22 June 2010

By: Alex Vochin, Gadgets Editor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 Compact Digital Camera Review
GPS equipped and featuring plenty of surprises
Although there are quite a few manufacturers out there, which have started launching ultra-compact DSLR cameras that are not particularly different, at least in terms of overall size and form factor, from compact digicams, others would rather equip their consumer-grade compacts with as many features as possible, making them a prime competitor for DSLRs, especially as far as people with little or no photographic knowledge are concerned. Panasonic, however, has chosen a slightly different approach, by outing a series of ultra-compact DSLRs (the micro four thirds G1, G2 and GH1 models), as well as pushing to the max the capabilities of their compact cameras. And since we'll have to wait just a bit longer before we get to thoroughly test the G2 DSLR, we've decided to go for one of Panasonic's top of the line compact digicams, the Lumix DMC-TZ10. Officially launched back in early 2010, the 12.1-megapixel TZ10 is the last iteration in a family of famous, multiple award-winning compact digital cameras from Panasonic. And, as far as we're concerned, the Lumix TZ10 really manages to rise up to the very high standards set by its predecessors and, to some extent, take them even higher, by offering certain features we didn't expect to see in a compact of this size. Moreover, the TZ10 proves that Panasonic succeeded in keeping itself aware of everything that's going on in the world of photography, including here the increasingly popular geo-tagging trend. So, the tiny Lumix comes equipped with a GPS module, which is used for automatically associating geographical coordinates to photos and videos. We'll talk a bit later about the applications of such a technology, but one thing's for sure: they should be seriously taken into account. Another interesting thing worth pointing out here is that the Lumix camera addresses the needs of mainstream consumers (especially via that enhanced iAuto mode), but also allows them to tinker extensively with the camera settings by offering quite a few manual modes (aperture/shutter priority and full manual), which is not something one normally expects to find on a consumer-grade product. [[BREAK=Aesthetics and Design]] Overall design features When first taking the TZ10 out of the box, the camera might seem a tad bulky, at least by comparison to some of the other similar products available out there. However, given the fact that this tiny body houses a 12x zoom lens, equivalent to 25-300mm on a 35mm camera, capable of providing an absolutely impressive level of versatility as far as the focal range is concerned, the size doesn't seem that important, all of a sudden. Another thing you'll immediately notice is the very solid build of the DMC-TZ10. Hence, the camera sports an all-metal body, which feels a bit heavy in the hand, but does provide a feeling of enhanced safety for the camera's components (sure, it's not a tough camera, so don't go dropping it on the floor repeatedly, but it's likely that the TZ10 will take a bump or
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 Panasonic
Page 1 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
two without too much trouble). The overall level of finishing is very good, the materials used either for the body itself or for the other components (lens casing, control buttons, etc.) having a very good level of quality, which makes the whole thing quite attractive from a visual point of view. The only thing that seems slightly out of place is the small "bump" on the top side housing the GPS antenna, but it's not affecting the camera's functionality in any way, so we'll just let this tiny detail slide by. Naturally, since this is a consumer-grade compact digicam, it's available in several color versions. As you can easily see from the photos, we've gotten the red one as a test sample, but we really liked it, as compared to all the silver and/or all-black devices we usually get to play with. Size and portability We've already talked a bit earlier about the fact that the TZ10 seems a bit bulky, but now we're back with some more info on this topic. So, the official numbers are 103.3 x 59.6 x 32.6 mm, while the weight is set at roughly 218g with battery and SD Memory Card. Pretty big, indeed, but it will certainly not feel flimsy at any given moment. [IMG=26][IMG=27] There is one more detail we'd like to point out, in terms of portability and handling. So, the Lumix DMC-TZ10 sports a shiny, smooth handgrip on the front and a small textured area on the rear, making it easier for people of all hand sizes to hold the camera in a steady position at all times. And naturally, there's also the hand-strap, which should remain attached to the camera at all times, for safety purposes. [IMG=28][IMG=29][IMG=30][IMG=31] Overall, we'd dare to say that carrying around the Lumix DMC-TZ10 should be a very easy task, while handling shouldn't be significantly more difficult either, since the controls are placed in a very intuitive manner, easy to reach with just one finger, without forcing users to change hands in order to press certain buttons (which leads us to the next segment of our review). Controls In the case of pretty much any mainstream consumer-oriented digital camera, the ease of use is a must, because people won't go for cameras they don't learn how to use (at a basic level) in just a couple of minutes' time. Given its extensive experience in this field, Panasonic is well aware of this state of things, and for this reason, its Lumix DMC-TZ10 sports extremely user-friendly and intuitive controls. All of the camera's buttons, dials and switches are located on the top and rear sides of the TZ10, in such a way as to be easily accessible with just one hand. And in order for you to get a more comprehensive image of what you should expect from this Lumix model, we'll detail all of the available controls, starting from the top side. Here, from left to right, we've gotten the power sliding switch, followed by the zoom wheel, featuring a small indentation in the front side, where it comes in contact with the finger (this small indentation can come in handy for providing an enhanced level of control over the zooming process). As things usually go with compacts, at the center of the zoom wheel, you'll immediately notice the shutter button, easy enough to press even by people with larger fingers.

