Panasonic DMC-FX07K 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Black Description:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX07S 3.6x optical zoom f/2.8 28mm LEICA lens lets you take wide-angle shots with rich perspective.Blur compensation performance has evolved even further. Now you can capture clear, sharp photos in virtually all shooting situations. Lumix’s popular MEGA O.I.S. suppresses the blurring caused by handshake, and Intelligent ISO Control minimizes motion-caused blurring when photographing children, animals, or other moving subjects. So you get less blurring and more beauty.Venus Engine III, the newly improved image processing LSI, inherits the conventional Venus Engine II’s quick response and high-quality image output. This makes it possible to shoot at ISO 1250 with full resolution.The mode dial makes it easy to retrieve the desired mode settings. Or choose Simple Mode and just aim and shoot. Even first-time users can take great photos. A variety of Scene Mode settings optimize Party, Self Portrait, Aerial, Beach and other photo techniques, giving you a choice of eighteen modes in all.High Speed AF give you quicker, easier focusing for more shooting flexibility and fun. The camera allows you to record stunning full-size movies in wide aspect VGA at 30 (fps).
- Amazon Sales Rank: #47130 in Camera & Photo
- Color: Black
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model: DMC-FX07K
- Released on: 2006-09-06
- Dimensions: .29 pounds
- Display size: 2.5
Features
- 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
- 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
- Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
- Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
- Stores images on SD memory cards (16MB card included); powered by li-ion battery pack (battery and charger included)
Customer Reviews:
Great camera, just be aware of its pros/cons
This is a great ultracompact camera. You just have to be sure it’s right for you.
PROS:
1. It’s optical image stabilization feature really does work, and works well. 2. Flash range is acceptable for a camera this size. 3. Boot-up time is very fast, shot-to-shot time is quick for a subcompact. 4. The 2.5 inch LCD screen is gorgeous. 5. Camera can take 6 megapixel 3:2 format pictures (great for 4×6 prints). Compare that to C_n_n’s line of cameras, where their 3:2 “postcard” format is limited to a resolution of 1600×1200, which isn’t even truly 3:2.
CONS:
1. Noise in pictures is noticeable at higher ISOs. It seems to be a problem common to all Panasonic Lumix cameras. This is only a problem and noticeable if pictures are shot at higher ISOs (400 or more), or if you print pictures out at larger sizes (8×10 or more). It’s not a problem at 4×6 picture sizes. 2. There’s also no optical viewfinder (only an LCD). 3. To recharge the proprietary battery, it must be removed from the camera and placed in its battery charger. 4. Finally, no date imprint picture (ie. you don’t get a date stamp on actual picture, but you can tell it to print one when printing directly to a DPOF printer).
Delighted with my new camera!
I’ve spent 3 years shopping for a digital camera. I had a hard time committing, because I couldn’t decide which features were most important to me - would compact size be more important (so I could carry it with me anywhere)?, or would I be happier with a larger camera (with a better optical zoom)? And, I really wanted to spend less than $300, but the cameras I was considering were often $350 or more.
Canon has a good reputation, so I borrowed a friend’s Canon SD600. I was disappointed in the quality of some sunrise shots - you could really tell this model had no image stabilization. Next, I borrowed another friend’s Canon SD700. This seemed to be a nice camera, which offered the optical image stabilization. This model had a few more bells and whistles than I needed, but the biggest cons were that it was only available online, and it was a bit cashy. So, when it came time to make my final decision, this Panasonic had it all. Pros include: 7 megapixels means I can take a shot and then “zoom” and crop it on the computer without sacrificing quality; the optical image stabilization works great; it slips easily into a pocket; battery life seems to be great; picture quality has been OUTSTANDING; 2.5″ screen is a great size. Another plus: a “simple” mode, which limits the number of settings you can change(which is great for a novice user), or a standard mode which gives the user more control over manual settings. The camera is VERY user friendly, with an on-screen description available for the 19 different scene modes that helps the user understand the best use of each mode. I’ve printed an 8×10 shot of our family from Christmas, and the colors and cripsness of the photo are unbelievable. Sunrise and sunset shots are both great quality, with clarity and coloring that are unbelievable. AND, I really love the burnished red finish on the camera too!
