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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 reviews
You can find here the most interesting reviews / ratings from the well-known expert sites about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 Camera. Here are the reviewers:
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- 15 October 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 02 October 2009 - |
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- 0 |
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- 01 October 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 25 September 2009 - |
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- 4 |
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- 31 August 2009 - |
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- 4.5 |
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- 21 August 2009 - |
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- 4 |
PhotographyBLOG 's conclusion / rating - 15 October 2009 |
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX1 bridges the gap between the popular FX and TZ series cameras, offering the small size of the former combined with a similar focal range to the latter. Super-quick auto-focusing and improved image stabilisation help to sweeten the deal, although the video mode and LCD screen aren't as good as the TZ7's.
We've never seen such a small camera with such a long zoom lens before. The combination of an ultra-compact, lightweight and well-made body with the 8x, 25-200mm lens is a real winner, covering most photographic situations that you'll encounter, from wide-angle land- and city- scapes to close-up candids. There is inevitably some barrel distortion evident at the 25mm setting, but it's not too noticeable and more than made up for by the sheer versatility of the ZX1. Limiting the maximum range to 8x/200mm, combined with the improved POWER O.I.S system, also means that you get less blurry shots when hand-holding the camera.
Panasonic have also made significant strides with their autofocus technology, with the ZX1 very quickly locking onto your intended subject almost regardless of the lighting conditions and zoom setting. There weren't too many occasions when the camera struggled to focus, and focus quickly too. The ZX1 felt noticeably quicker than the TZ6/7. Unfortunately there haven't been any improvements to the burst shooting speed, which at just over 2fps is starting to literally lag behind rivals like the Sony Cyber-Shot TX1 (capable of an extraordinary 10fps at full resolution).
The ZX1 delivers on the image quality side of things, with ISO 100-400 perfectly usable for most photos with ISO 800 reserved for low-light situations. It dealt extremely well with chromatic aberrations, colours were a little muted but accurate, and macro performance was good - only slightly soft images and an under-powered built-in flash detracted from the overall performance.
The HD video feature is difficult to judge, being better than lots of rivals but not as good as the more expensive TZ7, which this camera will inevitably be compared to. 720p HD video on such a compact camera is appealing, but there's no dedicated video button, stereo sound, AVCHD format, wind-cut option or HDMI port. If video is high on your list of priorities, then the TZ7 makes more sense.
Which leaves us with an otherwise excellent pocket camera that's easy to recommend if you don't need more advanced manual controls or the best possible HD video. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX1's combination of size, speed and that remarkable lens is simply too compelling to ignore...
PhotographyBLOG's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
Photoxels 's conclusion / rating - 02 October 2009 |
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 / ZX1 is the first of a new series that combines a powerful zoom with a slim and compact body that makes it pocketable. It features a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 8x ultra wide-angle optical zoom lens (25mm-200mm equiv.) that conveniently retracts into the stylish body with an integrated lens barrier protecting it. The long zoom reach allows you to bring distant subjects close while the ultra wide-angle lens allows you to include all your friends in the picture or capture an architectural or expansive landscape in a single shot. POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) helps reduce camera shake at the long focal lengths.
Panasonic's digital cameras are well-known for fast performance and the new Ultra High-Speed AF in the ZR1 is now about twice as fast as the one on the DMC-ZS3 / TZ7. Fast and accurate AF means you can catch the action at its peak moment.
The newly developed POWER O.I.S. also nearly doubles the hand-shake correction power of its previous MEGA O.I.S. Panasonic claims correctly exposed hand held night scenes are now possible with this new hand-shake correction image stabilizer technology.
Intelligent Auto Mode activates seven detection and correction functions simultaneously (POWER O.I.S., Face Detection AF/AE, Face Recognition, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure) to optimize camera settings.
Movie is at 848 x 480 pixels 30 fps with mono sound. [Though the Panasonic ZR1 records 1,280 x 720 HD video @ 30fps, the North American model will not output HD.] The 8x optical zoom is available during video recording.
A large 2.7-in. LCD monitor (230K dots) has a wide viewing angle and the Auto Power LCD function automatically adjusts the backlight brightness according to the ambient light intensity.
If you are into underwater photography, the optional marine case DMW-MCZX1 is available and is certified to a depth of 40 meters.
If you always wanted a long zoom but thought they were too big, check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. At 26mm (1.02 in.) thick, it easily fits into a large trousers or coat pocket.
Available in Black, Silver, Blue, or Red (in US); Black or Blue (in Canada); Black, Silver or Red (in UK). A White model may also be available in some countries.
If you want more zoom and don't mind a slightly (7cm) thicker body (32.8mm / 1.29 in.):
For about $20 more, you can purchase the DMC-ZS1 / TZ6 which has 12x optical zoom, a 2.7-in. (230K dots) LCD and records 848 x 480 movie @ 30fps with mono sound.
For about $120 more, you can purchase the DMC-ZS3 / TZ7 which has 12x optical zoom, a 3.0-in. (460K dots) LCD, and records 1,280 x 720 HD movie @ 30fps with stereo Dolby sound...
Complete review here
PCMag 's conclusion / rating - 01 October 2009 |
If a powerful optical zoom lens tops your list of desired features, don't hesitate to pick up the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1having an 8x zoom lens that can fit comfortably in your pocket can is a beautiful thing. And the camera's speed and excellent UI only make it more desirable. If image quality is paramount, and you don't mind cutting your zoom factor back to 5x, the same-price Samsung SL820 takes slightly better pictures, but it's bulkier. If you can splurge a little more, the $380 Canon PowerShot SD970 IS is kingit delivers beautiful still images and HD video, includes a big, beautiful LCD, and boasts the best connectivity options you'll find on a point-and-shoot camera...
Complete review here
CNET 's conclusion / rating - 25 September 2009 |
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 might not seem like an astonishing camera, but its combination of new technologies and materials, generally excellent photo quality and performance, and healthy feature set geared toward snapshooters makes it a standout pocket megazoom...
Complete review here
WhatDigitalCamera 's conclusion / rating - 31 August 2009 |
The ZX1 is a really nice camera to use; it feels solid and well built, and yet is small enough to easily slip into your pocket. Images are bright and punchy with impressive detail even at the full extension of the lens. On closer inspection, however, there is a slight mottled effect on areas of flat colour and some signs of fringing around areas of contrast. The maximum ISO 1600 setting remains brightly coloured but the level of detail falls off rapidly. For the price, however, this is an excellent camera...
WhatDigitalCamera's rating: |
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- 4.5 |
Complete review here
TechRadar 's conclusion / rating - 21 August 2009 |
Small enough to slip into a shirt top pocket and light enough to go unnoticed in a handbag, the DMC-ZX1 is an ideal camera to take with you to get some happy snaps. It's impressive that Panasonic's managed to fit in so much when you consider the DMC-ZX1 is so small 97.8x54.6x26.0mm to be precise.
It's also worth noting the DMC-ZX1 is also available in blue, red or black as well as traditional silver a colour choice for everyone then...
Complete review here
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