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camera's exposure compensation
is better when you use the flash, even if the flash can't possible
illuminate the scene. This doesn't mean that nice low-light images aren't
possible--see the image at left--but it wasn't unusual for us to take four
or five images in variety of modes and settings before we landed on one we
liked.
In very bright situations, on
the other hand, the display becomes difficult to read. We took the camera
with us on a snow outing, and again, we had to take several pictures of
each thing we wanted to capture because we couldn't judge our aim from the
LCD. We also couldn't show off our images in sunny situations.
The last difficulty we
encountered is that the menu system is not as intuitive as those found in
most other cameras. Scene modes are split between two settings on a
top-of-the-camera dial, so we had to flip between main menus there before
making a final selection using toggle buttons on the back of the camera.
This set-up also meant that when we accidentally rotated the dial while
taking out the camera or putting it away, we found ourselves having to
re-select a scene mode next time we used the camera. We ended up taking a
lot of pictures in the Auto and Easy modes, which have their own slots on
the dial.
We really liked the LZ2
anyway, because it takes gorgeous pictures. At right is a sampling of some
of our favorites, demonstrating that the camera can perform in a variety
of shooting situations. The color palette it records is beautiful, and its
fast start-up time gives you a lot of help in capturing fleeting
moments--in our cases at right, fast-changing good weather and
camera-avoiding friends. Also, the facts that it's powered by two AA
batteries and it squeezes a lot of life out of them means that the camera
really travels well. We ran out of battery juice in Sweden and on a
mountain top, and getting back to shooting was as easy as popping in two
fresh, readily available batteries.
If you're looking for increased
optical zoom and/or a high-performance image stabilization system, the
Panasonic LZ2 is a great value--packed with advanced features and lots of
megapixels, but at a price that hardly hits the pocketbook.--Sarah
Sternau
Pros
-
6x optical zoom with Mega
Optical Image Stabilization
-
Beautiful colors and great
lighting in images
-
Fast performance and long
battery life with convenient AA batteries
Cons
Product Description
Panasonic's DMC-LZ2 Lumix Digital Camera delivers sharper, better
photographs with just a touch. The 2.0" diagonal LCD uses a TRM design to
suppress reflections, allowing you to see more clearly - even outdoors. It
operates on two convenient power sources, for maximum flexibility:
Alkaline or Rechargeable AA batteries. Store photos in the built-in memory
when your SD cards are full. Unlimited Consecutive Shooting lets you snap
shots until your memory card is full. Shutter Speed - 8 - 1/2,000 sec.
Exposure - Program AE 10 sec. Audio Dubbing Records to SD/MMC slots Auto
Review - 1 sec/3 sec/zoom @ 1x/4x/8x Scene Modes - Simple, Normal Picture,
Economy, Macro, Portrait, Night Portrait, Panning, Fireworks, Party, Snow
and more PictBridge direct printing Auto Angle Detection Backlight
Compensation Works with OxyRide AA batteries (included), Ni-MH
rechargeables and alkaline batteries Color - Silver Dimensions(HxWxD) -
2.50 x 3.96 x 1.30 Weight - 0.49 lbs. Included Accessories - Two AA
Oxyride batteries, A/V & USB cable, strap and CD-ROM
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Product Reviews:
Excellent machine for starters., April 23, 2006
Reviewer: Leo Koach
For the price and functions, this machine can't get any better for new
photographers such as myself. Just because I am new in photography
shouldn't make my review worthless either. I searched and looked around
many days before I purchased LZ2. since I am new, I didn't want to spend
tons of money, yet I wanted to see how good photographer could I be. LZ2
gave very good results in wide angle shots or close up shots. Colors are
very nice and sharp. Focus works as great. I read about viewfinder
complaints which doesn't bother me at all... Many close-up shots that I
took, I wouldn't be able to look through the viewer anyway.
I suggest anyone who are considering to buy this camera to check out the
image gallery. I do have a few nice images there that I took with LZ2, you
will see how nice the images came out :)
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GREAT CAMERA, April 23, 2006
Reviewer: VEE M.
The only thing I will tell you is for the money, this is a simple camera
to operate. The pictures are crisp and the anti-shake mode is excellent. I
would have liked to been able to crop pictures in the camera, but you
can't have everything. It really is a great little camera.
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