New FZ8, TZ2 and TZ3

[greggh]

FZ8
http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=3466

TZ2 (won't be sold in US) and TZ3
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0701/07013105panasonictz2tz3.asp
http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=3465

The FZ8 doesn't look like much of an upgrade. It does finally get a decent resolution for it's 2.5" LCD (207,000). I think they put the TZ1's LCD on the new FZ8. The new TZs look great though. Wide 28mm, built in lens cover and 3" LCD. Also the CCD sensor is a tiny bit bigger, 1/2.35" as opposed to the TZ1's 1/2.5". That combined with better noise reduction algorithm will hopefully solve the noise/watercoloring issues of the TZ1.

I actually just bought my TZ1 from Radioshack and still have a few days before the 30 day return window closes. I'm pretty sure I'll be keeping my TZ1. I doubt the TZ3 will be anywhere near the $199 I paid for my TZ1 for awhile. Nice to see Panasonic not giving up on the Tizzy line though.

http://www.dcresource.com/images/news/panasonic_013107/TZ3.jpg

[Elisha82]

SOBs.....i just got my FZ7 a month ago.

[greggh]

SOBs.....i just got my FZ7 a month ago.

Don't be too upset. The FZ8 looks to me to be the least improved of all.

[Elisha82]

yes looks identical actually except for a few minor SW updates it seems and a better LCD screen.
but i wonder if the venus 3 engine makes a diff.

[greggh]

yes looks identical actually except for a few minor SW updates it seems and a better LCD screen.
but i wonder if the venus 3 engine makes a diff.

Venus 3 is overly agressive at noise reduction IMO. Also, the FZ8 is using the same 1/2.5" CCD sensor as the FZ7 but upping the MP from 6 to 7.2. Not a good idea since the FZ7 was noisy enough at 6 MP. The most significant improvement is that the FZ8 gives you the ability to soot RAW. But how often are you going to do that? Just not a big improvement over the FZ7. Panasonic should have stuck a better CCD sensor in it, instead of keeping the same old sensor and pumping up the MP.

[Elisha82]

the FZ7 has TIFF capability but i hardly use it since i can only manage 99 photos on a 1gb card. so i doubt i will use raw.

what do you guys use for the NR setting in the Panny menus?
medium or high?
and how about the Sharpening and Contrast?

i have only messed with the Saturation so far.

[genece]

While there is next to no good reason to shoot Tiff there can be an advantage to shooting RAW and since Panasonic added a buffer perhaps burst mode will work with RAW, that would be a huge improvement to me.

[jcon]

While there is next to no good reason to shoot Tiff there can be an advantage to shooting RAW and since Panasonic added a buffer perhaps burst mode will work with RAW, that would be a huge improvement to me.

Agreed 100% If you can, I suggest always shooting in RAW, you can do so much more in photo editing with RAW!

[BryanMsi]

Just what we needed from Panasonic - even higher sensor density. I'll reserve judgement until I see the actual results, but Panasonic is dangerously close to a motto like "Panasonic - where 8 MPixels looks like 4"

I mean, at some point here soon, you'll either have to shoot with enough light to make the sun's surface seem dark, or an ISO so low that you can open the shutter and go for coffee before it closes if you want to get a noise-free shot.

Its really a shame, because other than the sensor issues, I find Panasonic cameras to be wholly impressive. Great design, great lenses, great operation, and great color. :(

[jcon]

Just what we needed from Panasonic - even higher sensor density. I'll reserve judgement until I see the actual results, but Panasonic is dangerously close to a motto like "Panasonic - where 8 MPixels looks like 4"

I mean, at some point here soon, you'll either have to shoot with enough light to make the sun's surface seem dark, or an ISO so low that you can open the shutter and go for coffee before it closes if you want to get a noise-free shot.

Its really a shame, because other than the sensor issues, I find Panasonic cameras to be wholly impressive. Great design, great lenses, great operation, and great color. :(


Well said.

[dampfnudel]

Just what we needed from Panasonic - even higher sensor density. I'll reserve judgement until I see the actual results, but Panasonic is dangerously close to a motto like "Panasonic - where 8 MPixels looks like 4"

I mean, at some point here soon, you'll either have to shoot with enough light to make the sun's surface seem dark, or an ISO so low that you can open the shutter and go for coffee before it closes if you want to get a noise-free shot.