Page 2 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
Next in line comes the shooting mode dial, which, as far as we're concerned, is the most important control option the Lumix DMC-TZ10 comes equipped with. Such a dial is not typically found in compacts, but rather DSLR cameras, so Panasonic's decision of fitting the TZ10 with such a component is quite commendable. Of course, there's a very practical reason for this, namely the fact that this shooting mode wheel will provide quick and easy access to all of the available shooting modes, without forcing the user to move around countless in-camera menus. And we're not over-reacting when using the word "countless," because the TZ10 offers quite a few shooting modes, which we'll fully detail in one of the next chapters of our review. [IMG=32][IMG=33] That's about it for the controls on the top side of the Lumix camera, so we'll move on to the rear side, where the first item (from top to bottom) you'll notice is the little vertical switch that activates either the playback or the shooting modes. Immediately underneath this switch, you'll see a dedicated video recording button whose purpose is to grant quick and fast access to this function, rather than prompting users to first operate the mode dial. As far as we've been able to see, such dedicated video buttons are becoming more and more popular with several camera manufacturers, Panasonic also contributing to this trend. [IMG=22][IMG=23] To the left of the video button, you'll notice a button that enables the adjustment of exposure parameters in the manual exposure modes. This is another novelty (compared to the TZ10's predecessors), prompted, quite obviously, by the availability of all those manual modes. Moving on (downwards), you'll see the usual cross-shaped controls found on most compact cameras, used both for navigating through the various menus and for accessing certain functions in shooting mode. Yeah, we're talking about the exposure compensation, flash mode, timer and macro buttons, which surround the central Menu/Set control. [IMG=24][IMG=25] The last two control buttons found on the rear side of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 are the Display and Quick Menu, whose functions are pretty well-known by all Panasonic compact digital cameras owners. However, those of you who haven't had the chance to play with such a product should know that the first button cycles through the available on-screen display options (shooting grids, shooting options, etc.) while the second activates the quick menu, letting users change various parameters on the fly. Connectivity In terms of connectivity, the Lumix DMC-TZ10 is a bit more special than some of the other compacts out there, since, besides the usual wired interfaces, it also sports a GPS receiver, installed on the top side, behind that clearly-marked small protuberance. As far as we've been able to see, the GPS receiver works pretty well, although you'll have to wait a while before it manages to "tune in" to the GPS satellites' signal. [IMG=39][IMG=34] Getting back to the classic, wired interfaces, we'll have to say that Panasonic managed to equip the TZ10 with pretty much everything the camera needs in order to be hooked up either to an HDTV (the mini HDMI interface or the AV Ouput) or to a computer, via USB. No, there's no dedicated USB port, but Panasonic did provide in the sales package a proprietary USB cable that connects to the AV Out interface. Anyway, both interfaces mentioned above are located behind a protective cap, placed on the right side of the camera. Next in line comes the memory card slot, which, as expected, is located on the bottom side of the camera, in the immediate vicinity of the battery slot. Of course, both are protected by

Page 3 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
a small plastic cap, whose locking system, however, is not a particularly grand one. [IMG=35][IMG=36] Last, but certainly not least, you'll also notice on the bottom side the tripod mounting screw, used, quite obviously, for attaching the tiny compact to a tripod for enhanced stability. Microphone and display Since Panasonic has not equipped the DMC-TZ10 with a viewfinder, the display remains the only solution for controlling the camera's functions, pre-viewing photos and videos, adjusting settings, etc. Luckily for users, the manufacturer equipped the TZ10 with a very decent display, featuring a 3-inch diagonal size and 460k dots. The display touts an estimate 100 percent viewing angle, and several functioning modes allowing users to seriously boost the level of brightness. In order to enable them to "accessorize" their 720p videos with some good-quality sound, the camera has also