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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Name | Panasonic Lumix ZS7 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.1 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Form Factor | Compact |
Effective Still Resolution | 12.1 |
About this item
- Motion Picture Recording (*2)[HD Video] 1920 x 1080 pixels, 60i
- 10x Optical Zoom in a Slim Body
- Optical image stabilization
- Recording Media - Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
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What's in the box
Product Description
Product Description
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 delivers AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, 25mm ultra wide-angle and powerful 12x optical zoom lens in a compact body to cover virtually any shooting situations. This 12.1-megapixel powerhouse performer ZS7 further advanced to comprehend attractive features including the Intelligent Resolution technology as well as the built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and manual exposure. An abundance of functions for both photo and movie recording are organized in the well-considered operational command including an independent movie recording button achieving smooth, easy operation in both recording modes.
From the Manufacturer
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 delivers AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, 25mm ultra wide-angle and powerful 12x optical zoom lens in a compact body to cover virtually any shooting situations. This 12.1-megapixel powerhouse performer ZS7 further advanced to comprehend attractive features including the Intelligent Resolution technology as well as the built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and manual exposure. An abundance of functions for both photo and movie recording are organized in the well-considered operational command including an independent movie recording button achieving smooth, easy operation in both recording modes.
Lumix DMC-ZS7 Highlights
The DMC-ZS7 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle 12x optical zoom f/3.3-4.9 Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens (35mm camera equivalent: 25-300mm). Incorporating Panasonic's advanced optical technologies, this lens system is comprised of 10 elements in 8 groups, with 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) lenses and 2 aspherical lenses / 3 aspherical surfaces while preserving compactness. This lens system enables a remarkable 25 to 300mm range of focal length in this compact body. The powerful zoom of the DMC-ZS7 can be freely controlled even when shooting motion images. Inheriting the fine rendering and outstanding quality of the Leica Elmar lens, this easy-to-carry camera delivers beautiful images any time, any place.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
The 25mm ultra wide-angle lens* has about twice the shooting area as a standard 35mm lens. This enhances all kinds of shooting situations, like when you're photographing a group of people at an indoor party or shooting a large structure or sweeping landscape while traveling.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
16x Intelligent Zoom/23.4x Extra Optical Zoom
Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the DMC-ZS7 which extends the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x maintaining the picture quality even combining a digital zoom. This means the 12x optical can virtually extend to 16x equivalent. Furthermore, the Extra Optical Zoom function that extends zoom power to 23.4x by using the center part of the large CCD to bring subjects even closer.
* At 3-megapixel resolution or less.
HD Movie in AVCHD Lite
In addition to Motion JPEG images, the DMC-ZS7 can record high-definition motion images in AVCHD Lite. It features almost double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Also, with the DMC-ZS7, it is possible to use the GPS (Global Positioning System) function to record data on the shooting location. You can view images for each geographical location by using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD Edition to manage the images by date and location.
Powerful 12x Optical Zoom
The addition of AVCHD Lite HD movie recording doubles the appeal of the DMC-ZS7. This single camera lets you capture virtually all images in their natural beauty. It gives you both motion and still images, and ranges from 25mm ultra wide-angle shots of sweeping landscapes to powerful 12x optical zoom shots (35mm camera equivalent: 300mm) that pull distant subjects right up close. The mechanism design minimizes the noise of auto focusing or zooming.
* Converted to standard 35mm camera equivalent, at the maximum wide position.
High Quality Sound
A stereo microphone, featuring Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, on the upper body records dynamic, true-to-life stereo audio that brings out the power of your HD movies.
Travel Mode with GPS for both Photos and Movies
By simply turning on the GPS function, the location data and time are automatically updated. Great for travel recordings. The DMC-TS7 camera is acclaimed as an excellent travel companion because of a wide shooting range and hybrid recording capability of high quality photos and movies. The DMC-ZS7 further enhances its value by adding a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) unit into the camera.
Special Playback Modes
- Place name information (Country, State, City and/or Landmark) can be displayed on the shooting screen real-time and recording them on the photo/movie.
- The area information covers 173 countries or regions for global use. Plus, more than 500,000 of landmark information covers 73 countries or regions.
- You can playback the geo-tagged photo/movie by the recorded place names either in the camera or on computer via the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.1 HD Edition.
- Connect to a TV with an HDMI cable to view your memories on a large screen.
