Balko Photo

• 9.1 Megapixels on a larger sensor than the 7.1 megapixel Lumix DMC-TZ3 it replaces as the flagship of the TZ lineup.
• New Venus IV processing engine.
• 720p HD video capture in 16:9 aspect ratio, with optical zoom plus audio during capture.
• Mega Optical Image Stabilization in both still and video modes.
• No RAW, no Manual controls — not even an either/or Aperture or Shutter Option.
• Dedicated playback/capture switch on rear of camera, instead of having playback on mode dial.
• Intelligent ISO setting analyzes 3000 quadrants in the image and can tweak ISOs in different cells to optimize exposure and image quality, so explains Panasonic.
• 460,000-dot high-resolution 3 inch LCD.
• Macro to normal focus is automatic and doesn’t require changing any settings.
• HDMI output via optional component cable.
• 2 frames per second unlimited burst at full resolution or 6 frames per second 100-frame burst at up to 2.5 megapixels.
• Dedicated one-touch wide-tele zoom button behind the shutter button.

PopPhoto Tests:

Image Quality: Excellent: ISO 100-800

Resolution: Excellent at ISO 100 (1930) through 800 (1780), Extremely High at ISO 1600 (1575)

Color Accuracy: Excellent at ISO 100 (average Delta E: 7.9 Auto White Balance.) Extremely High at ISO 1600 (Average Delta E 8.9 Auto White Balance)

Noise: Low at ISO 100 (1.7) Very Low at ISO 200 (1.45), Low at ISO 400 (1.75) Moderately Low at ISO 800 (2.0), Moderate at ISO 1600 (2.6)

Distortion: Slight Barrel Distortion at 28mm equivalent (.15%), Slight Pincushion Distortion at 140mm equivalent (.14%) and 280mm (.16%)

Contrast: Low

Shadow/Highlight Detail: Very High

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