been equipped with a stereo microphone, found on the top side, in the small area between the shooting mode dial and the GPS antenna. From what we've been able to see (hear), the audio delivered by this twin microphone is actually pretty good, at least when compared to some of the other compacts out there. [[BREAK=Tech Facts]] Optics Camera Effective Pixels - 12.1 Megapixels; Sensor Size / Total Pixels / Filter - 1/2.33-type / 14.5 Total Megapixels / Primary Color Filter; Aperture - F3.3 - 4.9/ Multistage Iris Diaphragm (F3.3 - 6.3 (W) / F4.9 - 6.3 (T)); Optical Zoom - 12x; Focal Length - f=4.1-49.2mm (25-300mm in 35mm equiv.); Extra Optical Zoom (EZ) - 14.7x (4:3 / 8M), 18.8x (4:3 / 5M), 23.4x (under 3M); Intelligent Zoom - 16x; Lens - LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR / 10 elements in 8 groups / (2 Aspherical Lenses / 3 Aspherical surfaces / 2 ED lenses); 2-Speed Zoom - Yes; Optical Image Stabilizer - Power O.I.S. (Off / Auto / Mode1 / Mode2); Digital Zoom - 4x / (Max. 48.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom) / (Max. 93.8 x combined with Extra Optical Zoom); Focusing Area - Normal: Wide 50 cm - infinity / Tele 200 cm - infinity / Macro / Intelligent AUTO /; - Clipboard: Wide 3 cm - infinity / Tele 100cm - infinity; Focus Range Display - Yes; AF Assist Lamp - Yes; Focus - Normal / Macro, Zoom Macro, Quick AF On/Off (On in Intelligent Auto), Continuous AF On/Off, AF Tracking; AF Metering - Face / AF Tracking / 11pt / 1pt HS / 1pt / Spot; Shutter Speed - Still: 60 - 1/2000 sec / Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec; Shutter Interval - approx. 1.0 sec; Recording ISO Sensitivity - Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400); Face Recognition - Photo; Optical Image Stabilizer - Photo & Movie;

Page 4 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
Intelligent ISO Control - Photo; Face Detection - Photo & Movie; Intelligent Scene Selector - Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Sunset, Macro) & Movie (Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Macro); Intelligent Exposure - Photo & Movie; AF Tracking - Photo; Digital Red Eye Correction (Red-Eye Removal) - Photo; Intelligent Resolution Technology - Photo & Movie; File Format - Still Image: JPEG(DCF/Exif2.21) / Image with Audio: JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21) + QuickTime / Motion picture: AVCHD Lite / QuickTime Motion JPEG; AVCHD Lite REC - NTSC / PAL (Depends on Region); Mode Switch - [Recording] / [Playback]; One-Touch Movie Button - Yes; Mode Dial / Mode Button - Intelligent Auto, P, A, S, M, Custom, My SCN 1, My SCN 2, SCN, Clipboard; Still Image Scene Mode - Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Panorama Assist, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, / Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Pinhole, Film Grain, High Dynamic (Standard, Art, B&W), Photo Frame, Underwater; Movie Scene Mode - Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Low Light, Food, Party, Candle Light, Sunset, Beach, Snow, Aerial, Pinhole, Film Grain, nderwater, High Sensitivity, High Dynamic(Standard, Art, B&W) / (Activated by selecting Still Picture Scene Mode then pressing movie button. Still Picture Scene Modes without corresponding Movie Scene Mode is recorded in Normal Mode); Continuous Shooting Mode - Full-Resolution Image, 2.3 frames/sec Max. 5 images (Standard mode), Max 3 images (Fine Mode) / High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 6.0 frames/sec (image priority) / approx. 10 frames/sec (speed priority) / (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9); Flash Burst Continuous Shooting Mode - Max. 5 images (Standard mode); Motion Picture Recording - [4:3] VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG) / QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) / [16:9] WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG) / [HD Movie] 1280x720 pixels, / NTSC Mode: NTSC model: 60p(CCD output is 30p) / PAL model: 50p(CCD output is 25p) / (AVCHD Lite, GSH, SH: 17Mbps / GH, H:13Mbps / GL, L:9Mbps ) / 30fps (Motion JPEG); AVCHD Lite with picture quality set to [SH] (Continuous recordable time) - Approx. 100 min; MOTION JPEG with picture quality set to [HD] (Continuous recordable time) - Approx. 100 min; AVCHD Lite with picture quality set to [SH] (Actual recordable time) - Approx. 50 min; MOTION JPEG with picture quality set to [HD] [[SH] (Actual recordable time) - Approx. 50 min; Exposure - Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual; Exposure Compensation - 1/3 EV step, +/-2 EV; Backlight Compensation - Yes (only in Intelligent AUTO mode); Auto (AE) Bracketing - +/- 1/3 EV ~1EV step, 3 frames; Multi - Aspect-Yes; Light Metering - Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot;