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Center, Multi-area, Single, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 460,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
Effective Still Resolution | 12.1 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 12.1 MP |
JPEG quality level | Normal |
Image Stabilization | Optical |
Flash Modes Description | SDXC |
Supported Image Format | AVCHD |
Video Capture Format | AVCHD Lite |
Video Capture Resolution | HD 720p |
Video Standard | AVCHD |
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
---|---|
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | Panasonic Lumix ZS7 |
---|---|
Brand | Panasonic |
Model Number | DMC-ZS7K |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #331,206 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #2,369 in Digital Point & Shoot Cameras |
ASIN | B00395WIXA |
Color | Black |
Included Components | HDMI Cable |
Processor Description | Venus Engine HD II |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.28 x 4.07 x 2.35 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 0.48 Pounds |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 12 |
Digital Zoom | 4 |
Zoom Type | Optical Zoom |
Autofocus Points | 11 |
Camera Lens Description | 25 Mm |
Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
Focus Type | Auto Focus |
Maximum Focal Length | 300 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 25 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 1600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 80 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Landscape |
Batteries Required? | No |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Are Batteries Included | No |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium Ion |
Battery Weight | 1 Grams |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Audio Input | Microphone |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 2.3 |
Wireless Communication Technology | gps |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Memory Storage Capacity | 15 MB |
Special Feature | Image Stabilization |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Professional |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Form Factor | Compact |
Hardware Interface | HDMI, SDHC, SDXC, mini HDMI |
Photo Sensor Technology | CCD |
GPS | Built-In |
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras on our review page: Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the picture quality, quality and ease of use of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it produces excellent photos, the avchd makes very good quality videos and that the menu system is intuitive. Some appreciate the GPS feature and the great optical zoom range. That said, some complain about the battery life and the fact that it's not weatherproof.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the picture quality of the camera. They say it produces excellent, clear, and distortion-free images. The zoom lens is superb and produces clear shots from end to end. The HD video looks amazing on 1080p TV with HDMI output. The camera is perfect for recording everything from nature scenes to rock.
"...I was extremely impressed with two things:1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass..." Read more
"...However... The Pana ROCKS!!! I cannot believe how stunning the photos come out with NO tweaking or playing with controls...." Read more
"...it is any worse than the other P&S I owned before. - Video quality is great but the windy noise is annoying...." Read more
"...I've been pleased with many of the pictures I've taken, some of which would have been impossible to take without the wide and long telephoto lens...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camera. They mention that it makes very good quality videos, movies, and HD pictures. Some say that the quality is excellent and is more than enough for Youtube or sharing with friends. The camera is easy to use and has great features. Some mention that the leather is nice and high quality. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...All the special settings work great.The `scene' mode works great...." Read more
"...It ROCKS and is A SHOCKINGLY AWESOME CAMERA!!! Just buy it if you can afford it." Read more
"...to realize this is a P&S. For $250 on Amazon, it is by far the best performance and feature rich camera one can buy now." Read more
"...The quality (HD) is excellent, has great zooming capabilities (crystal clear at 12X zoom) and the sound is usually great..." Read more
Customers like the ease of use of the digital camera. For example, they say it's super easy to use, quick to use and has great features. They also mention that the menu system is intuitive and easy to set up. Customers also appreciate the cursor buttons that provide quick shortcuts to some features. Overall, most are happy with the ease and functionality of the product.
"...I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery...." Read more
"...Much clearer , VIBRANT, and Crispier than the Sony. The Pana has all manual controls, though for the true photo enthusiast who wants to play around..." Read more
"...controls since I wanted a simple Point and Shoot but they are pretty easy to use and raised my interests to learn more about using them...." Read more
"...That kind of camera, however, will never be as small, light and convenient to use as the ZS7 is. It's definitely a keeper...." Read more
Customers like the GPS feature of the camera. They say it works well on hikes, and the accuracy is good. Some customers also mention that the GPS information is also recorded when you take video.
"...All the special settings work great.The `scene' mode works great...." Read more
"...automatic-everything modes on both cameras produced generally excellent results in a variety of situations and conditions...." Read more
"...(good for telephoto shots and set as default for video recording), GPS, detailed manual with tips for shooting best pictures...." Read more
"...I mostly use automatic and scene-panoramic stitch. The stitch works well, it includes an overlay image that helps you line up multiple photos to..." Read more
Customers like the zoom of the digital camera. They mention that it is incredible, has a great optical zoom range, and is very usable. The 25-300 zoom range is very useful, and the long zoom is a plus. The camera will zoom in movie mode, and there's no audio noise when it does. This enables you to take great distant shots, fog shots, and flower shots with ease.
