Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Review at Cameratown.com

Panasonic offers this compact camera as an alternative to its diminutive Lumix DMC-FX7, which also specs out at a 5-megapixel resolution. While the Lumix DMC-LZ2 shares many features with its pricier ultracompact sibling, it boasts twice the zoom range; uses two AA batteries instead of a compact lithium-ion cell; sports a coarser, slightly smaller 2-inch LCD; and comes clad in plastic rather than metal. For about $50 less, you can opt for Panasonic's 4-megapixel Lumix DMC-LZ1, which aside from its resolution has virtually identical specs.

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CNET Reviews

9.80

07-14-05

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DCResource

8.60

02-18-05

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Now here's something you don't see everyday: midsized cameras with a big zoom lens and image stabilizers! And that's exactly what you'll get with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 and DMC-LZ2. The two cameras share the same body design, 6X optical zoom lens, optical image stabilizer, and 2" LCD display. The only differences are the body color, resolution, and sound recording abilities. The LZ1 ($250) is silver only, while the LZ2 ($300) is available in silver or black bodies (there are minor trim differences between the two models, as well). The LZ1 is 4 Megapixel, while the LZ2 is 5 Megapixel. And finally, the LZ2 can record sound, while the LZ1 cannot. With that in mind, this review will be a little different than most. I will be reviewing two cameras in one review, using the LZ2 as the "model" in the product photos. I will offer sample photos and some test shots from both cameras. If you're ready to learn about the "LZ twins", read on!

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Megapixel

8.60

05-06-05

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A new release from Panasonic, the Lumix DMC-LZ2 is one of 2 cameras that share identical bodies and characteristics, including a stabilized 6X zoom. The other, the DMC-LZ1, is equipped with a 4 megapixel CCD, while the one reviewed here provides a 5 megapixel image size. With the exception of a metallic trim around the lens barrel, the LZ2's body is composed of a dark grey plastic. Powered off, the retracted lens only protrudes by a centimetre (0.39 inch) from the front of the camera, allowing for a small and compact shape that is easily slipped into a camera pouch.

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Cameras.co.uk

8.33

10-24-05

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The Panasonic DMC LZ2 offers something different. It is an easy to use point and shoot digital camera, but it has a much longer optical zoom lens than is normal for this type of camera. It has a 6x zoom as opposed to the standard 3x. Again unlike some other digital cameras with longer zoom lenses it retains its compact size and shape rather than looking more like a much larger, traditional SLR camera. The DMC LZ2 has five megapixels.

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DigiCam Review

8.00

07-02-05

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This is a joint review of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 and LZ2. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 and LZ2 both feature a 6x optical zoom lens, the main difference is that that LZ1 is a 4 megapixel digital camera, whereas the LZ2 is a 5 megapixel camera. The LZ1 is available from around £170, and the LZ2 is available from around £195 - they are both quite compact considering the zoom power - the 6x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 37-222mm on a 35mm camera. They both feature a 2" TFT screen. The camera is enclosed in a silver plastic body, with the LZ2 being available in silver or black. It records unlimited 320 x 240 / 30fps videos without sound on the LZ1, and with sound on the LZ2. The camera's quite compact, takes AA batteries and measures: 101 x 64 x 33 mm (without protruding parts), and weighs 224g (without the battery and memory card)

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Imaging-Resource

7.90

06-01-05

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Panasonic's been a player in the digicam market for the last few years, and we've just recently been able to get our hands on several of their cameras to test. The five megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 is the first of the company's L-series cameras we've had the opportunity to review. The Panasonic LZ2 is closely related to the LZ1 which was announced simultaneously, and which we plan to review shortly as well. Both share the same lens and a near-identical body, but the LZ2 has a higher resolution imager, slightly smaller ISO range, and adds a microphone for movie audio, or short clips of audio to accompany images. The Panasonic DMC-LZ2 offers a 6x Lumix DC Vario zoom lens, incorporating Panasonic's own "Mega OIS" Optical Image Stabilization technology. This makes the LZ2 the first camera we've reviewed that features a stabilized lens with less than a 7x zoom range. Panasonic is somewhat unique in this area, offering stabilization on camera models that offer as little as 3x optical zoom, where other manufacturers restrict the feature pretty much exclusively to their long-zoom cameras. While stabilization on a 6x zoom camera like the Panasonic LZ2 is perhaps not as much of a necessity as it would be on a long-zoom digicam, it does make a useful difference in the photos you'll find yourself being able to hand-hold. You'll need a tripod much less often, and those times when a tripod just isn't an option, you won't have to resort to boosting the ISO sensitivity (and noise levels) as much as you might have with a non-stabilized camera. Read on for all the details, but if you're in the market for an affordable digital camera with optical image stabilization, the Panasonic LZ2 could be the camera for you.

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DPReview

7.86

04-21-05

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Announced just in time for PMA (February 2005), the Lumix DMC-LZ2 (and the 4 megapixel LZ1 launched simultaneously) is a major upgrade to the DMC-LC80 that doubles the lens reach (now a 6x optical) and throws in Panasonic's proven Mega Optical Image stabilization to boot. Other significant changes include a larger 2.0-inch (though lower resolution) screen, 14MB of internal memory and boosted burst mode and battery life. All this, and the price - at around $277 on the street - is well below its predecessor, and firmly at the 'entry-level' end of the market.

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Digital Camera Info

7.63

04-06-05

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 is part of a brand new series of cameras designed to bring the benefits of long zoom and image stabilization to the masses. The newly released LZ2 has a total of 5.36 megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD that works with an updated Panasonic Venus Plus imaging processor. This compact zoom camera contains an efficient processor, which consumes about 50 percent less energy than its predecessor. Stocking a 5 megapixel imager, 2-inch LCD display, 6x optical zoom Lumix DC Variolens and 3 frame-per-second burst mode, the LZ2 offers a unique combination of features to budget-conscious point-and-shooters. The new LZ2 lacks manual functions and the Leica lens which dresses other Lumix models, but extends its appeal to the more automatically inclined consumer at a retail price of $299.95.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Review

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