Page 5 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
Aspect Ratio - 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9; Still Picture Recording - [4:3] 4000x3000(12M) / 3264x2448(8M) / 2560x1920(5M) / 2048X1536(3M) / 640X480(0.3M) / [3:2] 4176x2784 (11.5M) / 3392x2264 (7.5M) / 2656x1768 (4.5M) / 2048x1360 (2.5M) / 640x424 (0.3M) / [16:9] 4320x2432 (10.5M) / 3552x2000 (7M) / 2784x1568 (4.5M) / 1920x1080 (2M) / 640x360 (0.2M); Image Quality - Fine / Standard; White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set / (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Panorama Assist, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Highspeed Burst, Pinhole, Photo Frame, High Dynamic, Underwater; Quick Menu-Yes; Color Mode / Color Effect - Standard, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm, Happy (only in iA Mode); Picture Adjustment - Contrast ±2steps / Sharpness ±2steps / Saturation ±2steps / Noise Reduction ±2steps / (can be adjusted in Film Mode); Still Image with Audio Recording - 5 sec; GPS - Yes; Real-time histogram - Yes; Composition Guide line - Yes (2 pattern); Auto Review - 1sec, 2sec, Hold; Easy Zoom / Zoom Resume - No / Yes; Optical Zoom in Motion Picture - Yes; Macro Zoom - Yes; Orientation Detector - Yes; Scene Mode Help Screen - Yes; Self Timer - 2sec / 10sec; Focus Icon Select - Yes (in Face Recognition only); Playback Playback Mode - Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, GPS Playback, Travel Playback, Mode Playback, Favorites Playback; Thumbnails / Zoomed Playback - 12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x; Calendar Display / Dual-Image Playback - Yes / No; Set Favorites / Rotate Image - Yes / No; Playback Still Images with Audio - Yes; Playback Motion Picture - Yes ( AVC HD Lite/ Motion JPEG); Slideshow Mode - All / Still Images Only / Motion Picture Only / GPS Area / Travel / Category / Favorites / BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF); Show Histogram - Yes; Delete Image - Single / Multi / All / All except Favorites; DPOF Print Setting / Set Protection - Yes / Yes; Resize / Trim / Aspect Conv. / Leveling - Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes; Copy / Title Edit / Text Stamp - Yes / Yes / Yes; Cut Animation - Yes; Video Divide - Yes; PictBridge Support - Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF; Setup Movie REC Guide - Yes; Wind-Cut in Motion Picture - Yes; Travel Date / World Time - Yes / Yes;

Page 6 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
Metrics Dimensions (W x H x D) - 103.3 x 59.6 x 32.6 mm (4.07 x 2.35 x 1.28 in); Weight - Approx. 218g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.48 lb) / Approx. 196g without Battery and SD Memory Card (0.43 lb); [IMG=21] Others LCD Monitor - Field of View: approx. 100% Wide Viewing Angle / AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode; Built-in-Flash - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off / 0.6 - 5.3m (Wide/ISO Auto), 1.0 - 3.6m (Tele/ISO Auto); Recording Media - Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card; Built-in-Memory - Approx. 15MB; Microphone / Speaker - Stereo(Dolby Digital Stereo Creator) / Yes; Interface - AV Output (NTSC/PAL, NTSC only for N. America), mini HDMI, USB2.0 High speed; Viera Link - Yes; HDMI output - Video: Auto / 1080i / 720p / 480p(576p for PAL) / Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo Creator; Power - ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.6V, Minimum: 895mAh) (Included) / AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC) (Optional); Battery life (approx.) - 300 pictures (CIPA Standard); Included Software - PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD Edition (5.0 Edition for China). / QuickTime.Adobe Reader; Standard Accessories - Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Battery Case, AV Cable, USB Cable, AC Cable, Hand Strap, CD-ROM; [[BREAK=Real-life performance]] Overall setup and handling considerations Despite the fact that it belongs to the category of consumer-oriented, mainstream digital cameras, the Panasonic DMC-TZ10 offers plenty of features that will most likely draw in even the advanced amateurs and semi-pros (who might go for this thing as a secondary camera). However, it manages to do so in a very comprehensive manner while being very easy to use. [IMG=52][IMG=55][IMG=56][IMG=63] [IMG=71][IMG=72][IMG=73][IMG=75] Anyway, before moving on to the topics of photo and video recording, we'll have to point out a few details pertaining to the general use of the DMC-TZ10. And the first thing we'll talk about is the control system, whose functionality revolves around the main shooting mode dial. Moving between the various shooting modes is a very easy task, since it only requires users to operate the dial. Plus, while shooting, users can very easily access the main functions (corresponding to the shooting mode of choice) by pressing the quick menu button, and adjust them at will. In fact, as far as this particular aspect is concerned, our take on the Panasonic TZ10 is that the digital camera is quite user-friendly and nice to get along with, regardless of just how tech-savvy a certain user might be. [IMG=76][IMG=77][IMG=78][IMG=79] [IMG=80][IMG=81][IMG=82][IMG=83]