"...The quality (HD) is excellent, has great zooming capabilities (crystal clear at 12X zoom) and the sound is usually great..." Read more
"...Pros: - Durable build, large 240,000 pixel screen, 12x zoom, leica lens, 720p HD video (purchase a high quality SDHD card - at least Class 6),..." Read more
"...The DMC-ZS7 has much better zoom - the wide angle end of the zoom works much better for landscape than the Canon, and and it has a greater zoom..." Read more
"...And again I state the slower moving controllable zoom makes keeping the images in focus from A to Z much better...." Read more
Customers like the size of the camera. They say it is a compact size with a large, bright LCD screen. Some say that it fits easily into most pockets and is small enough for larger pockets. The camera has a 3 inch, 460,000 pixels LCD screen and can be carried easily in a case.
"...Also, this camera is a nice size and you can easily keep this in your purse without feeling bulky (or belt area)...." Read more
"...The Panasonic is much smaller - much easier to carry. It's impressive that you have that they can fit that zoom into that small a camera...." Read more
"...They both offer beautiful, 3 inch, 460,000 pixels LCD screen which tops most of the other digicams...." Read more
"...can zoom (optically) adequately without loss of image quality, compact design, AVCHD capability, sharp focus and good low light performance...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the digital camera. They say it is easy to carry, manageable, and fits comfortably in a shirt pocket. Customers also say the camera is easy and pleasant to hold and use. They also mention that it is ergonomically friendly to handle with one or both hands.
"...Both/either fit quite comfortably in a shirt pocket or a jeans pocket...." Read more
"...The Panasonic is much smaller - much easier to carry. It's impressive that you have that they can fit that zoom into that small a camera...." Read more
"...+Ergonomically friendly to handle with one or both hands.+When in full auto modeCon..." Read more
"...size and styling of the Panasonic are not perfect - it's much more bulky than the Canon and not as stylish as the Nikon, but the ease of use and..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the battery life of the camera. Some mention that it has a pretty good battery life for a camera that does so many automatic things like IR. However, others say that it could be better, the GPS uses a lot of camera battery power, and the included battery is not that great.
"...on, slow at focusing, slow after taking a shot ... And the power seems to drain fast. Heats up after taking some 1080p videos...." Read more
"...The battery life is almost perfect for recording HD for average 1.5 - 2 hr events (with stopping in between songs)...." Read more
"...button to switch to playback mode This is clearly wasteful of time & battery power...." Read more
"...I took some 300 pictures and a few videos. Fantastic battery life. While on the road I was goofing off with all the scene settings...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
I did some extensive research and in the process learnt a few things I did not realize. I researched blogs, reviews, and other expert and end user forums including consumer reports trends for `brand' reliability, cNet reviews and many other popular electronics authorities.
In my research I discovered that unless you are a professional photographer printing a 5 foot tall poster, for day to day use and the ability to `blow up a regular image to a reasonable size - most people do not need a camera with more than 6-8 megapixels. However if you get more megapixels then that is a bonus. (Something you get in the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K a total of 12.1 mega-pixels)
On the other hand Zoom is a different matter. Getting a camera with good range in `Optical zoom' is always better. You might say to yourself "I will never need to `zoom in' "that far" - trust me you will! And you will appreciate your decision. The Panasonic DMC-ZS7K has a total of 12x optical zoom which is also `Wide angle" and the ability to add another 4x digital zoom giving you a total of 16x zoom). However to get crisp images you should try to stay within the `optical zoom' limitations (up to 16x).
Now to review the actual camera:
Model: Panasonic: DMC-ZS7K
I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery. Once I plugged in the battery, programming the initial basic settings like the time and location, was easy. However while I have used the GPS feature, to be on the safe side (re battery draining) I keep my GPS `OFF'. If I am actively going to be in an area where I specifically want the `added' feature of the GPS then I will turn it on. BUT I will try to remember to turn it off as soon as I am done. Even if you power off your camera - as long as the battery is inserted in the unit the GPS will be running 24/7. This WILL drain you r battery.
It took me a few hours to read through the manual and play (adjust) all the advanced settings. I don't think I will use the `advanced settings much but I will have it set to my liking when I am ready to use it.
I have taken a handful of photos to test all the settings including the macro zoom. For the most part unless your environment absolutely demands `advanced' shutter and aperture settings the `iAF' mode works best. This camera in `iAF' mode (Intelligent Auto Focus) is a breeze. Just point and shoot. "Even a caveman can do it"
In macro mode once again I found the AF Macro mode to work the best. Although if you are zoomed in to the object and switch from tele-macro to af-macro you will not see any change. You will need to physically zoom out and back in or move your camera away from the object and bring it back so it can refocus.
