Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 Review Discussion

[Jerry Jackson]

Few camera companies seem to be creating waves with compact point-and-shoot cameras like Panasonic. Panasonic cameras are now widely respected thanks to Leica-branded lenses, combined with features, performance, and build quality that rival anything from Canon or Nikon. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 is a budget compact digital camera designed for ease of use and creative control for the least possible expense.

Read the full content of this Article: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 Review

[Andy Stanton]

Thanks for the review. I'm somewhat disappointed by the LZ10. This is the first time I can remember reading anything critical about a Panasonic lens.

[Jerry Jackson]

Thanks for the review. I'm somewhat disappointed by the LZ10. This is the first time I can remember reading anything critical about a Panasonic lens.

I was a little surprised by the average or even sub par performance of this lens. I have a Panasonic FZ50 that I sometimes use when I want to use a compact all-in-one zoom for travel. I really like the lens on the FZ50.

However, I also had the chance to review the L10 DSLR from Panasonic last year and I wasn't very impressed with the Panasonic-made, Leica-branded kit lens on that DSLR.

Oh well, there isn't a single lens manufacturer that makes 100 percent perfect lenses every time they release a new lens. I'm a fan of Pentax lenses but even some of their lenses are less than perfect.

[sledger]

Motion Picture: Though the camera takes rich, fluid video, movie mode options on the LZ10 are less than impressive, allowing a maximum resolution/frame-rate of 640x480 at 30 fps. If you're looking for HD or a camcorder replacement, this camera probably isn't the best option.

Incorrect.
Movie mode maximum is not 640x480 30fps, it is infact capable of 16:9 ratio movies of 848x480 resolution at 30fps.

Colors are not good (imho). They are too cool at AI or auto mode, more so at cool setting, too orange iat warm setting. Always need to post process them in PS to get near as natural as possible.
No color space or saturation setting in-cam is a mistake.
JPG processing is way to heavy handed leaving artifacts even at best setting.

Audio is processed at 8,000Hz / 8bit which makes editing a problem due to most 'basic home' movie editor software unable to support this bitrate for output (when saving). Result is very poor audio reproduction for compiled home movies.

(SONY Vegas Platinum is however able to work at this bitrate)

Bundled Arcsoft software is rubbish as it cannot work with the 848x480 video resolution.

Overall I made a mistake buying this camera and would not recommend it to anyone.

[Tinderbox (UK)]

I have had 2 LZ8 camera`s and am returning them.

The camera just does not focus very sharply when compared to my Canon A590, and the LZ8 images can look over exposed in auto mode.

Also the display seems to want to blank out a lot when taking pictures, or just when it feels like it.

It`s a damm shame for a very nice little camera with so many great features, but the image quality is top of my list.

I have decided to get an Sony DSC W300 and see if that`s any better!

[sledger]

The disappointing thing is that I spent in total (off and on) a month in researching, reading reviews and downloading sample images and movies.
Although I checked the EXIF to make sure they were indeed LZ10 samples, no way does the camera I bought manage images like the samples.

I've used dcams for years, my main cam is a Pentax dSLR, so I know all about manual settings as well as auto modes.

It's just a pain to try and return items bought online because they don't live up to marketting hype.
It's too easy to buy online, but you cannot try before you buy.

[joshsch]

I need to buy a bunch of compact point and shoot digital cameras with aperture priority control for under $200 for school photo projects. Normally I buy the canon a590is but they are hard to come by. I am considering the lumix lz10 and fuji f60fd. The lumix is half the price but is the quality appreciably lower than the fuji f60fd? Or are there other cameras out there that I should be considering? Thanks.

[Jerry Jackson]

I need to buy a bunch of compact point and shoot digital cameras with aperture priority control for under $200 for school photo projects. Normally I buy the canon a590is but they are hard to come by. I am considering the lumix lz10 and fuji f60fd. The lumix is half the price but is the quality appreciably lower than the fuji f60fd? Or are there other cameras out there that I should be considering? Thanks.

Well, your options are fairly limited in the price range you've listed. The image quality from the Lumix LZ10 is as good as any other point and shoot in the sub $200 price range from ISO 100-400. Above ISO 400 is where the image quality starts to go downhill fast.

Yes, there was some inconsistent corner softness to some of the images, and the built-in flash is weak and close to the lens, but overall I was pleased with the review unit we had in during the time we had it in our office.

[joshsch]

Ok, many thanks for the input!