Page 7 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
The Lumix camera also offers plenty of customization options, most of which are available via the main menu. The available menus are divided into four segments, pertaining to photo and video recording, GPS settings and main camera settings. Navigation between these different menus is done in a very simple manner (via the arrow keys), and there are plenty of options to choose from, arranged in a bit more visible way than those accessible via the quick menu. [IMG=84][IMG=85][IMG=86][IMG=87] [IMG=88][IMG=89][IMG=90][IMG=91] While we'll talk within the next segments of our review about the specific photo shooting / video recording features, we'll detail now a few things related to the camera's own customization settings. Naturally, users will be able to choose the desired sound settings, tweak the way in which they view the display (a larger display setting for people with eyesight problems is also available), choose the power-saving settings or select the desired USB connection mode. Another important setting one can customize is related to the HDMI output, users being able to choose the supported resolution for the HDTV the camera is connected to. Plus, if the camera's owner also happens to have a Panasonic TV set featuring the VIERA Link technology, then this connectivity option can also be activated, allowing users to control some of the camera's features directly from the TV's remote control. [IMG=92][IMG=93][IMG=94][IMG=95] [IMG=97][IMG=98][IMG=99][IMG=107] Before moving on to the next segment in this chapter, we'll also have to mention the fact that the camera's start-up and shutdown times are pretty impressive, since we're talking about under two seconds for the start-up and around 2.5-2.8 seconds for the shut down (not that the shut-down time is of any major importance, really). Photo shooting and image quality Camera behavior, hardware-wise Although the overall quality of the various elements that make up a digital camera are not always enough to ensure that the quality of the photos is a very good one, they sure do help. And this is why we'll detail what the TZ10 has to offer in terms of lens, sensor, zoom, flash, etc. before talking about the actual quality of the photos. So, as you've been able to see right from the tech facts segment, the Lumix compact digicam comes equipped with a 12x zoom lens, equivalent to 25-300mm on a 35mm camera. This lens provides a very good level of versatility across various ranges, from ultra-wide angle situations to very close-up shots. Furthermore, the 25-mm focal length will really come in handy, especially for those advanced amateurs who wish to add a bit of creativity to their shots. Moving on to the zoom level, it's important to mention that the 12x optical zoom will improve the camera's overall level of versatility, especially since it also benefits from the enhanced optical image stabilization system developed by Panasonic (Power O.I.S), ensuring a higher level of sharpness for photos taken in good lighting, even when extending the zoom at towards the full 300mm telephoto setting. The only problem, as far as the telephoto is concerned, is related to the lack of a viewfinder, which means users will employ the LCD display and thus increase hand movement while taking the shots. The macro will also work pretty well, the camera managing to focus as close as 3cms away from the subject, which is close enough for most situations (as you'll be able to see for

Page 8 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
