rating: 4.60
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera incorporates a powerful 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 32 - 160mm on a 35mm film camera) and an 8.1 megapixel resolution for superb image detail and the ability to zoom into the most intimate details of your subject - all in a compact and ergonomically designed camera body that you will find to be a pleasure to carry with you at all times.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera Overview
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera incorporates a powerful 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 32 - 160mm on a 35mm film camera) and an 8.1 megapixel resolution for superb image detail and the ability to zoom into the most intimate details of your subject - all in a compact and ergonomically designed camera body that you will find to be a pleasure to carry with you at all times.
The camera also incorporates the impressive Venus Engine III image processing engine that gives the camera even higher image quality and speedy processing. With the inclusion of a longer zoom lens on such a compact camera, image stabilization becomes even more useful, so Panasonic incorporated the acclaimed Intelligent Image Stabilization system with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control to compensate for the effects of hand-shake and subject movement, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, during action shots, or when taking macro close-ups.
The large and bright 2.5-inch LCD Display of the DMC-LZ8 makes it easy to frame and view your images, and video clips. The user friendly menu and its graphical user interface have also been optimized using brighter colors for easier viewability. The DMC-LZ8 is powered by two simple AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere, and the camera also accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera Features
• 8.1 Megapixel Resolution
With a resolution of 8.1 Megapixels, you'll be able to produce high resolution images that can yield photo quality 20 x 30" prints. The camera also has resolution options that are available in three different aspect ratios - 16:9 for displaying on a wide screen monitor or TV, 3:2 for making standard photo album prints, and 4:3 for more traditional image dimensions common in picture frames.
• Leica 5x Optical Zoom Lens
The Leica DC Vario-Elmar Lens on the DMC-LZ8 provides an incredible 5x optical zoom, with a moderately wide angle of 32mm equivalent and images captured by the DMC-LZ8 are crisp and clear - right to the edges, thanks to this superb lens. The camera's wide-angle capability lets you more easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective. Plus, you can use the 5x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom together to produce a maximum of 20x zooming power.
• Extra Optical Zoom
The Extra Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with the use of digital zoom, provides up to an additional 8.0x zooming power in addition to the 3x standard optical zoom (available with 3 megapixel or smaller images only).
• Easy Zoom Button
With the first press of the Easy Zoom button the camera immediately gives you the maximum 5x power of the optical zoom. A second press delivers the maximum 8x power of the Extra Optical Zoom. This lets you bring your subject right up close, easily and comfortably, and is especially useful at sporting events and other outdoor activities when fast zoom may be needed to get a shot during quick paced action.
• Easy-to-use Scene Modes
The DMC-LZ8 has 20 scene modes to provide the best overall image quality for common shooting situations, such as Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery, and more. It is easy to select the best scene mode thanks to the Scene Mode list display and help screen, which shows the description of each mode on the LCD monitor.
• Face Detection for Superb Portraits
The Face Detection function can detect up to 15 faces in a scene then automatically adjust the camera settings to make sure faces appear well-lit and in focus. This advanced technology will even automatically readjust the settings if the positions of the subjects change while you are framing the shot.
• Reduce Blur with MEGA OIS and Intelligent ISO
Image blur is commonly caused by either movement of the camera or movement of the subject. Camera movement is corrected with the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) feature which uses built-in gyro-sensors to detect the smallest camera movement and instantaneously shifts a lens element in the opposite direction to compensate, giving you sharp, clear images without deterioration. Motion blur - caused when a subject moves as the shot is being taken - is minimized with Intelligent ISO Control. This system actually detects whether the subject is moving and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to minimize the motion blur effect while maintaining good exposure.
• Intelligent Scene Selector
The Intelligent Scene Selector will sense the ambient conditions and automatically select either the Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly. With the camera choosing the settings for you, you'll get beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject.
• Intelligent Auto Technology
Just turn the dial to "iA" and say good-bye to complicated settings. The camera will not only help eliminate blurring from hand-shake or subject movement, but it will also initialize the Face Detection system and automatically select the focus, exposure and scene modes for the best results. In fact, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically begins focusing even before you press the shutter button, so you'll never miss a great shot.
• Super-Fast Shutter Response and Consecutive Shooting
The DMC-LZ8 is fast and responsive - thanks to the Venus Engine III processor. The camera has an extremely fast shutter lag, so you won't miss that "perfect" moment, and it enables high ISO to minimize motion blur and take pictures under low lighting without the need for a mood-killing flash. Furthermore, the advanced processor enables fast shooting at a rate of up to 10 frames per second - a superbly useful feature when shooting sports or other fast paced events.