The only con I’ve found so far is that the flash does not seem as effective as Canon’s models - but, in the few shots I’ve taken where that’s been an issue, I’ve been able to correct the problem with photo editing software.
I highly recommend this camera, and can say without hesitation that it has surpassed my expectations. Accessories that I’d recommend would include a 1 gig SD card, and a spare battery so you’ll always have one charged and ready to go.
Update - bought this camera in December 2006, and 2 years later I’m still thrilled with it. The compact size means I can carry it everywhere - it fits in the cell phone pocket of most of the purses I own. Battery life is still great. I continue to think this is a great camera, especially for novice users - especially with the price down so low.
Great camera for price
I had reservations about buying this camera after reading the few negative reviews citing excessive ‘noise’ with low light situations and certain ISO settings. Knowing I would mostly be using the more simplified features the majority of the time, and given all the generally positive reviews by others, I decided to give it a try. I must say I am very satisfied with the camera. Granted, I generally use the normal or simple mode for most shots, but have used all modes several times since purchasing the camera and it takes wonderful shots, indoors and out, low light and bright sunshine. The user manual is very easy to understand and gives setting suggestions to correct some of these noise problems. I have not had any negative experiences with it. I bought it as a replacement for an Olympus Stylus that I damaged on a ski trip and although that camera was a great point and shoot and took nice pictures, this Panasonic is far better. Combine that with compact size, sturdy build and good looks and you have a great camera. I bought the leather Lumex case that Amazon sold with it as a bundle and it is very good quality leather and snug fitting so as not to add bulk to the compact size. Nice item.
From the Manufacturer
The new Lumix DMC-FX07 7.2-megapixel digital camera features a wide-angle f2.8 Leica DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 102mm on a 35mm film camera), an Intelligent Image Stabilizer by Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), and Intelligent ISO control. The DMC-FX07 also pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD.
To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the Mega O.I.S. system, taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images–movement of the subject–the FX07 camera is also equipped with the world’s first Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and a maximum ISO of 1250, for high-sensitivity recording at full resolution within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject’s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the movement and light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilization system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.
When shooting indoor group portraits, sometimes the room is not large enough to allow the photographer to get everyone in the frame, or the light is insufficient, forcing the photographer to use a flash. However the winning combination of 28mm Leica DC lens and the Intelligent Image stabilizer enable every type of user to take ideal beautiful images with everyone in the frame and without having to use the flash which would spoil the ambience of the picture.
The FX07 is available in silver, black, red, and blue, each with a specially textured finish. It’s a beautifully designed and feature-packed digital camera, ideal for recording and preserving all those precious moments that life gives.
28mm Wide-Angle 3.6x Optical Zoom f2.8 Leica DC Lens in a Compact Body
The 7.2-megapixel Lumix FX07 camera has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom f2.8 Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens housed in a compact and slim body, achieved thanks to the incorporation of an EA (Extra High Refractive Index Aspherical) lens. This wide-angle lens enables easy capture of groups of people, architectural structures, and scenery with dynamic width and a rich perspective. The lens unit, comprised of a Leica DC lens of seven elements in six groups, incorporates four aspherical lenses to generate high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. The zoom ratio can be extended up to 5.5x in 3-megapixel resolution mode thanks to the Extended Optical Zoom function which gives extra magnification (and minimal image deterioration) by intentionally using the center part of the CCD.