yourselves from the provided sample photos). Since we're on the subject of the Zoom, we'll have to point out that Panasonic equipped the TZ10 with what they call Intelligent Resolution Technology and Intelligent Zoom, both an attempt to boost the zooming capabilities by using the camera's software. In this case, the digital camera uses its own scene recognition engine to enhance digitally zoomed images, boosting detail and sharpening outlines. Of course, the results will not be particularly impressive, but they're certainly a step forward, compared to some of the other products of the same type available on the market. [IMG=40][IMG=41][IMG=42] Now, it's time to talk about the sensor. Even if Panasonic did equip the TZ10 with a 14.1-megapixel imager, the camera only takes 12.1-megapixel shots, but manages to do so quite OK, in a wide array of conditions. Of course, there are more factors that have an important contribution to the quality of the photos, including the very impressive AF system, which succeeds in focusing very fast and accurately even in very low-light conditions (this is where the AF assist lamp the Lumix camera is equipped with comes in handy, although don't expect its range to be particularly high). However, locking the focus close to the maximum telephoto setting might be a problem, especially if there's not enough light. The flash will also help in a couple of situations, the wide-angle range being set at around 5.3 meters. But you shouldn't expect any miracles in terms of flash customization, since the camera remains pretty mainstream from this particular point of view. Shooting modes As we've mentioned several times up until now, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 provides plenty of photo shooting modes, which come to suite the needs of a wide array of users, whether we're talking about mainstream users or advanced amateurs. [IMG=64][IMG=100][IMG=108][IMG=109] [IMG=113][IMG=117][IMG=120] Naturally, the basic shooting mode is Intelligent Auto (or iAuto, if you prefer), which will automate most of the settings and only allow users to tweak some of the less important settings. Unfortunately, the camera will only set for one of the 5 available pre-set scene modes, namely Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery, so there might be quite a few situations when the adjustment process will be a rather "rough" one. The resulting photos aren't half bad, but one can obtain a lot better by trying out some of the manual exposure modes. [IMG=44][IMG=45][IMG=46][IMG=47] [IMG=48][IMG=49][IMG=50][IMG=51] This is perhaps one of the biggest surprises delivered by the TZ10, compared to its predecessors. So, the compact lumix camera provides Program, Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority semi-manual mode, as well as a full Manual mode, which allows users to choose the exact settings that best suit the environment and lighting conditions (according to the photographer's own experience, that is). [IMG=53][IMG=54][IMG=65][IMG=66] [IMG=67][IMG=68][IMG=69][IMG=70] The camera also offers a CUST setting, which allows users to save up to 3 custom camera configurations. Two more fully customized Scene modes are available, and, naturally, the main Scene mode, which grants users access to a very wide array of pre-set photo shooting modes. While we won't go through all of the available scene modes here, we will mention the Panorama assist mode that helps users take panoramic shots in a very fast and easy manner, as well as the sliming mode, especially useful for those people who're not really comfortable with the way they look and want to be just a tad slimmer (or fatter) within the

Page 9 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
photos. [IMG=74][IMG=101][IMG=102][IMG=103] [IMG=104][IMG=105][IMG=106][IMG=110] Last, but certainly not least, comes the Clipboard mode, which uses the built-in memory for saving photos (don't get excited, we're only talking about 15 Mb or so of available space. [IMG=111][IMG=112][IMG=113] [IMG=114][IMG=115][IMG=116] Image quality Of course, since this is a mainstream camera, you shouldn't expect the same level of quality delivered by a DSLR, for example, but the truth of the matter is that the Lumix DMC-TZ10 behaves quite well. I mean, in most cases, the photos are very crisp and the colors vivid and clear, although there are also certain situations when the quality drops significantly, especially when low light is involved. [IMG=118][IMG=119][IMG=120] In terms of ISO, there's nothing really worth mentioning at ISO100, ISO200 and even ISO400 values, where the sensor and processing engine will do a pretty good job at removing all possible noise. Unfortunately, as we move up the scale (namely, to the ISO 800 setting), that dreaded image noise will immediately start to pop up, while fine details will begin to lose sharpness. The next available setting, ISO 1600, is even worse, but one might still find some use for it, especially if we're talking about sharing the respective photos online. [IMG=142][IMG=143][IMG=144] [IMG=145][IMG=146][IMG=147] Here you have some downloadable samples of photos taken with the TZ10. Just click on each thumbnail in order to get the full-size version, which you can then easily download on your PC.