• Manual Control for More Creative Freedom
The Lumix DMC-LZ8 camera gives you a choice of four exposure modes: Program AE (P), Aperture Priority AE (A), Shutter Priority AE (S) and Manual (M). This gives you the flexibility and creative freedom to capture more expressive shots. You can also fine tune the settings in the Scenery, Portrait, Sports and Night Portrait scene modes on the mode dial to better suit the shooting conditions, and make it easier to capture the exact image you have in mind.
• Record High Quality Moving Images
The DMC-LZ8 can record beautiful full-size movies in 16:9 Wide VGA format at 30 fps or 10 fps with enhanced picture quality and brightness, and it can also shoot standard VGA and QVGA resolution for home use or e-mail/web applications.
• Mode Dial and Q.Menu Button
The Q.Menu Button provides a shortcut to frequently used menu settings - this single button lets you turn consecutive shooting on/off, make white balance adjustments, set the ISO sensitivity and image size, and select the compression format, while you continue to view your subject on the LCD. The Mode Dial is combined with a unique Mode Position Display, and as you operate the dial, large animated icons are displayed on the LCD Screen, making it easy to find the mode you want.
• Auto Angle Detection
Auto angle detection records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your Lumix Digital Camera with an A/V cable, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.
• Built-in and Expandable Memory
The camera includes 27MB of built-in memory, and the memory capacity can be expanded dramatically with Secure digital (SD) or Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards. You can also copy images from a memory card or PC to the built-in memory, and view them on the LCD anytime you like.
• 2.5" Intelligent LCD Display
The DMC-LZ8 features a 2.5" diagonal high-resolution Intelligent LCD monitor makes it easy to see your subject - day or night, indoors or outdoors - because the brightness and contrast of the LCD adjusts automatically as ambient light conditions change. The High Angle Mode improves viewability from a low angle, such as when shooting over a crowd. The display also provides many shooting assist features such as guide lines for better image framing and a histogram function to check exposure on the fly.
• Extended Battery Life
The DMC-LZ8 is powered by two AA Batteries, and since AA size batteries can be purchased almost anywhere, you don't have to worry about suddenly running out of battery power. This is great both for taking everyday snapshots and when you are traveling. Furthermore, the Venus Engine processor consumes less power than previous processors, and can take approximately 260 pictures with the included Oxyride batteries and up to 160 shots with ordinary alkaline batteries, while Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries can provide an impressive number of shots while also saving money.
• Print Directly From Your Camera
You can send images directly to print, right from the DMC-LZ8 camera without the need of a PC. Simply connect the camera to a PictBridge compatible printer by using the included USB cable, and then simply select the pictures you want to print.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera incorporates a powerful 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 32 - 160mm on a 35mm film camera) and an 8.1 megapixel resolution for superb image detail and the ability to zoom into the most intimate details of your subject - all in a compact and ergonomically designed camera body that you will find to be a pleasure to carry with you at all times.
The camera also incorporates the impressive Venus Engine III image processing engine that gives the camera even higher image quality and speedy processing. With the inclusion of a longer zoom lens on such a compact camera, image stabilization becomes even more useful, so Panasonic incorporated the acclaimed Intelligent Image Stabilization system with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control to compensate for the effects of hand-shake and subject movement, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, during action shots, or when taking macro close-ups.
The large and bright 2.5-inch LCD Display of the DMC-LZ8 makes it easy to frame and view your images, and video clips. The user friendly menu and its graphical user interface have also been optimized using brighter colors for easier viewability. The DMC-LZ8 is powered by two simple AA batteries, which can be purchased anywhere, and the camera also accepts large-capacity SDHC memory cards, giving users more flexibility in shooting and recording.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera Features
• 8.1 Megapixel Resolution
With a resolution of 8.1 Megapixels, you'll be able to produce high resolution images that can yield photo quality 20 x 30" prints. The camera also has resolution options that are available in three different aspect ratios - 16:9 for displaying on a wide screen monitor or TV, 3:2 for making standard photo album prints, and 4:3 for more traditional image dimensions common in picture frames.
• Leica 5x Optical Zoom Lens
The Leica DC Vario-Elmar Lens on the DMC-LZ8 provides an incredible 5x optical zoom, with a moderately wide angle of 32mm equivalent and images captured by the DMC-LZ8 are crisp and clear - right to the edges, thanks to this superb lens. The camera's wide-angle capability lets you more easily capture large groups of people indoors or expansive architectural structures and scenes with dynamic width and rich perspective. Plus, you can use the 5x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom together to produce a maximum of 20x zooming power.
• Extra Optical Zoom
The Extra Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with the use of digital zoom, provides up to an additional 8.0x zooming power in addition to the 3x standard optical zoom (available with 3 megapixel or smaller images only).
