Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ1 5.0 Megapixel Digital Camera 10x Optical zoom

Panasonic Lumix cameras go from strength to strength with technological advancements designed to offer the ultimate in picture performance and user convenience. Building on its digital still camera achievements, Panasonic presents you with 10x optical zoom digital still camera, made possible by the world’s first integrated retractable lens system with folded optics technology.

Traveler Zoom - the ultimate traveling companion

The lens part of the super-compact TZ1 features the integration of a retractable lens system with folded optics technology, realized by the inclusion of a prism. Incorporating three aspherical lenses, the crystallization of Panasonic optics technology, results in an amazingly powerful 10x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens contained within a slim and stylish body. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 12.5x in 3 megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. Furthermore, in combination with the 4x digital zoom, a zoom factor of up to 50x can be achieved.

The power of the Venus Engine III engine

The DMC-TZ1 boasts the newly developed Venus Engine III, offering the ability to take 250 pictures on a single charge whilst consuming only 80% of the power utilised by the predecessor, Venus Engine II. The TZ1 allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the 13.4MB built-in memory or the SD memory card. This new engine, the brain of a digital camera, boasts outstanding response time with an industry leading shutter release time of only 0.006sec minimum (the time taken between pressing the button on the camera and the photo being taken) and a shutter interval of approximately 0.5 seconds, thus enabling easy capture of spur-of-the- moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution.

Offering quick response times and high quality image output, the TZ1’s Venus Engine III also dramatically reduces noise levels even at increased ISO settings. Shooting up to a manually selectable ISO800 setting, in full resolution, it is possible to enhance your photographic potential by taking advantage of high shutter speeds which suppress image blur caused by subject movement.

A stir without the blur

Panasonic has enabled the TZ1 to shoot at a maximum setting of ISO800, with its new High Sensitivity Mode. This ingenious mode reduces image blur caused by moving subjects - especially indoors – by shooting at fast shutter speeds. Made possible by the mixed-pixel read out method of the CCD, users can now enjoy good quality 4”x6” prints of moments that would otherwise be lost. Whilst the resolution will not be as high in this mode, High Sensitivity is the difference between getting a shot or not at all.

In addition to the new High Sensitivity Mode, Panasonic has also equipped the TZ1 with its globally recognised Optical Image Stabiliser feature. O.I.S minimises the jitter from shaky hands that causes many photos to look blurred by shifting the O.I.S lens unit to keep the optical axis aligned straight against the CCD, to ensure images are always beautifully clear.

Be it hand shake or subject movement, the TZ1 incorporates the solution for both major causes of blurred images, resulting in amazingly sharp photos in various situations.

The fiercely fast linear auto-focus system

The TZ1 is the first Lumix model to adopt a Linear AF system which, combined with the high speed AF function, achieves an industry-leading high speed AF response time among high zoom digital cameras, whilst reducing the noise of the motor. The superior AF capabilities also enable an increased speed in continuous AF, allowing easy and precise focusing even when shooting moving subjects. It is now even possible to zoom in while recording motion images. Together with the TZ1’s overall quick response time and the power of the Venus Engine III, this linear AF system also contributes to a super fast start-up time of 0.95sec. The speed in which this camera operates means you’ll be able to capture special moments, spontaneously.

Bright and beautiful motion pictures

In addition to standard VGA (640x680) at 30fps motion image recording, the TZ1 also records stunning full-size movies in wide aspect VGA (840x840) at 30fps, enabling you to view them on a widescreen television. The brightness level is enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD. The linear AF system enables zooming in while recording motion images, while the O.I.S ensures blur-free footage.

The perfect travel companion boasting 18 scene modes

The Lumix TZ1’s 18 scene modes allow you to effectively capture your travelling experience, wherever you go. The ‘aerial’ mode assists with shooting through aeroplane windows, and once you reach your destination, the new ‘beach’ mode is ideal for taking photos in strong sunlight. Used with a separately available marine case boasting a water-resistance of up to 40m deep, the ‘underwater’ mode helps produce spectacular underwater shots, even at depths where there is no sunlight.

Travellers further benefit from the useful ‘Travel Date Setting’ which, once you have preset the date of your departure, records and displays the images in chronological order of your trip. The ‘World Time Setting’ is also useful as it allows you to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.

These modes are welcomed additions to the existing portrait, soft skin, scenery, night portrait, night scenery, food, party, candle, fireworks, starry sky, snow and baby mode. Panasonic’s ‘Baby’ Mode has now doubled its appeal with the ability to set two birthdays for two children. When shooting in Baby Mode1 or 2, the relevant child’s age at the time of image capture is automatically recorded onto the image, allowing you to forever treasure your children’s special moments.

...and another first by Panasonic - aiming high with the TZ1’s High Angle Mode

The TZ1 has a 207K high resolution, 2.5” large LCD. The pixel-mixed read out method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates low-light shooting.

Panasonic is the first manufacturer to incorporate the highly useful High Angle Mode to a digital still camera LCD, making it easy to view when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd, for example. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoor situations is no longer a problem.

The high-resolution LCD can also display your images in up to 25 thumbnails on a multi-split screen and allows you to date search an image with the Calender Display Mode.

A traveller’s treasure – the small DMCTZ1 boasts huge features to make travel photography a real pleasure. Available from April. For further information, please visit www.panasonic.co.uk

Lumix DMC-TZ1 specifications