ProductCritic: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 Reviews

About.com (90)

The Panasonic DMC-LZ7 is a great choice for the indecisive: no matter what the subject of your photo, the LZ7 has a setting that will help you get the shot.

Megapixel.net (89)

Positives: Very good image quality. Stabilized 12X zoom. Distortion-free images. Multiple image sizes. Selectable image aspect ratios. Selectable compression levels. Good ergonomic design. Long-lasting battery. Negatives: TIFF format appears no different than JPEG format. EVF/Monitor blanks out after the shutter release is pressed. EVF/Monitor resolution a bit too low. Fine compression level a touch too strong.

Steve's Digicams (87)

Bottom line – I was very happy with the FZ7. It is a robust performer that captures beautiful 6-megapixel images, possesses a generous 12x zoom range, and let’s not forget it can be easily used by every person in your household.

PhotographyREVIEW.com (86)

The FZ-7 is a strong contender in the current crop of super-zoom, SLR-like digital cameras. It’s recommended for anyone who wants a light-weight camera with great photographic usability, good image quality, and an SLR-like form with super-telephoto capabilities.

Information Week (86)

If you don’t mind carrying a full sized camera (one you can’t realistically put in a pocket), the FZ7 is a great choice. It’s $400 price tag puts it within competitive range of most point-and-shoot digicams with less zoom range and far fewer features.

Photexels (86)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 continues to be a best value for money and one of my very favourite. In a compact, light and solidly built body, it includes all the features desirable in a digital camera and throws in a couple that are hard to find in many other digital cameras

T3 (85)

Panasonic’s CCD isn’t quite up to the quality of Leica’s lens, so beware slightly soft detail, over-sharpened edges and a splash of digital noise, but overall this is a class act, combining street-chic sexiness with world-beating optics.

PhotographyBLOG (80)

So overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is a stylish, easy to use, advanced camera with that 12x zoom lens as its main attraction. The noise issue is by no means a show-stopper, particularly if you live in a sunny climate or tend to shoot mostly outdoors, but it does stop me from recommending this camera more strongly.

Digital Trends (80)

Vacationers should put the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 on their packing lists. How high on the list depends on your shooting style.

DigiCamReview (80)

With the FZ7 (and FZ3) it is necessary to learn to live with the lower ISO settings to avoid noise, something that shouldn’t be a problem as the rest of the camera is so well thought out and put together. The FZ7 is fast and easy to use with scene modes or full manual controls to suit every level of experience.

DigitalCameraInfo.com (80)

The FZ7 should attract a loyal following. It’s easy and fun to use. It’s versatile, and cheap for what you get. In our experience, no one does image stabilization better on compact cameras than Panasonic up to this point, and we give the company credit for its work on the technology.

PC Mag (80)

With 12X optical zoom and excellent image stabilization, this addition to the Lumix line wins our Editors’ Choice for a budget superzoom.

Let's Go Digital (79)

We can conclude that the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 is a powerful combination; guarantees high quality images and suits a large group of users. Despite its user-friendliness and low entry-level, the camera will certainly not limit or confine those who wish to expand their basic knowledge of photography, and are keen to experiment a little more.

Digital Photography Review (75)

Unfortunately, no matter how good the camera we can’t let the noise issue pass; like the LX1 reviewed late last year the FZ7 exhibits an unacceptable level of noise at all ISO settings, most especially at ISO 200+. For this reason – and this reason alone – the FZ7 misses out on a Highly Recommended

CNET (72)

The Panasonic DMC-FZ7 is a solid megazoom alternative for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

PC Plus (70)

For the occasional hobbyist photography the FZ7 offers a significant step-up in image quality over a cheaper snappy-cam.

Good Gear Guide (60)

A bit of a let down compared to Panasonic’s earlier models. If they could fix the camera’s colour response they’d have a winner on their hands, but as it stands this mode isn’t quite up to the high Panasonic standard.