Comments about Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7R 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera with 12x Optical Zoom, 3.0 inch LCD, AVCHD Lite Movie, Manual Controls, Red:

Totally disagree with the "semi-pro photographer" who gave this camera a one-star rating. First, the Leica lens is fantastic - at both tele and macro distances and everywhere in between. And second, the camera will do just about everything but make coffee.

What I like: Macro and macro zoom that focus down practically to the lens. The camera takes pictures of details I can't see. And the telephoto at its maximum digital power will also bring in details I can't see. (I have 20-20 eyesight).
Great lens quality that produces extra-crisp images.
Manual and automatic exposure control that permits as much or little input from the user as desired.
Small size that makes the camera easy to carry.
GPS that recognizes many obscure geographic locations.
Screen view options that include a grid mode that reduces crooked pictures.
Once learned, there's an intuitive set of menu instructions and an effective shortcut to those settings most often used.

What I don't like: The GPS drains the battery even when the camera's off - carry extra batteries! The "record" button can be pressed too easily. I have too many "inadvertent" videos. Ditto the sliding on/off switch - it's too easily switched on when putting the camera away. There's no real instruction book - you have to print out the 178 pages (at 2 per 8x11 sheet) at home.

What I'd like to see improved: A flip-out LCD screen like many Canon Sureshot models would facilitate composing and focusing in awkward camera positions.
The GPS landmark database could be bigger. On-screen lat/long coordinates would be nice.
If the small size precludes an optical viewfinder, some aiming device to assist in quick subject centering would help.

Bottom line, you can sell, donate or toss your big, heavy, multi-lens system and travel light with this Lumix. You'll get as many, if not more, great shots!

Comments about Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7R 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera with 12x Optical Zoom, 3.0 inch LCD, AVCHD Lite Movie, Manual Controls, Red:

The images in this camera were terrible because the noise suppression software smeared and softened the image even when it was turned down to -2. This camera could not exhibit the excellent Leica lens because of the smeared images. Also the noise was quite pronounced when the ISO was 200 or above. I've seen better images from a $120 Point and Shoot. The images from the ZS7 were unusable and I returned it.