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Panasonic ZS7

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-300mm (F3.3-4.9) lens
  • 218g - 103 x 60 x 33mm
  • Revealed July 2011
  • Alternate Name is Lumix DMC-TZ10
  • Renewed by Panasonic ZS8
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
91
Imaging
35
Features
33
Overall
34

Panasonic ZS7 overview

Panasonic ZS7 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially introduced on July of 2011. It includes a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000. It is referred to as "Lumix DMC-TZ10" in some regions.

Panasonic released the newer Panasonic ZS8 (Read Full Comparison) as a way to upgrade this model.

The ZS7 is ranked #214 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all round #957 out of 1465 for cameras in our database. You can test our Smart camera filter to get camera rankings based on your custom criteria.

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The following is a graph of different criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic ZS7 history

The Panasonic ZS7 comes with a history of related cameras. Here, you can view all past and current models as well as key features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS80 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS80
ZS7 vs ZS80
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS70
ZS7 vs ZS70
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2017
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS60 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS60
ZS7 vs ZS60
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS50 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS50
ZS7 vs ZS50
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
12MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS45 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS45
ZS7 vs ZS45
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS35 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS35
ZS7 vs ZS35
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS40 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS40
ZS7 vs ZS40
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS30
ZS7 vs ZS30
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS25 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS25
ZS7 vs ZS25
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS15 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS15
ZS7 vs ZS15
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS20 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS20
ZS7 vs ZS20
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS8 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS8
ZS7 vs ZS8
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS725-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS10 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS10
ZS7 vs ZS10
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS5
ZS7 vs ZS5
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR3
ZS7 vs ZR3
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR1 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR1
ZS7 vs ZR1
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS3
ZS7 vs ZS3
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic ZS7 Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of advantages and drawbacks of the Panasonic ZS7 based on things which are oftentimes seen as crucial in a digital camera.

comes with HDMI port
flash built-in
image stabilization (Optical)
in built zoom lens (25-300mm 12.0 x zoom)
lighter than competition (218 grams)
reasonably wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3")
very good min ISO (80)
very long zoom (300mm)
can't use external flash
cannot switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
does not have headphone port
does not have microphone port
does not have Timelapse recording
lack of phase detect autofocus
lack of RAW format
low resolution screen (460 k dot)
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
manual focus not available
max zoom aperture not good (f4.9)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
no moving screen
screen isn't selfie friendly
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
slow frames per second (2.0 frames per second)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
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Panasonic ZS7 Sensor specs

The Panasonic ZS7 is powered by the Venus Engine HD II processor. The sensor measurement on the Panasonic ZS7 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Optical). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can easily produce cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12 megapixels and features a standard ISO range of 80 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW format is not saved which means that you have less margin for error.

The graphic underneath displays the ZS7's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The ZS7 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is showcased in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 sensor size Photography Glossary

To get an understanding of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic ZS7 dimensions

Panasonic ZS7 weighs in at 0.48 pounds (218 grams or 7.69 ounces) and features exterior measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3"). The weight of general Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams and the Panasonic ZS7 is lighter as compared to other rivals.

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Down below is a picture of the Panasonic ZS7 next to a softdrink so you can have a feel for its size.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will show you the button arrangement on the ZS7.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 topview buttons dials

Panasonic ZS7 Lens details

The ZS7 has got a built-in lens offering a focal range of 25-300mm giving it a 12.0 x zoom which isn't perfect nevertheless it is likely to be very helpful in some conditions.

At it's widest 25mm, it provides an aperture of f3.3 making it fairly sluggish and not the best in low light events and you may find it hard to capture good bokeh. You could also have to increase your ISO setting leading to noisy photos. On the long end, 300mm is terrific zoom and comes with f4.9 making it fairly sluggish and you may have to go with slower shutter speeds.

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Panasonic ZS7 Connectivity

The ZS7 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras with NFC and / or Bluetooth support are able to be used wirelessly by smartphones. You can transfer files and oftentimes adjust settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

A few apps also allow a Liveview and press the shutter when you aren't close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external screen. Virtually all cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB port.

