Panasonic updates Lumix TZ series with DMC-TZ10

 

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Posted on 27 Jan 2010 at 15:45

Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-TZ10, the latest update to its popular range of Lumix TZ series ultra-compact super zoom cameras.

The TZ10 includes all of the hallmark features that have made the series successful, packing a 25mm (equivalent) wide angle Leica lens with image stabilisation and 12x optical zoom along with 720p HD video capability into a compact camera body.

The Japanese giant didn't rest on its laurels though and has added more punch to the TZ's armoury. The TZ10 also offers built-in GPS and full manual controls - the latter was a particularly frustrating omission for yours truly, as it put me off considering earlier TZ models as a potential pocket camera.

The new model has a 14.5 megapixel CCD with an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels - the extra resolution allows support for multiple aspect ratios and the TZ10 includes 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 ratios. What's more, the multi-aspect mode allows you to take an image at each of the three aspect ratios simultaneously and then select the one which best suits your chosen subject.

Although the TZ10 doesn't include RAW shooting capabilities, the manual controls will be especially attractive to enthusiasts looking for more control over the images they're capturing. However, thanks to Panasonic's variety of scene modes, even novices will feel comfortable capturing the moment. There are 28 scene modes for still photography and a further 18 modes for video.

Furthermore, there's an Intelligent Scene selector, which chooses from one of six scene modes: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and Sunset - a new addition on the TZ10.

On the back, there's a 3in LCD screen with a 460,000 dot resolution which automatically adjusts the brightness to match the ambient lighting. Card support has also been extended beyond normal SD cards to the recently released SDXC card format, which will allow for higher capacities and data transfer speeds, but it's of questionable use in a camera such as the TZ10. That's not to say it was a bad decision to include it however.

We'll be bringing you a review of the new Lumix DMC-TZ10 as soon as we can get our hands on a sample.

Author: Tim Smalley