Panasonic began the trend for making compact cameras that are specifically designed for travellers and those heading out on holiday, and the TZ series, called the ZS series in the US, is still the most highly regarded of the genre. The TZ70/ZS40 replaces the popular Panasonic TZ60/ZS40
In a change from the norm of ever increasing pixel counts Panasonic has opted to give the TZ70 a 12 million pixel sensor instead of the 18Mp device in the TZ60. The sensor size, however, remains the same at 1/2.3inch which means that the photo receptors (pixels) are larger. This should enable the new camera to produce better image quality because noise levels should be reduced, low light capability improved and dynamic range extended.
Panasonic has also stuck with the TZ60’s Leica DC VARIOELMAR 30x zoom lens with a focal length range of 4.3-129mm, giving a 35mm equivalent range of 24-720mm and an aperture range of f/3.3-6.4 (wide-tele).
The addition of a 0.2inch, 200,000-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) was widely appreciated for the TZ60 because it makes life much easier when trying to compose images in bright, sunny conditions. The TZ70 also has an EVF but it’s a 1,160,000-dot device.
There’s also a 3inch 920,000-dot screen and just like on the TZ60, but unlike the screen on the TZ57 announced at the same time, this is fixed rather than tilting. Panasonic has also not seen fit to return to using the touch-sensitive screens of earlier incarnations of the TZseries, which is a shame. It is, however, possible to compose images on a smartphone screen and control the camera remotely via a WiFi connection when using Panasonic’s free app.
Other specification highlights for the TZ70 include the ability to record raw files, a top sensitivity setting of ISO 6400 and focus peaking to help with manual focusing.
Build and handling
While the TZ70 has a similar high quality feel and retro styling to the TZ60, it has more substantial grip on the front which, combined with the rear thumbpad, gives you a nice, secure hold. The back of the camera is almost identical to the TZ60, with the only noticeable difference being that the button used to switch between the viewfinder and the main screen when the automatic sensor isn’t in use has moved to a more central position, making it easier to reach with the right thumb. This is also marked Fn2 to indicate that its function can be customised.
The control ring around the lens, which was introduced with the TZ60, is still on hand to allow quick adjustment s to a variety of settings depending on the mode you’re in. There’s also Panasonic’s Quick Menu which is reached via the Q button on the back of the camera.
Panasonic has kept the same design for the TZ70’s top plate as it used with the TZ60 and there’s a mode dial which has the enthusiasts favourite aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes along with automatic options for less experienced photographers and as two custom modes.
Performance
As I have only handled a preproduction sample of the TZ70 and have not been able to take any photographs with it, it’s too early to say how much impact the reduction in pixel count of the sensor has had on image quality, but it should be significant. We found that the TZ60 produced reasonably decent images at ISO 6400, but some smoothing of detail is evident when JPEGs are examined at 100%. The TZ70’s larger pixels should produce a stronger signal, which should mean less noise is created, so less noise reduction is required.
As the TZ70 uses a contrast detection autofocus system, the anticipated improvement in sensor signal to noise ratio should also benefit focusing. The preproduction sample I used seemed to focus pretty quickly, but I’ll need to test it in a wide range of situations before I can draw any firm conclusions.
Early verdict
The TZ60 is an excellent, versatile compact camera and while the TZ70 doesn’t make any major upgrades, the anticipated improvement in image quality makes it an attractive option. The 30x zoom range gives plenty of scope for shooting wide vistas and distant details, and everything in between, while the control over exposure and the ability to record raw files will register highly on enthusiast photographers’ requirements for a compact camera.
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