Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100

• 20.1MP 1"-type BSI CMOS sensor
• 4K/UHD video capture
• Post Focus / 4K Photo functions

Portable Travel Camera

At the same time as the new 30x zoom superlative TZ80, Panasonic presented the current flagship of the successful Travelzoom series in January 2016, the Lumix DMC-TZ100. Test magazines such as ephotozine.com, photographyblog.com, and stuff.tv refer to the model as currently the best travel zoom camera with first-class image quality. The reason is the advantageous combination of a generous 1-inch sensor and not overly large focal length range. In terms of price, the camera is on a slightly higher level than the travel zoom average.

Good Noise Behaviour Thanks to the Large 1-inch Sensor

Panasonic installs a 1-inch format MOS sensor in the TZ100. The sensor area of ​​13.2 x 8.8 mm is four times larger than the usual travel zoom standard of 1/2.3 inch and offers an effective resolution of around 20 megapixels. As is so often the case, the large sensor format leads to very good image quality, as the testers from photographyblog.com confirm. The camera also handles low light very well, according to cameralabs.com, and Pocket-lint image noise and edge sharpness are acceptable up to and including ISO 1600. From ISO 3200, however, there are cuts.

Flexible 10x Zoom with Optical Image Stabiliser

One of the main selling points of travel zoom cameras is the focal length range of the optics. Due to the large sensor, the zoom factor has to be a bit smaller if the external dimensions of the camera are to remain pocket-friendly. Even if the factor is not 30x as with the TZ80, but only 10x, according to Techradar the suitability for travel is still given at a high optical level. In the classic 3:2 KB format, the camera covers your Range from 25 to 250 mm, enough latitude to be able to capture wide-angle architectural photos to portraits or details in nature. Especially in low light, the 5-axis optical image stabiliser is useful, because in the telephoto range the lens is not particularly fast with an initial opening of f6.3.

Secure Subject Control via Touchscreen and Viewfinder

According to Techradar, videos can be controlled very well with the sharp but non-pivotable 3-inch monitor, since the focus point is shifted via the touchscreen function. The LCD display has a very detailed resolution of 1 million subpixels. For photos, the electronic colour viewfinder with around 1.2 million sub-pixels offers an even higher resolution, but according to Techradar, the view seems a bit cinematic. The operating modes include the usual PSAM modes, plus 24 motif programs and numerous effect filters. Wireless image transmission is possible via WLAN, but NFC and GPS are not integrated.

Digital Compact Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 convinces with a very good quality, a focal length range that is sufficient for travel, and lavish equipment including 4K video resolution. Of course, the price level is also no longer average. If you are looking for more flexibility with a larger zoom factor, you will find it in the TZ80 model. However, you then have to make do with lower image quality. When it comes to digital cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ96 (DC-TZ95) and Canon IXUS 285 HS are worth considering.