FOR: Ease of use, good image quality, 8x optical zoom, compact, HD recording.
AGAINST: Jog dial feels too loose, user interface could have been better.
The first thing you will notice about
the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 is
its size. It’s small enough to fi t in
your pocket. This camera packs a punch
with 8x optical zoom, a 12.1 megapixel
sensor and a 25 mm wide angle lens.
It won’t turn too many heads though,
thanks to its plain-looking aluminium
body with matt fi nish. However, the
overall build is good and the metal body
gives it a rock solid feel. The camera
packs in a 2.7-inch LCD screen that works
quite well in bright sunlight. It features
an easy-to-use navigation system and
decently sized buttons that makes things
convenient. The zoom rocker encircles
the shutter release button on top of the
camera, but the placement takes some
getting used to since the mode selection
dial comes fi rst. The mode selection
dial feels quite twitchy, turning a little
too easily and leading to inadvertent
changes in modes. The interface, as
with most Panasonic cameras, is a little
too childish and in need of a face lift.
The camera’s high-speed burst mode
is capable of capturing six frames per
second, although it fares better outdoors
than indoors. Also, images are scaled
down to 3 megapixels to cut down on
writing time. The ZR1 is also capable
of recording videos in 720p (1280x720)
at 30 fps, and the video quality is
commendable even under low light.
The overall image quality is quite good,
with contrast and saturation maintained
extremely well. Color also has a decent
level of saturation, but there are instances
where the reds and yellows stand out.
It also does exceptionally well when it
comes to sharpness. Night performance
is acceptable with the ISO set to 800,
but ISO values greater than 400 will
make the overall picture grainy. This
may not be the best-looking camera,
but it is an excellent performer. If you’re
on the lookout for a good compact
camera, and your budget allows it, then
the ZR1 should be your choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rs 21,990
www.panasonic.co.in
Dimensions (WxHxD): 98 x 55 x 26 mm;
Weight: 160g;
Resolution: 12.1 megapixels;
Focal length (35mmequiv): 25 - 200 mm;
Aperture range: f3.3 – f5.9;
Max resolution: 4000x3000 pixels.
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