Anyone have a TZ7...? Help with quality & file size....

[AAB]

I'm looking to replace an old (and intermittently faulty) Fuji F30 with a new 'compact'.....and the new Panasonic TZ7 really fits the bill for me on paper. Not really because of its stills spec/performance, but that it reads as the 'best' hybrid currently available.

For me (us, since I really should include my wife) having a single camera which does good quality video (HD, zoom, stereo audio, wind-cut etc..etc..) as well as stills, means it's far more likely to be used for snapping and filming the kids..... too often our DV camcorder stays in the cupboard/bag/car or doesn't go "everywhere" with us.

I'm particularly interested in real-world end-user analysis of this little beast. Is it 'quick'? (shot-to-shot, shutter lag?)

I'd also like to know about the HD movies. Support for AVCHD is not fantastic, and I have read of issues (all of which can be circumvented of course). I'd really, really like to know the difference in file size between a one minute AVCHD Lite format movie clip (i.e. 1280x720, 25p), and a one minute motion-JPEG format clip (1280x720, 30fps), and whether or not you can perceive any difference in quality off camera..... I'm not unfamiliar with video production/codecs/etc... (it's my day job!!), but not being able to get my hands on one of these in my local Jessops prevents me from answering this question myself!!

Sincerely hoping someone can help with this...... thanks!

[AAB]

Nobody...?

[Steve]

I've been looking at this camera myself as it seems to be quite the little performer from what I've read.

The only thing that would put me off buying it, is that from every review I have read, they mention the mode dial being extremely loose and "non-clicky" (think I just made that phrase up lol).

I know that's pretty trivial, but I feel that it would probably annoy me...and to be honest, with a £300+ camera, I kinda feel like they should make the effort with the details like that.

[AAB]

Thanks Steve – I had read about that too..... I'm pretty sure I won't make a final decision before getting my hands on one. The ergonomics have to be right, and in this case, for my wife as well as myself (!). Until we have hold of one in our hands, we won't know if the 'loose' selector dial will be a deal breaker or not.....

My take on it is this: we need a new compact 'stills' camera, and 'never' use our camcorder. Going for a TZ7 on paper would give us an excellent point-and-shoot "intelligent" compact, with the added bonus of arguably the 'best' video footage from a stills camera (and certainly in the compact form factor).... Having recently upgraded to a 40D body, I'm not in the market for a DSLR with HD video capability, although that might have been an option!

Hopefully someone can pitch in with relative movie file sizes....??

[Zou]

Have a look at this:

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/re.../21/10708.html

Scroll down and under the ISO test images there are video files (thumbnails start with a ferris wheel and an elephant). Both AVCHD Lite and motion JPG are there, so it may well help you.

[AAB]

Thanks Zou – those were very helpful indeed!

[Dodge]

Ive been looking at this too, ive got a 40D and various lenses however its not always convenient to take it out everywhere, so the idea of a compact with great range, quality and the ability to record video in HD is quite tempting.
I tried one last week in Bluewater, the IS worked really well and the images looked very punchy and acceptable for such a compact camera, I wanted to like the new Canon 200? but it doesnt look like it can match the spec and peformance of this and its larger too.

[Steve]

Dave, what's your opinion on the mode dial...since you've handled one n all.

I know it sounds so petty to be work up over a relatively small issue...but I just know that if it was really bad, it would really annoy me.

[Dodge]

Dave, what's your opinion on the mode dial...since you've handled one n all.

It was flimsy and could do will a better dial on a relatively expensive compact, however saying that Im still going to get one as the performance and spec are very good from what ive seen.

[IvorETower]

I have a TZ-2, and the mode dial feels pretty well secured on it, with positive detents for the various positions. Suspect that the TZ-7 should be similar

[jaycee7]

Hi Firstly just to introduce my self a 'newbie. and my first post on this forum.
I purchased a TZ7 after reading many reviews, some quite conflicting.
Loose control knob...I personally don't have a problem with this it has never moved on it's own. However, I have noticed that surprisingly they do seem to vary camera to camera! before I purchased mine I went round several shops trying them out and they were different.
Battery life, again I haven't found it a problem I took about 70 pictures with a few short video clips constantly viewing my results and it was still working at the end of the day. I think as an all round 'Point and Shoot' it's hard to beat. I only wish it had a manual control setting I wanted to take a night street shot with low ISO (80)and long shutter speed....it can't be done the min shutter speed is 1sec if you go to the 'Night Scene' it is set at 800 ISO.
jaycee7

[El_Sid]

My FX30 has a scene mode called "Starry Sky" which offers the option of 15, 30 or 60 second exposures - have you seen that one in the list?

[Chris Cool]

I personally don't have a problem with this it has never moved on it's own.

Mine moves all the time but I can live with it as the camera is so good

[Chris Cool]

My FX30 has a scene mode called "Starry Sky" which offers the option of 15, 30 or 60 second exposures

So does the TZ7 - you can then use any ISO you like

You can also use a piece of black card and count to any seconds you like up to 60

You can also use this trick for fireworks. Set the shutter to 60 seconds with the card in front of the lens, then move it back and fourth as they explode overhead