• Easy Zoom Button
With the first press of the Easy Zoom button the camera immediately gives you the maximum 5x power of the optical zoom. A second press delivers the maximum 8x power of the Extra Optical Zoom. This lets you bring your subject right up close, easily and comfortably, and is especially useful at sporting events and other outdoor activities when fast zoom may be needed to get a shot during quick paced action.
• Easy-to-use Scene Modes
The DMC-LZ8 has 20 scene modes to provide the best overall image quality for common shooting situations, such as Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery, and more. It is easy to select the best scene mode thanks to the Scene Mode list display and help screen, which shows the description of each mode on the LCD monitor.
• Face Detection for Superb Portraits
The Face Detection function can detect up to 15 faces in a scene then automatically adjust the camera settings to make sure faces appear well-lit and in focus. This advanced technology will even automatically readjust the settings if the positions of the subjects change while you are framing the shot.
• Reduce Blur with MEGA OIS and Intelligent ISO
Image blur is commonly caused by either movement of the camera or movement of the subject. Camera movement is corrected with the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) feature which uses built-in gyro-sensors to detect the smallest camera movement and instantaneously shifts a lens element in the opposite direction to compensate, giving you sharp, clear images without deterioration. Motion blur - caused when a subject moves as the shot is being taken - is minimized with Intelligent ISO Control. This system actually detects whether the subject is moving and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to minimize the motion blur effect while maintaining good exposure.
• Intelligent Scene Selector
The Intelligent Scene Selector will sense the ambient conditions and automatically select either the Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode accordingly. With the camera choosing the settings for you, you'll get beautiful results every time you shoot, no matter what the scene or subject.
• Intelligent Auto Technology
Just turn the dial to "iA" and say good-bye to complicated settings. The camera will not only help eliminate blurring from hand-shake or subject movement, but it will also initialize the Face Detection system and automatically select the focus, exposure and scene modes for the best results. In fact, the Intelligent Auto Mode automatically begins focusing even before you press the shutter button, so you'll never miss a great shot.
• Super-Fast Shutter Response and Consecutive Shooting
The DMC-LZ8 is fast and responsive - thanks to the Venus Engine III processor. The camera has an extremely fast shutter lag, so you won't miss that "perfect" moment, and it enables high ISO to minimize motion blur and take pictures under low lighting without the need for a mood-killing flash. Furthermore, the advanced processor enables fast shooting at a rate of up to 10 frames per second - a superbly useful feature when shooting sports or other fast paced events.
• Manual Control for More Creative Freedom
The Lumix DMC-LZ8 camera gives you a choice of four exposure modes: Program AE (P), Aperture Priority AE (A), Shutter Priority AE (S) and Manual (M). This gives you the flexibility and creative freedom to capture more expressive shots. You can also fine tune the settings in the Scenery, Portrait, Sports and Night Portrait scene modes on the mode dial to better suit the shooting conditions, and make it easier to capture the exact image you have in mind.
• Record High Quality Moving Images
The DMC-LZ8 can record beautiful full-size movies in 16:9 Wide VGA format at 30 fps or 10 fps with enhanced picture quality and brightness, and it can also shoot standard VGA and QVGA resolution for home use or e-mail/web applications.
• Mode Dial and Q.Menu Button
The Q.Menu Button provides a shortcut to frequently used menu settings - this single button lets you turn consecutive shooting on/off, make white balance adjustments, set the ISO sensitivity and image size, and select the compression format, while you continue to view your subject on the LCD. The Mode Dial is combined with a unique Mode Position Display, and as you operate the dial, large animated icons are displayed on the LCD Screen, making it easy to find the mode you want.
• Auto Angle Detection
Auto angle detection records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your Lumix Digital Camera with an A/V cable, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.
• Built-in and Expandable Memory
The camera includes 27MB of built-in memory, and the memory capacity can be expanded dramatically with Secure digital (SD) or Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards. You can also copy images from a memory card or PC to the built-in memory, and view them on the LCD anytime you like.
• 2.5" Intelligent LCD Display
The DMC-LZ8 features a 2.5" diagonal high-resolution Intelligent LCD monitor makes it easy to see your subject - day or night, indoors or outdoors - because the brightness and contrast of the LCD adjusts automatically as ambient light conditions change. The High Angle Mode improves viewability from a low angle, such as when shooting over a crowd. The display also provides many shooting assist features such as guide lines for better image framing and a histogram function to check exposure on the fly.
• Extended Battery Life
The DMC-LZ8 is powered by two AA Batteries, and since AA size batteries can be purchased almost anywhere, you don't have to worry about suddenly running out of battery power. This is great both for taking everyday snapshots and when you are traveling. Furthermore, the Venus Engine processor consumes less power than previous processors, and can take approximately 260 pictures with the included Oxyride batteries and up to 160 shots with ordinary alkaline batteries, while Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries can provide an impressive number of shots while also saving money.
