Panasonic Lumix SZ7: How good is the 160-euro-camera

The Panasonic SZ7 is one of the cheapest digital cameras. Around 160 euros the camera currently costs in online trading, the technical equipment is respectable for it. The focal length (25 to 250 mm) and the maximum aperture (f / 3,1) of the lens, for example, are identical with Nikon 300 euros more expensive Android camera S800C . The SZ7 zooms in close, but does not fall on the sensor as much light through the lens. Image quality, handling, speed - is how well the 160-euro-camera?

I like: serial images, settings, image quality

Image Quality : Excellent recording of SZ7 is not - but the image quality is comparable to the more expensive cameras like the Nikon S800C or the Samsung Galaxy Camera . Compared to a smartphone like the iPhone 4, the recording quality of SZ7 is superior. Colors gives the SZ7 course again, even in recording situations where the iPhone 4 gray colored surfaces partially pink. The noise of SZ7 is not visible at low ISO settings (100). However, you can also see in those daylight shots that SZ7 does not reproduce fine details. But these shortcomings do not fall on especially when you consider the smaller shots - so the Web or on small-format printing.

Lens : Focal length is an advantage with the tenfold push to get get close, wide angle (25 mm), the SZ7 is well suited for landscapes, cityscapes or group photos.

Burst : The SZ7 can be within half a second four photos in full resolution (12.5 megapixels) record. This is ideal for snapshots - the probability of a successful reception among many with curious facial expression is four times as high.

Handling : The buttons on the housing SZ7 are well chosen for a fast operation. Shooting modes, macro, and exposure compensation can be called directly. A quick menu leads to the setting of ISO sensitivity and white balance. These settings are missing the iPhone and most smartphone camera programs. The selection of ISO sensitivity also allows a rudimentary manual operation of the SZ7. To set the camera to ISO 100, the camera adjusts the exposure time. So you can at night - Tripod or provided a solid base for the camera - make low-noise photos in which objects in motion blur.

Not so good: faint light lens, limited operation

Aperture : The biggest disadvantage of SZ7 is the aperture (f / 3,1). It is relatively small. It falls a little light on the sensor, and the camera software needs to increase the ISO sensitivity. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more the noise. This is when a small image sensor as the SZ7 since the ISO 400 clearly visible. Lenses with such a small aperture are in the price range under 200 euros usual, the Nikon S9100 has an even slightly smaller (f / 3,5), as well as the Sony WX100 (f / 3,3). With luck, you can buy a used noble compact such as the Canon S90 for 200 euro - has the f / 2 lens for a substantially lighter.

Advantages, disadvantages, conclusion

Lens with focal length from wide angle to 10-times zoom

Continuous high-speed (Snapshot suitability) with full resolution

ISO sensitivity, white balance, exposure compensation set

Image quality is higher than in almost all smartphones

in dim light, very limited use

Image quality is not sufficient for full view

Shutter speed and aperture can not be set

The SZ7 smartphones is superior in some respects: it offers an optical zoom, and you can adjust the ISO sensitivity directly. The picture quality is slightly better than most smartphones. Who a mediocre smartphone (ie no Nokia Pure View or iPhone 5), likely to make better photos with the SZ7. As an inexpensive camera the SZ7 is worth its 160 euros.

If you value image quality and want to experiment with different settings, despite the low price have no pleasure in the SZ7. It's worth to buy an older model of a rare compact, such as the Canon S90 or Panasonic LX3. These cameras have lenses lighter, more settings and make much clearer, more detailed images and save in RAW formats.

The others say: Cnet rated the SZ7 the price of 150 dollars as a "good deal" given the "speed, focal length and small enclosures size". If you use photos only as small prints or on the web that SZ7 is a cheap choice.The Photography Blog praises the color reproduction of the SZ7 with skin and earth tones, recordings are recommended but only with low ISO sensitivity.