ISSUES - QUIRKS:
At this point I do not have any major complaints with this camera - except that for the price it could have come with a carry pouch (case) and at lease 8GB of memory. I have not yet bought a camera case but however bought 32GB of memory. [SanDisk 32GB Extreme - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card 200x - NEW 30MB/s version]. Again from research I have discovered that for true HD quality recording a Class-10 SDHC memory card is the best.
I am taking a 2 week trip to Florida at the end of May 2010 and expect to use the camera extensively.
Today I am happy with my decision and this camera.
I will definitely come back and update this review after my trip.
***************************************************************
_______________
27th June 2010:
_______________
Update from my trip to Florida.
This is a follow up to my purchase of the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K.
I am adding some photos to review.
Overall the camera is great.
Photo quality is `Excellent' ***** (5 star)
HD Video quality is `Very Good' **** (4 star) only because it does not have an internal backlight.
All the special settings work great.
The `scene' mode works great. I found the `Beach' scene mode was sharper and more clear when used on the beach during mid-day in the hot sun as well as the `evening'. I shot some pictures with the camera pointing directly at the sun and still got a great result.
There was some issue with the `Sunset' scene mode.
I captured approximately 50 photos of one sunset over a period of 15-20 minutes.
I used the following modes:
- `Full Intelligent Auto' mode
- `Beach' Scene mode
- `Sunset' Scene mode
In my opinion the `Sunset' Scene mode was the worst.
The second best was the `Beach' Scene mode.
The best pictures were produced using the `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
I also traveled to the Florida Aquarium where I took some very good pictures using `Underwater' Scene mode. I was extremely impressed with two things:
1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass (see my photos attached to the product review).
2. In some areas of the Aquarium we were not allowed to use a `Flash'. I forced the flash `off' and switched the camera to `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
In all cases the colors were very good.
In a couple of instances I used the `BURST' mode you can see in my `posted' photos I have a picture of a turtle swimming in full speed.
NEGATIVES:
I tried very hard to find something negative to say but could only come up with this:
1. The shooting mode wheel can sometimes `half turn' while in your pocket or bag. So when you try to start it up and shoot you will see an error on the screen! The locking mechanism could have been tighter?
2. The screen definitely needs a `very good quality' protective plastic screen covering it. I purchased this from Amazon.com that works perfectly:
Garmin Nuvi 755T ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector (Single Pack)
3. Te last negative comment I have on this camera would be to have the unit ship out with some sort of case?! It is amazing that a camera costing as much as this does is sold without a case!
CONCLUSION:
This camera is a keeper (with a good screen protector and a carry case :) LOL)
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2010
I did some extensive research and in the process learnt a few things I did not realize. I researched blogs, reviews, and other expert and end user forums including consumer reports trends for `brand' reliability, cNet reviews and many other popular electronics authorities.
In my research I discovered that unless you are a professional photographer printing a 5 foot tall poster, for day to day use and the ability to `blow up a regular image to a reasonable size - most people do not need a camera with more than 6-8 megapixels. However if you get more megapixels then that is a bonus. (Something you get in the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K a total of 12.1 mega-pixels)
On the other hand Zoom is a different matter. Getting a camera with good range in `Optical zoom' is always better. You might say to yourself "I will never need to `zoom in' "that far" - trust me you will! And you will appreciate your decision. The Panasonic DMC-ZS7K has a total of 12x optical zoom which is also `Wide angle" and the ability to add another 4x digital zoom giving you a total of 16x zoom). However to get crisp images you should try to stay within the `optical zoom' limitations (up to 16x).
Now to review the actual camera:
Model: Panasonic: DMC-ZS7K
I have owned this camera for about 3 weeks now. Unpacking it was a breeze. It took a very short time to charge the battery. Once I plugged in the battery, programming the initial basic settings like the time and location, was easy. However while I have used the GPS feature, to be on the safe side (re battery draining) I keep my GPS `OFF'. If I am actively going to be in an area where I specifically want the `added' feature of the GPS then I will turn it on. BUT I will try to remember to turn it off as soon as I am done. Even if you power off your camera - as long as the battery is inserted in the unit the GPS will be running 24/7. This WILL drain you r battery.
It took me a few hours to read through the manual and play (adjust) all the advanced settings. I don't think I will use the `advanced settings much but I will have it set to my liking when I am ready to use it.
I have taken a handful of photos to test all the settings including the macro zoom. For the most part unless your environment absolutely demands `advanced' shutter and aperture settings the `iAF' mode works best. This camera in `iAF' mode (Intelligent Auto Focus) is a breeze. Just point and shoot. "Even a caveman can do it"
In macro mode once again I found the AF Macro mode to work the best. Although if you are zoomed in to the object and switch from tele-macro to af-macro you will not see any change. You will need to physically zoom out and back in or move your camera away from the object and bring it back so it can refocus.
