DMC-TZ6 as the newest members of its award-winning Travel Zoom (TZ) series. Featuring a 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens and 12x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm), the TZ7 and TZ6 are worthy additions to a series of cameras that have won worldwide popularity for packing powerful zoom lenses into compact bodies. The TZ7 boasts AVCHD Lite2 High Definition (HD) video recording capability, a new feature for the TZ series.
Both feature a new LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens for stunning images with crisp detail and brilliant colour. Compared with previous TZ models, the power of the optical zoom has been extended from 10x to 12x, while at the wide-angle, the range broadens from 28mm to an ultra-wide 25mm. Slimmer and lighter than their predecessors (TZ15 and TZ11), these digital cameras are equipped for virtually any shooting situation.
Compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format, AVCHD Lite allows almost double the recording time with breathtaking HD quality. For easy operation there is a dedicated movie recording button on the camera’s back panel. The TZ7 is a true hybrid camera, with excellent performance in both still and motion recording modes.
Face recognition
Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode – a hallmark of LUMIX digital cameras – has now been expanded to include Face Recognition, a function that “remembers” faces from previous shots. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritise focus and exposure to capture it beautifully. This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of loved ones in a group of people.
iA mode is also available in Movie Mode (TZ7 only). It automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode, corrects handshake, and adjusts focus and exposure – iA mode is all you’ll ever need to capture beautiful still and motion images.
Playback with the TZ7 and TZ6 is also easy. To view still photos, or motion images recorded in AVCHD Lite, simply insert the camera’s SD Memory Card into the SD Card slot of a compatible VIERA TV or Blu-ray disc player.
Alternatively, connect the TZ7 via an optional mini HDMI cable to a VIERA Link-equipped Panasonic VIERA HDTV and use the television’s remote control to run still and motion image slideshows. Both the TZ7 and TZ6 feature a high resolution Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, improving visibility during recording and playback.
