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The DMC-TZ1 is the first camera to integrate a retractive lens - the lens type that extends from the body as the zoom is used - with folded optics technology - the technology that uses a prism to fold the light path into the camera, allowing lens movements to take place internally. The result is a 10X stabilized zoom that at maximum magnification barely extends less past the front of the camera than some 3X zooms.

...we fully expect the DMC-TZ1 to be one of the most successful Panasonic cameras to date. Its Leica zoom is clearly innovative and in combination with an effective optical image stabilizer, makes this one of the best long zoom compact cameras. And with the travel season nearing, a perfect vacation companion."

Bottom line, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 is a joy to use, but with a few downsides. It's an easy to use camera and has a nice 10x optical zoom with image stabilization, especially given its size. A nice set of scene modes provides plenty of options for the casual shooter. The camera's focus speed, cycle time, and quick click to capture speed are among the best around. On the downside, Panasonic continues to fight with noise in their images with some pretty heavy in-camera noise reduction that is evident in higher ISO images."

Camera performance was excellent. The TZ1 starts up in a second, focuses very quickly (especially if you're using the high speed AF modes), and there's no shutter lag to speak of. Low light focusing was very good, thanks to the camera's AF-assist lamp."

mages from the Lumix DMC-TZ1 showed accurate, natural colors, with plenty of saturation. Plus, exposures were generally accurate, though it had a tendency to clip detail from the brightest portions of our field test images. Unfortunately, we also saw moiré in the finer details of our test images, which were noticeably soft and suffered from JPEG artifacts and fringing. More troubling, though, was that like a lot of Panasonic cameras, the DMC-TZ1 had a tough time keeping noise in check."

Though it's true that 10X optical superzooms like the Kodak EasyShare V610 or the Nikon Coolpix S4 don't measure up to the Panasonic Lumix TZ1 in image quality, the TZ1's underperforming features contribute to its falling short of earning an Editors' Choice."

I was surprised by the levels of noise at all ISO sensitivities, and the image quality at the long end of the zoom is less than I expected from a 'Leica' lens. The drop in contrast and soft ethereal look the images have is less than satisfactory for me."

That I found the TZ1 so enjoyable to use just compounds the disappointment I feel about the noise and noise reduction issues. If you care about image quality and nothing else you'll want to look very closely at the output before handing over your hard-earned cash. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a fun walkaround camera that offers a unique combination of features in a compact body (and can produce some pretty sharp output at lower ISOs), the TZ1 is certainly worth consideration.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ1 is a nice little camera at a great price, with a 10x, optically stabilized zoom lens, high ISO Scene mode, and large LCD. The large 2.5-inch LCD screen, while less accurate than most, is great for sharing your photos with friends, and makes the menus easier to see. From startup to cycle times, the Panasonic TZ1's performance was above average..."

Personally, I think that the Panasonic Lumix TZ1 is a very good digital Mega zoom camera to take along as a second camera. The compact format, the optical image stabilizer and the well organized user interface are a nice combination to work with. I have already written about and experienced that once you've worked with a digital camera equipped with an optical image stabilizer like the MEGA O.I.S. you won't ever want to go without."

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 was released last year at a time when the ultra-zoom market was beginning to expand and consumers were looking for compact options. The 5-megapixel TZ1 filled that niche, but since its release better cameras have stepped into the market...."

The Panasonic Lumix TZ1 is touted as the ultimate travel camera, and it comes close to being that, but, you'll have to be aware of the tradeoffs. It has a great set of features that make it a good choice for travelling. Its compact size, large zoom, great movie mode, and image stabilization features are good to have. However, there are tradeoffs: a small 5 megapixel image sensor, average image quality, poor quality ISO 800 and 1600 modes, lack of manual controls, and limited apertures. Overall, I think it is a very good choice for a general-purpose travel camera."

When Panasonic called the TZ1 a "Travel Zoom" it described it perfectly. The camera can perform well at both the Wide and Tele end of the scale, allowing you to capture both portrait and landscape shots of the places you visit, and the sturdiness of the camera means you can use the camera without a big fear of it breaking in a bag or if you drop it - although I wouldn't try it. Picture quality is reasonable but not outstanding, with the lens being let down somewhat by the sensor, but it is good enough for any situation."

Sporting an equivalent range of 35-350mm, the TZ1 combines the lens power and flexibility of much larger super-zoom cameras with the convenience of a relatively pocketable form factor. It also features Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabiliser to ensure camera shake doesn’t become an issue at longer focal lengths.

During our time with the TZ1 we found ourselves grabbing opportunist shots which those with average cameras simply missed out on. While super-zooms could match its reach, none could be slipped into a relatively small pocket - and that’s the TZ1’s unique selling point. While a better sensor could have made the TZ1 truly remarkable, it still delivers a highly compelling proposition for those who want the flexibility and power of a long zoom with the carry-everywhere convenience of a compact."