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 enlarge | Brand: Panasonic
Category: Photography
List Price: $299.95
Buy New: $219.99
You Save: $79.96 (27%)
New (31) Refurbished (1) from $209.00
Rating:  51 reviews
Sales Rank: 231
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Optical Zoom: 10
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 47
Minimum Focal Length: 4.7
Maximum Resolution: 8.1
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 2.3 x 1.4 x 4.1
MPN: DMC-TZ4K
Model: DMC-TZ4K
UPC: 037988987696
EAN: 0037988987696
ASIN: B0011Z6D86
Release Date: March 7, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Fantastic camera for novice or DSLR user alike August 13, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is another great Panasonic camera. I own a couple of other Lumix models, the FZ20 and FZ50. I bought this as a lightweight option to those full-sized cameras. There are other smaller, less expensive cameras in this megapixel and price class.
My advice right off the bat is that this camera is an excellent choice. Don't be tempted by the more expensive TZ-5, unless you really need HD video capability in a still camera, and an extra megapixel.
At 8mp, this camera has plenty of capability to provide high quality shots at 8x10 or so. The lens is able to produce the equivalent of a 28mm focal length (wide-angle by conventional camera terms), and it has a best in class 10x optical zoom. Not digital, folks, 10x OPTICAL. That's like having a 28mm - 280mm lens on a traditional 35mm camera. Few competitors match that.
Like its bigger FZ brothers, the TZ4 features a lens made by renowned lens maker Leica.
The ISO speeds on this camera range from 100 to 1600, exceptional speed range for a compact digital. 80 ISO is very nice for minimizing "noise', but Panasonic's new Venus IV engine works wonders in that respect, and I really don't see a difference in noise between my other cameras at 80 or 100 ISO and this camera at 100 ISO.
The 2.5" LCD is very bright and easy on the eyes.
The TZ-4 also has "face detection". It has the ability to "find" faces in the exposure and select the best focus for the subject.
For a fairly small camera, this device is easy to operate, takes great shots, and is a wonderful "second camera" when you don't want to carry a lot of gear yet still produce high quality photos.
This camera works well for the novice, those who don't like gadgets or the young camera user! it also has enough flexibility to allow more experienced photographers to enjoy it.
I've taken a lot of shots with the TZ-4 and can't find much difference between the shots and my other Panasonics or my Nikon DSLR.
 Summertime blues August 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was hoping I'd really like this camera. After all, a great lens and powerful zoom fitting in my pocket is very cool. Other reviews I'd read suggested this would be a great travel camera.
Unfortunately, I cannot agree. Without a viewfinder, the reflective lcd is virtually impossible to see on a bright day. In fact, with my prescription sunglasses, there was no image whatsoever. With them off, I could barely make out my shot, but with no definition. I did read the manual and adjusted the display for outdoors, but it still was very poor. Further, with the lcd operational, I couldn't get more then 70 shots on a battery charge.
I had a Canon before, and ended up going back to another. I didn't get the lense and zoom, but I sure feel I got a more thought out camera. Right from the manual (didn't need a magnifying glass to read it) to the auto focus, the Canon just seems to get it right more of the time.
 v. good buy July 30, 2008
This was the best combination of price, quality build, zooming and Megapixels for me. High quality photos. Had to compromise for a little bulkiness; much heavier than I expected. I bought an 8GB SD card with it from Amazon- both at an awsome price; we recorded several short videos & took hunderds of 8MP pictures with ample memory space left on the card.. it was a good decision.. Highly recommended if you don't mind the extra bulk and weight (4 out of 5 due to that) compared to the slicker slimmer cameras with less features.
So far, so good July 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've had this camera for about one month. The zoom quality is good, although extreme close-ups have not come out as hoped. This could be my skill level - I'm still learning how to use the camera.
Overall, I'm satisfied with the speed and performance of the camera. It's easy to use and not difficult to navigate the menu. Out of the box, it is a simple set up.
Excellent outdoor rambling camera July 27, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm extremely impressed with the Leica lens and Venus IV engine in this camera for outdoor pics, especially with the wide angle (28mm eq.) through 10x optical zoom (15.9x w/digital). Pictures are extremely clear with great color and very little distortion. Plus, with its size, you can easily buy a "fanny"-type carry bag that hooks on your belt, and if you're walking around or hiking, biking, etc., it's extremely convenient.
I have had some problems similar to those reported elsewhere with indoor shots in moderately low light. The flash is ok, but it's easy to cover up with your right middle finger. Plus, the Auto White Balance has some problems in low light, especially, producing some pictures that definitely need some post-processing to look good. This is the only reason I deducted one star. My biggest disappointment is that it's not as good as my Canon PowerShot A720IS 8MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom for indoor photos, though it has the capability to be better since it has a wide-angle option which should really improve upon the Canon.
Interestingly, it takes excellent macro pics, even in NO light (see my pics I've uploaded). It's true that with this lens, you can't get quite as close to the subject as with other digital pocket cameras, but I'm still thrilled with the results.
I was lucky to get this camera on an open-box special through the "warehouse specials" at Amazon.com for about fifty thalers (sorry -- trying to avoid the auto-editor) less than the current new price. The box had been opened, but none of the accessories had, and the camera has nary a mark on it. Just as new. Might want to wait for some more of those to pop up to save some money. At that price, it's an amazing steal for such a great little camera.
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