Photos taken in relatively low-light, with flash, will look quite good, while the camera's built-in stabilization system will make sure that even users with a bad case of "shaky" hands will manage to take good-quality photos. Video recording and video quality Just about any modern compact digicam provides video recording capabilities, and that's exactly the case with the Lumix TZ10 as well. However, the TZ10 does have an edge over its competitors, namely the fact that it's been equipped with a dedicated video button, allowing users to start recording video immediately, without switching the shooting mode dial first. [IMG=121][IMG=122] Besides the standard recording mode, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 also supports plenty of movie scene modes, as you might have noticed by taking a quick look at our tech

Page 10 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
facts segment. But accessing those scene modes is a tad tricky, since users will first have to select the scene mode from the dedicated photo shooting menu and then press the video button. Not very difficult, and you'll probably get the hang of things pretty fast. Now for the quality of the video, which, unfortunately, is related strictly to the sensor's capabilities. So, after reading the previous chapter, you probably expect it to behave rather poorly at low ISO values, and sure enough, that's exactly the case. Of course, in sunlight (and generally, in good lighting conditions), the videos recorded by the TZ10 will provide a very good level of quality, but things will change for the worse as the environment light levels drop, with noise taking up the screen and affecting fine details as well. Naturally, users will be able to make very good use of the zoom lens during recording, but the zooming process is significantly slower than photo zooming. Also, if using the continuous auto-focus, certain areas of the videos might get quite blurry, quite fast. In terms of audio quality, we were pretty impressed with the TZ10's capabilities. I mean, the camera's stereo mic does a pretty impressive job of reproducing both voices and environmental sounds (it works surprisingly well as a directional microphone, to be honest). Last, but certainly not least, we'll have to point out that the movies recorded in Panasonic's AVCHD Lite format at 1280 x 720 pixels resolution (at the highest setting) and 30 fps are pretty good, while the Motion JPEG format is also supported. Sadly, there's no 1080p, but given the camera's target segment, we'll settle for these HD-ready videos. Photo and video playback/editing features As mentioned above, the playback mode is activated by sliding down the dedicated switch on the rear side of the camera, and provides plenty of viewing/reviewing options, as well as certain basic editing functions. [IMG=123][IMG=124][IMG=125][IMG=126] [IMG=127][IMG=128][IMG=129][IMG=130] So, as far as photo management is concerned, users can choose to either play the images or browse through them in thumbnail mode. A Calendar viewing mode (based on when the photo was taken) is available. Plus, users will be able to easily zoom in and out of a photo, create and view slideshows, as well as sort images in various categories. [IMG=131][IMG=132][IMG=133][IMG=134] [IMG=135][IMG=136][IMG=137][IMG=138] As far as editing is concerned, one will be able to crop, resize or rotate the photos, change their aspect ratios and even add a custom text stamp across them. Of course, all of these features are available via even the most basic image processing software applications out there, so actually doing this in-camera is sort of pointless. [IMG=139][IMG=140][IMG=141] Video playback is rather basic, but the possibility of viewing the clips on an HDTV via HDMI makes this function a lot more interesting. Plus, users can divide videos using the camera's menus in a fairly simple manner. GPS-related functions One of the most important novelties brought about by Panasonic's DMC-TZ10 compact digital camera, at least when compared to its predecessors, is the built-in GPS module, which offers an enhanced level of functionality, especially for the increasingly numerous geocaching fans out there.

Page 11 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.
