Panasonic's DMC-FZ7 shoots six megapixels

Lovers of the Panasonic Lumix FZ5 rejoice, apparently Matsushita couldn't wait until PMA next month to loose their new DMC-FZ7 on the world in all its six megapixel, Mega OIS (optical image stabilization), 12x optical zoom, 2.5-inch display-touting goodness. Expect to see it in March for $399.

[James Barnes @ Jan 23rd 2006 9:35AM]

I had the 2 megapix version of this. It was a fantastic camera; great optics and that zooooom.... needed manual controls but I understand that the later models had that added. Hmmm, might be on my spring purchase list.

[raygundan @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:16AM]

The FZ5 was a brilliant camera, but the sensor was already pushing too small-- anybody seen any information on the noise level from the new sensor? They've got some sort of gimmick high-ISO mode that reduces resolution to reduce noise, it seems-- but I'm curious as to how it performs at full resolution without the ISO 1600 "tricks". Manual focus is definitely welcome, as is the 848x480 movie mode.

Looks like a worthy successor, but I can't tell from the limited information if it's enough of a jump to warrant replacing the FZ5 yet.

[Spence @ Jan 23rd 2006 11:15AM]

I've got the FZ20, and all I can say is the lens on the Lumix series is just unrivalled.. the media gives so much praise to Casio and Sony for putting out mega pixel pushers.. when we've reached a point where the quality of the image isn't getting much better to the naked eyes of the consumers.

Not including engadget of course, you guys are giving props to one of the most under-rated cameras in mass media. Respect.

I think the FZ20 rules, while the lens is not full 2.8 aperture this thing is great for your mid con/prosumer photographer who is sick with crummy kodak first party lenses and bad ass software.

Worth every penny but if you want full 2.8 aperture, a slightly clunky manual focus and a bit more flexibility with the shooting modes then pick up the model up the FZ20, don't bother with the FZ30 it makes far too many compromises.

[Jose @ Jan 23rd 2006 1:04PM]

any of you guys know how this baby compares to the fz-30? I a big lumix fan, and the lens is just killer...

[Max @ Jan 23rd 2006 1:13PM]

How about its comparison to the Canon S2-IS? That's still the one to beat in my book... does this have better features than the FZ5, or just higher resolution?

[Galley @ Jan 23rd 2006 7:45PM]

If it's anywhere near the size of the FZ-20, then it is much larger than the S2-iS.

[raygundan @ Jan 24th 2006 11:20AM]

And if it's anywhere near the size of the FZ-5, which it replaces, and seems to be nearly identical to, then it is much smaller and roughly half as heavy as the S2-IS.

Panasonic has two lines of superzooms-- a compact one, which this is part of (FZ3, 4, 5), and a larger line (FZ20, 30).

[Max @ Jan 24th 2006 11:29AM]

Galley, i'm assuming this is just an update of the FZ-5, which is in the same size class as the Canon S2 iS. Press pics always make them look almost as big as an SLR - they're actually pretty small in real life.

[DRW @ Jan 25th 2006 2:08PM]

From the review I saw on dpreviews.com, it appears to be a bit bigger then the FZ-5, but smaller then the FZ-20. Features are better then the FZ-5 also, especially the movie mode:
� 640 x 480 (4:3) 30 / 10fps
� 320 x 240 (4:3) 30 / 10fps
� 848 x 480 (16:9) 30 / 10fps
� With audio
Don't know about zoom during movie mode.

It also has ISO settings of 800 and 1600.

Checkout the review on dpreview.com or Steve's Digicam website.

DRW

[Adamantski @ Feb 5th 2006 8:06PM]

There are some full size sample photo`s of what the
FZ 7 is capable of doing on the Panasonic site here. Only 6 images but it gives a good idea of quality. Much cleaner output with lovely clarity.

http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/gallery/models/fz7.html

I came across this site last night so if any of you were thinking of shouting down the FZ30 just take a look at what this amazing camera is capable of in the right hands. I accept no responsibility for any broken jaws when they hit the floor.

http://216.239.39.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=fr%7Cen&u=http://razorsharp.smugmug.com/gallery/462956/1/53196603/Large&prev=/language_tools

Copy all from bottom then paste into address slot will work fine

[Adamantski @ Feb 5th 2006 8:40PM]

For some reason, clicking the Panasonic address does not work. It won`t copy & paste but if you type that address out as it is into the address bar it takes you straight there. Some things have to be done the old fashioned way.

[Les Brown @ Feb 12th 2006 6:08PM]

Re. the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7's photo quality. Check out the many full file sample photos at
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/panasonic/dmc_fz7-review/gallery.shtml

There is quite a bit of purple fringe in the full sun scenic shots.

[Old Houses @ Feb 16th 2006 9:26AM]

I've got a Panasonic FZ5 - it's good camera, but i don't think that FZ7 it's much better. I prefer to buy something like FZ30. I sow it. It was greatefull!

[ca39th @ Mar 4th 2006 10:50PM]

Does anyone know how well the FZ30 takes sports pictures, or any fast moving pictures? That is what I am looking for!!

[Chris @ Apr 26th 2006 8:38AM]

Any comparisons between the FZ7 and the FZ20? I'm looking hard at both and would be happy with either, based on specs, but would also like experienced opinions, hands-on comparisons, etc. Anyone know of any? Anyone have experience with both? Opinions?
I like the idea of the lighter FZ7, plus it has 6MP vs. 5MP on the FZ20. I assume the FZ20 is better build quality, right? Also have better quality parts?
Any help much appreciated. Thanks.

[Chris @ Apr 26th 2006 8:42AM]

Hit the send button too fast! Sorry.
Re. the FZ7 vs FZ20, I'm also looking for pretty fast shooting times, for non-serious sports fotos, pics of the kids on the move, etc. Nothing too high spec, but decent performance is a must; this is one area I was pretty disappointed in with the otherwise outstanding Coolpix 5700 we had till earlier this year. A great camera, but surprisingly slow from one shot to next.
Am hoping the much newer FZ7, for example, would show improved performance in this area. Anyone?