Its really a shame, because other than the sensor issues, I find Panasonic cameras to be wholly impressive. Great design, great lenses, great operation, and great color. :(

It's almost like Panasonic wants to cripple these cameras for some reason. I know that doesn't make sense, but what other reason could there be - cost ? The sensors are the only thing that stops me from purchasing these cameras. If the noise on the TZ3 is lower, I'll get it. That's a big "If" at the moment.

[Jayayess1190]

Anyone know whether optical zoom is allowed in movie mode on the TZ2/3?

[BryanMsi]

Anyone know whether optical zoom is allowed in movie mode on the TZ2/3?

It worked on my TZ1, I would be surprised if they removed that feature. Its a competitive advantage for them.

[maccrazy]

I'd be interested to know how the video quality compares with the TZ1.

[greggh]

I'd be interested to know how the video quality compares with the TZ1.

Now that you mention the video mode I'm wondering if they improved the 8 bit mono sound of the TZ1 on the TZ3.

[greggh]

It's almost like Panasonic wants to cripple these cameras for some reason. I know that doesn't make sense, but what other reason could there be - cost ? The sensors are the only thing that stops me from purchasing these cameras. If the noise on the TZ3 is lower, I'll get it. That's a big "If" at the moment.

Here is what Richard Campbell, Panasonic vice president of imaging for Panasonic Consumer Electronics, has to say about the issue...

"Historically, you really had to make a choice between reducing image noise or preserving image detail," said Richard Campbell, Panasonic vice president of imaging for Panasonic Consumer Electronics. "However, Panasonic has made drastic improvements in reducing overall picture noise without sacrificing detail, specifically in its recent improvements in the Venus Engine 3 processor for 2007 models."

http://news.com.com/More+megapixels%2C+better+photos+Fact+or+fiction/2100-1041_3-6156398.html?tag=nefd.lede

[Mike63]

recent improvements in the Venus Engine 3 processor for 2007 models

Thats got me on point. I really interested now.

[jcon]

..... "However, Panasonic has made drastic improvements in reducing overall picture noise without sacrificing detail.....

Uhhhh yea, sure you did Mr. Campbell.

You didnt sacrifice image quality and detail to reduce noise on the FZ50?

Now I know Mr. Campbell wont reply to this let alone see it, but I find it rediculous to release such a statement.

I wouldnt hold my breath on the "improvements" in the VE3 processor.

[Serafin 100]

Venus 3 is overly agressive at noise reduction IMO. Also, the FZ8 is using the same 1/2.5" CCD sensor as the FZ7 but upping the MP from 6 to 7.2. Not a good idea since the FZ7 was noisy enough at 6 MP. The most significant improvement is that the FZ8 gives you the ability to soot RAW. But how often are you going to do that? Just not a big improvement over the FZ7. Panasonic should have stuck a better CCD sensor in it, instead of keeping the same old sensor and pumping up the MP.

I find the venus3 does a excellent job when set to LOW setting with the FZ50. This pic of my wife was done in low light at 400 ISO. Just dont understand the bad rap this sensor is getting. It does a fine job if used on the correct setting.

http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421515502/512.jpg

[jcon]

You eliminated the "low light" situation with your flash. Try it without the flash and see what you get...

[Serafin 100]

You eliminated the "low light" situation with your flash. Try it without the flash and see what you get...


According to the reviews that even in good light or bad light that the pics are supposed to look like water coloring over 200 ISO I think the words were I read on one review. I dont see any of that with this picture at 400 ISO. And I think the noise levels are looking pretty good also in the dark background.

[jcon]

I would agree with you that good lighting pictures with the FZ50 dont look like water colors, I have said that if you have enough light and have the NR turned off or down, you will get excellent results, however, once u turn on the NR or bump the ISO, it goes downhill pretty quick. Anyway, I dont want to take away from the focus of this thread, The FZ8, TZ2 and TZ3.

[jthutcheson]

I think that the Venus III engine used in these cameras is a big step in moving towards excellent image quality at all levels of their line, and I would be looking forward to next year, when they are bound to be releasing Venus IV, either on an Lx or FZxx.

Persuant to the thread topic, the FZ8 review on dpreview is intriguing, and I am interested to see the inevitable night-shot ISO test here. The noise reduction system is unique, and, once a bit more fine-tuned on the balance of detail and noise, should be a real contender in the digicam market at all levels.

The TZ3 is the one I am watching closest. Its marginally larger (1/2.5" vs. 1/2.35") sensor *should* mean slightly lower noise in the end, and that, combined with the amazing zoom range and handling, should throw it straight to the top of its class.