Overview

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is 6 megapixel digital camera, that despite its 12 times optical zoom lens is still surprisingly small and light. The FZ7 is also equipped with Panasonic’s optical image stabilization, reducing the risk of blurred photos. The camera can be operated fully automatic or fully manual, and a selection of scene modes is available as well, making it an interesting camera for both photography novices and ambitioned photographers.

Available Reviews

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 at PhotographyBlog
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at DigitalTrends
• Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 review at Photoxels
• Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 review at LetsGoDigital
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at imaging resource
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at PCMag
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at CNet
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at DigitalCameraReview
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at DigiCamReview
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at DCRP
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at Steve's Digicams
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 review at dpreview
• Panasonic DMC-FZ7 review at DigitalCameraInfo

Features

12x Optical Zoom
While still fairly light and small the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 features an impressive 12 times optical zoom, with a focal length of 36mm to 432mm, 35mm equivalent.

Optical Image Stabilization
The DMC-FZ7 is equipped with optical image stabilization where the lens adjusts to camera shake or movement to reduce the risk of blurred images when shooting with shaky hands, in low light conditions, or when making use of the 12 times zoom. The FZ7 also supports high ISO sensitivity settings, up to 1600, to further reduce the risk of blurred pictures, especially when shooting in low light conditions without a flash.

2.5 inch LCD Monitor
The Panasonic FZ7 features a large 2.5 inch LCD screen with high contrast and a high viewing angle, allowing you to use the display even in bright daylight or when shooting in high angle/low angle perspectives.

Specifications

Resolution: 6 megapixels
Focal Length: f=6.0-72mm, 35mm equivalent: 36-432mm
Optical Zoom: 12x
Exposure Modes: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift (P mode)
Movie Mode: 848 x 480, 640 x 480, 320 x 240
Shutter Speed: 60 - 1/2000 sec.
LCD Display: 2.5in TFT
Storage Media: SD, MMC card
Battery: battery pack
Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.84 x 4.43 x 3.11in, 72 x 113 x 79mm
Weight: 0.68 lbs, 308g

Press Release

Panasonic introduces the latest addition to its celebrated Lumix™ digital camera line with the new, six-megapixel DMC-FZ7. This compact camera features a Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens system, powerful 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm on a 35mm film camera lens) with aperture of F2.8 to 3.3, and Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer.

This compact, feature-packed model is Panasonic’s most “anti-blur” camera ever, addressing the two major causes of blurred images: hand movement and subject movement. The DMC-FZ7 incorporates Panasonic’s acclaimed MEGA Optical Image Stabilization technology, which uses a gyrosensor to detect and compensate for hand movement by shifting internal lens elements. It is a true optical system; the image is not electronically processed so there is minimal degradation and exceptional picture quality. MEGA OIS is especially important when utilizing the 12x optical zoom of the DMC-FZ7. At the greatest zoom, even the smallest hand movement could ruin the shot. With MEGA OIS, the image remains steady.

Additionally, the new DMC-FZ7 features a new High Sensitivity Mode which suppresses blur caused by quickly or unpredictably moving subjects, especially when shooting indoors with fast shutter speeds. The MEGA O.I.S. feature and High Sensitivity Mode allow the user to shoot with a maximum ISO 1600 setting.

“Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology used with this new High Sensitivity Mode dramatically helps consumers at all skill levels capture great shots,” said Monica Helmer, marketing manager for Panasonic’s Optical Group. “Everything about the DMC-FZ7 is designed to allow anyone to get high-quality results, whether composing a macro shot or catching the action on the fly.”

The DMC-FZ7 packs a wealth of advanced technology and easy-to-use features in a sleek, compact package. It is equipped with both automatic and manual controls that meet the needs of prosumers and beginners alike.

Panasonic’s LSI Venus Engine II handles image processing, LCD functions, and writing to the memory card simultaneously, making the DMC-FZ7 incredibly responsive with an industry-leading release time lag of 0.008 seconds minimum and shutter interval of approx. 0.5 seconds1 minimum. The LSI also enables lightning-fast consecutive shooting capability, capturing sequential shots at a rate of up to 3 frames per second at full resolution2. An unlimited3 consecutive shooting function allows the user to take photos in succession until the memory card is full. The LSI also improves horizontal, vertical and diagonal resolution.

Users may choose from selectable AF settings. In addition to the 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point normal speed and Spot autofocus, the DMC-FZ7 can be set to 1-point high-speed autofocus. This setting nearly eliminates the time lag that often occurs with high-magnification zoom shots, letting users capture those great, spontaneous moments. An AF Assist Lamp provides extra lighting as a focusing aid for slightly dark situations where AF focusing would ordinarily be difficult.

The DMC-FZ7 also includes a new, large 710 mAh battery to help extend the amount of pictures taken on one charge; 16 scene modes; 4x digital zoom; color viewfinder; 2.5-inch LCD monitor; and normal (640 x 480) and wide (848 x 480) VGA motion image recording. Optional accessories include ND filters, AC adaptor, MC protector, close-up lens, wide conversion lens and tele conversion lens.

The DMC-FZ7 is scheduled for March delivery and will have a suggested retail price of $399.95.
(source: Panasonic)