More than Mega O.I.S., Lumix’s Image Stabilizing System Evolves Further
Taking advantage of its superior lens technology, Panasonic invented the Mega O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system to fight against the major cause of blurred images. It compensates for handshake and is now featured on the entire Lumix range. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency of 4,000 times per second and is compensated for, rendering clear, sharp images. In addition, movement of the subject, the other major cause of blurred images, is suppressed by the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III with the Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and high-sensitivity recording capabilities with a maximum ISO of 1250. The world’s first incorporation of this I.I.C. allows the automatic adjustment of the suitable ISO setting and shutter speed that best suits the situation by analyzing the speed of subject movement. If the subject is moving, the ISO setting automatically rises to allow a higher shutter speed. On the other hand, if the subject is still and no movement is detected, you can take beautiful natural images with a low ISO setting.
High Picture Quality, Rapid Image Processing with the Venus Engine III
The FX07 camera uses the Venus Engine III to realize high-sensitivity recording at a maximum ISO of 1250 at full resolution. The noise-reduction system is greatly improved by removing noise at the processing stages in series. With its multi-task image processing capability, the Venus Engine III boasts outstanding response time with a shutter release time lag of as few as 0.005 seconds and a shutter interval of 0.5 seconds. Together with the fast start-up time of approximately 1.3 seconds, the quick response of the FX07 enables easy capture of those spur-of-the-moment shots. In the burst shooting mode, it is possible to shoot at three frames per second in full resolution for a maximum of eight images in standard mode or six images in fine mode. The DMC-FX07 camera also allows unlimited consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD/SDHC memory card. (The speed of the consecutive shooting varies depending on the memory card.)
Despite the large, bright LCD, the DMC-FX07 camera achieves long battery life to shoot approximately 320 pictures (CIPA) on a single charge, thanks to the energy-efficient Venus Engine III.
Advanced 2.5-Inch Large LCD for Easy Shooting and Playback
The FX07 incorporates an easy-to-see 2.5-inch 207K-pixel high-resolution LCD. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD automatically increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low-light situations. With the help of the Power LCD function, which boosts the backlighting of the LCD by 40%, even shooting in bright outdoor situations is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode makes the display extremely easy to view from low angles, for example, when holding the camera up high to take pictures over a crowd. It can be accessed easily and quickly by using the dedicated button.
Clear, Bright, Wide VGA Motion-Image Recording for Viewing on a Wide-Screen TV
In addition to standard VGA (640 x 480) motion image recording at 30 frames per second (fps), the DMC-FX07 camera can also record stunning full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 fps. Shooting is one thing, but viewing is another, and users will be suitably impressed by the 16:9 moving image when it is displayed on a wide-screen TV. The brightness level of these motion images is also enhanced as a result of the pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD.
Users may also select and display nine sequential frames from a motion image in thumbnail format, enabling you to see individual frames of a golf swing, for example.
Unimpeded High-Speed Autofocus
The various autofocus (AF) mode can be selected according to the shooting environment and the position of the subject: 9-point, 3-point high speed, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. In the 1-point normal speed AF, the AF time is reduced by one third of the time compared to the predecessor, to provide a quick and smooth AF without screen-freeze. The inclusion of an AF assist lamp provides further assistance in low-light situations when focusing is difficult. The result is stress-free photography with never a moment missed.
A Variety of Scene Modes and Other Features to Enrich Your Photography
An even greater variety of scene modes are included–18 in total, to assist you in a wide range of photographic situations. The newly incorporated Beach mode is perfect for shooting in strong sunlight and the Aerial mode enhances images shot through the windows of an airplane. High Sensitivity mode, made possible by the pixel-mixed readout method by the CCD, is ideal for shooting moving subjects clearly without blurring at a sensitivity as high as ISO 3200. (Resolution significantly decreases in high sensitivity mode.)
On the other hand, in the Simple mode, almost all adjustments can be automatically set–even the backlight compensation–allowing even entry-level users to take beautiful images easily.
An additional improvement is the addition of a print mode onto the mode dial for the FX50 so that users can make prints by just connecting the camera to a Pictbridge-compatible printer via an included USB cable.
The FX07 is compatible with an optional marine case (not included–must be purchased separately) with which users can shoot underwater while scuba diving, etc. The camera also includes a World Time Setting, which allows users to set the time and date of 74 locations across the world.
