Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Test: An image-stabilized sweetheart

Award: Hot Product!

Review summary: - If you haven't already guessed I like the FX7. It has a combination of high-technology features such as the large 2.5-inch screen and optical image stabilisation that make it a cut above and that's before we get to the stylish all-metal and oh so ...

Pros: Nice, clean high-resolution images combine with fair noise suppression and responsiveness. Exposure is good as is white balance and the image stabilization is excellent to say nothing of the large 2.5-inch screen and great styling.

Cons: Low battery life marred an otherwise accomplished bit of kit, highlights in contrasty shots become blown quickly and there's few focus issues in low light. My one other gripe is the menu system that requires the double selection of any settings.

Verdict: Panasonic has created a real beauty with the FX7. Small, stylish and with an accomplished feature set that is sure to appeal to all in the I-must-have-a-sexy-snapper fraternity.

Pros: Nice, clean high-resolution images combine with fair noise suppression and responsiveness. Exposure is good as is white balance and the image stabilization is excellent to say nothing of the large 2.5-inch screen and great styling.

Cons: Low battery life marred an otherwise accomplished bit of kit, highlights in contrasty shots become blown quickly and there's few focus issues in low light. My one other gripe is the menu system that requires the double selection of any settings.

Verdict: Panasonic has created a real beauty with the FX7. Small, stylish and with an accomplished feature set that is sure to appeal to all in the I-must-have-a-sexy-snapper fraternity.

Review summary: With ultracompact cameras, performance and optical compromises are inevitable. Still, we expected more from the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7. ...

Pros: Beautifully crafted. Image stabilization feature is unique in such a small camera. Large 2.5-inch LCD.

Cons: Images were noisy and unremarkable. Too much shutter lag if you don't prefocus.

Review summary: As with the recently reviewed Canon PowerShot SD300 (IXUS 40i) the DMC-FX7 is the perfect pocket camera as long as you don't expect miracles and are prepared to accept a certain amount of compromise on features and image quality.