A large zoom lens is a great feature to have on a digital camera, but it can also be the cause of blur and shake that makes for poor photos. With the introduction of the Lumix DMC-FZ7K, Panasonic has made great strides in limiting digital camera shake with its 12X optical lens by successfully making use of fully optical image-stabilization capabilities.

Another interesting piece of technology with the Lumix DMC-FZ7K is its high-speed auto-focus, which greatly eliminates shutter lag when using auto-focus with the zoom lens extended. Overall, Panasonic has included several handy auto-focus options with this digital camera. The Lumix DMC-FZ7K also has a nice collection of manual-setting features aimed at intermediate photographers.

One cool and rare feature found with this digital camera is its "starry sky mode," which allows you to manually open the shutter for up to 60 seconds for extremely long exposures. Obviously, you'll need a tripod or a remote to perform this function.

The Lumix DMC-FZ7K's standard features are solid, too. It offers 6.0 megapixels of resolution, giving you the capability of creating high-end prints, measuring 11x14 inches. Photo quality is very good, regardless of how far you've extended the zoom lens.

Our tests showed you can shoot your first photo about 3 seconds after pressing the power button, which is slower than some other models. However, all other response times are very good for this digital camera. Thanks to the high-speed auto-focus, you won't notice any shutter lag most of the time. Shot-to-shot delays, ranging from 1 to 3 seconds, are very good for a large zoom lens. The Lumix DMC-FZ7K's continuous-shot mode works at 3 frames per second for up to 8 images.

The Lumix DMC-FZ7K has a few minor drawbacks. As with most cameras with large zoom lenses, this model is too large to fit in a pocket comfortably (it measures 3.11 inches thick). However, its curved handgrip makes it comfortable to hold and use. This model features a large 2.5-inch LCD, but it's not as bright or sharp as most of the large LCDs on other digital cameras in this price range. You'll probably want to purchase a second battery, as this camera works with a proprietary rechargeable battery only. Finally, the Lumix DMC-FZ7K makes use of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), but we found it difficult to use. It's not very sharp, and it can be difficult to see in low light. You'll want to test this EVF before you buy this digital camera.


Pros: Great value, nice collection of newer technologies, response times are very good, 12X zoom lens with almost no shake problems
Cons: LCD could be brighter and sharper, EVF won't appeal to everyone

Warranty
1 year, limited