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Panasonic ZS7 Video details

The highest video resolution on the Panasonic ZS7 is 1280 x 720 and it can record in AVCHD Lite file format. 720p is awful by today's standards. You should go for at least 1080p resolution for decent video. The body doesn't include a mic and / or headphone port which means you have got absolutely no control over your audio. It is probably best to order a different model in case you want good audio in your videos.

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Panasonic ZS7 Weather Sealing

Panasonic ZS7 doesn't have weather proofing so wet conditions can easily ruin the camera.

Panasonic ZS7 Screen and Viewfinder

The Panasonic ZS7 includes a 3" fixed display screen having a resolution of 460k dots.

Unfortunately the display screen isn't a touch screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 screen and viewfinder Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The View Finder details regarding Panasonic ZS7 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be rather helpful during sunny outdoor situations which will make the camera screen washed out and hard to view.

Panasonic ZS7 Shutter details

Panasonic ZS7 is able to shoot continuously at 2.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

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Panasonic ZS7 Flash and Hot shoe details

Panasonic ZS7 has got just built in flash lacking external flash ability.

Panasonic ZS7 Autofocus details

Panasonic ZS7 has got only Contrast Detect AF and does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more snappier and accurate as compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing.

The Sensor includes 11 focus points to choose from. Panasonic ZS7 does not have manual focus. Manual focus ability can be good during low light conditions or you need to have more exact focusing control.

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Panasonic ZS7 Battery life

The typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR has got the highest (600) battery life within this kind of cameras.

Underneath is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the highest battery life:

Panasonic ZS7 for different styles of photography

The following illustration displays a analysis of the Panasonic ZS7 for different styles of photography. To understand more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Panasonic ZS7

The Panasonic ZS7 receives a points tally of 21 which is terrible, meaning that it is not really very good to use for portrait photography. Taking portraits favors heavily to sensor dimensions, RAW support plus the flexibility to work with external lighting.

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manual focus not available
can't use external flash
MP count low (12 megapixels)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format

Panasonic ZS7 as a Street photography camera

With a decent rating of 60, the Panasonic ZS7 is somewhat suitable to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera features a perfect balance of picture quality and portability.

Photography Glossary
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competitors in class (218 grams)
no articulating screen
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support

Sports photography with Panasonic ZS7

A terrible sports photography points total of 27 suggests the Panasonic ZS7 is not really very good for taking pictures of sports. A camera should have great tracking and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Optical)
painfully slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames/s)
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect AF

Panasonic ZS7 Travel photography factors

Portability is really critical when choosing a camera for travel. In general, the Panasonic ZS7 gets a above average 63 as a travel camera which is a fine choice to buy for your travels.

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lighter than competition (218 grams)
has built in flash
really wide (25mm)
very long zoom (300mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
MP count low (12MP)
does not have selfie friendly screen
slow max aperture (f3.3)

Panasonic ZS7 as a Landscape photography camera

For anybody who is planning to purchase a camera for landscape photographs, the most critical aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Panasonic ZS7 at it's terrible rating of 38 as a landscape camera is not really very good compared to it's competitors.

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decently wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
cannot change lens (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
MP count low (12 megapixels)
very small sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW support
missing Time Lapse function

Vlogging with Panasonic ZS7

A vlogging camera should come with a articulating screen, microphone port and preferably image stabilization. Considering all things, the Panasonic ZS7 is not really very good for vlogging as it comes to a terrible score of 30.

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fairly wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others in class (218 grams)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't feature selfie friendly display
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of external mic jack

Panasonic ZS7 Alternatives

If you are trying to find alternatives to the ZS7, here is a selection of the highest placed cameras that fall under the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The chart down below will give you a summary of the ZS7 versus it's top scoring competitors shown previously.

Here are a few more cameras you may regard as alternate options. To see a detailed comparison, visit the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
Also called
Lumix DMC-TZ10
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed
2011-07-19
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Processor
Venus Engine HD II
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW pictures
Maximum native ISO
6400
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points
11
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-300mm (12.0x)
Largest aperture
f/3.3-4.9
Macro focus range
3cm
Crop factor
5.9
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3"
Screen resolution
460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
60s
Highest shutter speed
1/2000s
Continuous shooting speed
2.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
5.30 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1280x720
Video format
AVCHD Lite
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
218 gr (0.48 lbs)
Physical dimensions
103 x 60 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots
One
Launch pricing
$350