ISSUES - QUIRKS:
At this point I do not have any major complaints with this camera - except that for the price it could have come with a carry pouch (case) and at lease 8GB of memory. I have not yet bought a camera case but however bought 32GB of memory. [SanDisk 32GB Extreme - SDHC Class 10 High Performance memory card 200x - NEW 30MB/s version]. Again from research I have discovered that for true HD quality recording a Class-10 SDHC memory card is the best.
I am taking a 2 week trip to Florida at the end of May 2010 and expect to use the camera extensively.
Today I am happy with my decision and this camera.
I will definitely come back and update this review after my trip.
***************************************************************
_______________
27th June 2010:
_______________
Update from my trip to Florida.
This is a follow up to my purchase of the Panasonic DMC-ZS7K.
I am adding some photos to review.
Overall the camera is great.
Photo quality is `Excellent' ***** (5 star)
HD Video quality is `Very Good' **** (4 star) only because it does not have an internal backlight.
All the special settings work great.
The `scene' mode works great. I found the `Beach' scene mode was sharper and more clear when used on the beach during mid-day in the hot sun as well as the `evening'. I shot some pictures with the camera pointing directly at the sun and still got a great result.
There was some issue with the `Sunset' scene mode.
I captured approximately 50 photos of one sunset over a period of 15-20 minutes.
I used the following modes:
- `Full Intelligent Auto' mode
- `Beach' Scene mode
- `Sunset' Scene mode
In my opinion the `Sunset' Scene mode was the worst.
The second best was the `Beach' Scene mode.
The best pictures were produced using the `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
I also traveled to the Florida Aquarium where I took some very good pictures using `Underwater' Scene mode. I was extremely impressed with two things:
1. All my photos were great even though I took 90% of them through an Aquarium Tank Glass (see my photos attached to the product review).
2. In some areas of the Aquarium we were not allowed to use a `Flash'. I forced the flash `off' and switched the camera to `Full Intelligent Auto' mode.
In all cases the colors were very good.
In a couple of instances I used the `BURST' mode you can see in my `posted' photos I have a picture of a turtle swimming in full speed.
NEGATIVES:
I tried very hard to find something negative to say but could only come up with this:
1. The shooting mode wheel can sometimes `half turn' while in your pocket or bag. So when you try to start it up and shoot you will see an error on the screen! The locking mechanism could have been tighter?
2. The screen definitely needs a `very good quality' protective plastic screen covering it. I purchased this from Amazon.com that works perfectly:
Garmin Nuvi 755T ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector (Single Pack)
3. Te last negative comment I have on this camera would be to have the unit ship out with some sort of case?! It is amazing that a camera costing as much as this does is sold without a case!
CONCLUSION:
This camera is a keeper (with a good screen protector and a carry case :) LOL)
The Video Quality on the Pana is unbelievable, especially in low light. I could not believe how much brighter and better it was than the Sony! I mean Sony is 1080 and the Pana is 720, but WOW! The Sony did have some nice daytime clips, but overall, the Pana was just SUPERIOR. It was sad for me to see such a difference... You can even go to YouTube and type Panasonic ZS7 v. Sony Hx5v and see the multiple video comparisons. It will really help you see the difference; and yes it is accurate as I made my own comparisons.
I took both out the other night to a party and compared the cameras and hands down the Pana was PHENOMINAL!!! Everyone there was saying how now they wanted that camera...
Also, I tried out the burst at night in a dim room and could not believe how many photos it shot in a row without distortion! At least 30 were just shooting off. I had to finally lift my finger as it was just on a shooting frenzy.
My only complaint is the button to switch back and forth for preview to shoot pics again and I wish it had the Sony Panarama Feature. The Pana has a Panarama Assist which I have not figured out yet if it will stich the photo in the camera like the Sony.
Also, this camera is a nice size and you can easily keep this in your purse without feeling bulky (or belt area). I love that I don't have to bring along my Great DSLR when I want to take great pictures with long zoom or for a really special event or occasion.
What can I say, if you buy this camera, you will be amazed, and know that I have reviewed all the quality cameras in this class and can tell you that after many sleepless review reading and testing nights, this is the CAMERA of the YEAR!!! If photo and video quality are important to you, then there is no question, five of five! It ROCKS and is A SHOCKINGLY AWESOME CAMERA!!! Just buy it if you can afford it.