Anyway, by using the built-in GPS, all of the photos (and even videos) taken with the TZ10 are geo-tagged, meaning that the camera automatically attaches geographical coordinates and the local time data to the photos' EXIF. Then, the photos can be used together with the various software applications supporting such files (for example, the photo navigation features available in certain advanced personal navigation devices, or the possibility to create route photo blogs on Google Earth and/or Google Maps). [IMG=57][IMG=58][IMG=59] Another interesting thing worth mentioning here is that the camera comes pre-loaded with a fairly extensive set of POIs (Points of Interest) from all around the world, while users can also choose the specific type of info attached to a certain photo. The camera supports several GPS modes, but the worst part about it is that, in normal mode, the GPS module will remain always on, thus affecting the battery in a negative manner. Typically, we use the airplane mode, which automatically shuts down the GPS module once the camera has been switched off. [IMG=60][IMG=61][IMG=62] We'll also have to mention that the TZ10 delivered a fairly good level of positioning accuracy, while the time taken for finding the satellites was also pretty short, at least when compared to some of the other GPS-equipped digital cameras and camcorders we've come across. Battery life If there's one particular field where we were seriously disappointed by Panasonic's DMC-TZ10, that's the battery life. I mean, when taking a look at the official specs, things look pretty good (300 photos are more than decent), but that's far from what's going on in real life. [IMG=37][IMG=38] Probably the biggest problem faced by the TZ10's rechargeable battery pack is the GPS module. I mean, the receiver is constantly trying to get its bearing and to find the satellites, an activity that will certainly take its toll on the Li-Ion battery. So, if you're lucky, you'll reach as high as 82-85 shots on a single charge (at least that's what happened to us), which is not nearly enough. On the other hand, if you decide that battery life is a lot more important than the GPS functionality, you'll be happy to hear that the, by switching off the GPS module, things in this field will seriously improve, our estimate setting the functioning life at around 250 shots. Naturally, if you decide to record some video or do a lot of photo/video reviewing, things will change quite significantly. [[BREAK=Conclusions]] The good - built-in GPS module with extensive features; - comprehensive manual exposure shooting modes; - dedicated built-in video recording button; - good quality photos in almost all situations; - very good audio recording capabilities; - numerous in-camera image effects, filters and scene modes; - very versatile lens; - user-friendly placement of the control options; - very good zoom level;

Page 13 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.

23 March 2010

By: Alex Vochin, Gadgets Editor
SiRFstarIII GPS Receiver Brings Geo-Tagging to Panasonic Digicams
The DMC-ZS7 and DMC-TZ10 models
The Panasonic DMC-ZS7 Panasonic
Geo-tagging is one of the latest trends in digital photography, more and more people being quite interested in the possibility of adding geographical coordinates to their photos and then use them for re-creating their steps using various software applications (out of which Google Earth is probably one of the most popular). For this reason, more and more digital camera manufacturers are starting to equip their products with GPS modules, and that's exactly the case with Panasonic, whose DMC-ZS7 and DMC-TZ10 hybrid digital cameras provide such features. The GPS functionality (enabled by the built-in SiRFstarIII chips from CSR) of the DMC-ZS7 and DMC-TZ10 make them a very interesting solution for travel photography and video capture. The geo-tagging feature with embedded longitude and latitude information allows users to share and upload content to maps on social media websites for sharing with friends and family. The ZS7 also displays the name of the country, city, and landmarks using the internal data to give users real-time information when taking shooting content and also during play back modes. "With GPS functionality a must-have in new cameras, we needed a chip that would not only provide a quick and accurate position fix, but be able to do this in busy urban environments and without draining the battery," said Mr. Tomozawa, Group Manager, Panasonic. "CSR's SiRFstarIII chip is a proven technology that not only met, but actually exceeded all of the criteria we were looking for. As leading providers of GPS functionality, CSR's SiRFstarIII will importantly provide our customers of the DMC-ZS7 and DMC-TZ10 cameras with real-time location information for their content." "Location functionality has quickly become a must have feature in nearly all portable devices and SiRFstarIII is one of the most widely deployed architectures for these applications today," stated Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR's Audio and Consumer Business Unit. "Panasonic's latest cameras are a great example of devices that will actually enhance their customers' experiences, not only providing users with geo-tagging functionality, but also with real-time location information on the landmark they're shooting or the city that they're in, and its SiRFstarIII makes this all possible."
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is.  
Page 1 Copyright (c) 2001-2011 Softpedia. All rights reserved. Softpedia and Softpedia logo are registered trademarks of SoftNews NET SRL.