• Print Directly From Your Camera
You can send images directly to print, right from the DMC-LZ8 camera without the need of a PC. Simply connect the camera to a PictBridge compatible printer by using the included USB cable, and then simply select the pictures you want to print.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera user reviews
"The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera did everything I could put to it. Wish it was faster and has wider lens (28 mm or less). But for the price, this is a great camera."
--- datelite rated: 4
"Basically Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera is an average digital camera. However, it is the many features that make this camera an excellent choice for somebody just getting into photography and who needs a good camera to help their learning curve. I teach digital cameras and this is the camera that I recommend for those who on a budget and who are looking for the biggest bang for the camera buck. It is a fine camera for them to learn with and to experiment as the try new things such as Custom WB and the like. Yes, I also own a LZ-8 as well, and have taken some pretty amazing photos with the LZ-8."
--- speaklightly rated: 4
"Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera does exactly what I want it to, and a whole lot of other things I have not yet figured out.
I have a backround in film cameras, and use a company digital SLR for work.
For my own vacation purposes, I wanted a compact pocket-size digital that takes decent pix without costing too much (anything this small stands a good chance of getting lost somewhere along the way).
My last two pocket digitals were a 2-meg Olympus Stylus (OK but bulky) and a low-end Olympus FE-210 (poor lens quality).
The Panasonic offers a Leica lens (that used to mean something; guess it still does) which takes very good photos. It has a wide range of shooting modes, so many you want to take the big instruction book with you.
But if you just set it on full auto, it'll get you by until you become more familiar with it.
The features it offers in a camera at this sub-$200 price really are remarkable. It takes movies with sound (acceptable).
All cameras are going big and bigger in terms of image-size, but here's a hint - the average family photographer simply does not need a 10- or 20-meg image.
Something like this is just fine. "
I have a backround in film cameras, and use a company digital SLR for work.
For my own vacation purposes, I wanted a compact pocket-size digital that takes decent pix without costing too much (anything this small stands a good chance of getting lost somewhere along the way).
My last two pocket digitals were a 2-meg Olympus Stylus (OK but bulky) and a low-end Olympus FE-210 (poor lens quality).
The Panasonic offers a Leica lens (that used to mean something; guess it still does) which takes very good photos. It has a wide range of shooting modes, so many you want to take the big instruction book with you.
But if you just set it on full auto, it'll get you by until you become more familiar with it.
The features it offers in a camera at this sub-$200 price really are remarkable. It takes movies with sound (acceptable).
All cameras are going big and bigger in terms of image-size, but here's a hint - the average family photographer simply does not need a 10- or 20-meg image.
Something like this is just fine. "
--- Kevin C. Wadlow "kcw13" rated: 5
""Normal AA batteries are drained QUICK, so get yourself some rechargeable batteries asap.I personally take a lot of shots at night, so far I've been pretty impressed with what I can get out of Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera! Up to 60 second exposure time is nice.Get a tripod! You'll definately wish you had if you don't, I didn't purchase one with this, but realized soon that I was gonna need it to get clearer shots. Also get to know the timer, no camera shake from pressing the button in!Some are saying it has a long lag time, Personally I think this is due to poor battery choices as well as slow SD Cards, be sure you pick up a high speed card, especially if you plan on taking burst shots, makes it much snappier compared to a cheap card running at a max of 10 MB/s. Overall, I really like this camera for the price range. Sure I could've shelled out maybe a hundred dollars more for a few improvements but that was out of my predetermined budget. All in all I am totally satisfied, and will be shopping with J&R for quite a while." "
--- Zeb rated: 5
"Pros: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 Digital Camera has got to be the best sub $200 camera currently available. It is as small as any other hand held camera, and much more powerful than others. Very clear pictures at 8.1MP, and the 5x zoom is helpful over the normal 3x that other camera's of this size. Easy to use, but also has some advance options not normally found in a camera of this price. Most people won't use the extra options, but it gives plenty of creative options. I have purchased this camera for 2 family members, and will do it again if another is looking.
Cons: It beat my expectations for this price, so no cons.
Other Thoughts: AA batteries, a gift or a curse? Replacing them are cheaper than replacing the camera specific batteries, but battery life is usually much shorter. Consider rechargables if you are going to use this much. Sanyo Eneloops are great."
Cons: It beat my expectations for this price, so no cons.
Other Thoughts: AA batteries, a gift or a curse? Replacing them are cheaper than replacing the camera specific batteries, but battery life is usually much shorter. Consider rechargables if you are going to use this much. Sanyo Eneloops are great."
--- sajinor rated: 5
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