Compared to... Kodak V610
Although the TZ1 pretty much sits in a class of its own, the most obvious competitor is Kodak's recently-announced EasyShare V610, which combines two zoom lenses (and two sensors) to offer a total 10x zoom in an even more compact package (albeit one without the benefit of image stabilization). We have included samples for each camera's lowest sensitivity setting (TZ1: ISO 80, V610: ISO 64), ISO 400 and ISO 800.
Note: The V610 doesn't have a custom (measured) white balance function, so these are the most neutral results we could get (after trying the various presets), using Auto White Balance. The color cast in these shots is purely down to the white balance being unable to correct completely our studio lighting.
Studio scene comparison (TZ1 @ ISO 80, V610 @ ISO 64)
- Panasonic DMC-TZ1: Program AE mode, ISO 80, Default Image Parameters,
Manual white balance, +0.33 EV compensation
- Kodak V610 : Program AE mode, ISO 64, Default Image Parameters,
Manual white balance, +0.33 EV compensation
- Lighting: Daylight simulation, >98% CRI
Panasonic DMC-TZ1 |
Kodak EasyShare V610 |
|---|---|
ISO 80, 1/57 sec, F4.9 |
ISO 64, 1/97 sec, F4.1 |
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2,272 KB JPEG |
1,044 KB JPEG |
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OK, let's put the comparison aside for a moment (the TZ1 is obviously outclassing the V610 by a long stretch in terms of detail, though the Kodak does have lovely color) and look at the TZ1's output. Firstly I have to say that edge-to-edge sharpness is very good indeed; certainly better than I'd expected from a camera with a 10x zoom lens squashed into such a small form. In fact if you compare it to its more serious competitors (such as the Panasonic FZ7 or Canon S3 IS) the difference is remarkably small. Not bad, not bad at all.
