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First off, the DMCTZ40 is evidently a gray-market item in this country, though it seems to be sold with initials (DMCTZ40ee) in countries like Australia. As a result, the language in the camera is entirely Japanese, *and it cannot be changed.* This is true even when you go into the initial settings (a complicated series of pushing buttons according to directions in the service manual), and a loud warning noise sounds just to emphasize the point when you try. So, if you get this camera, be prepared to print out a copy of the manual for the DMCZS30, which is the same camera, to memorize the menus. That being said, for someone with a bit of knowledge of other digital cameras and the DMCZS30 manual, this is a pretty spiffy little machine. I am an enthusiastic amateur, and this is perhaps my 6th digital camera over the years. It is easy to hold, even though it is small (see the small "hump" on the right side of the front -- it makes it easier to clasp). The pictures are lovely, and there is pretty fair ability to play with the settings in the manual mode. My favorite feature is the ability to point to your target on the LED touchscreen, and then the camera will focus on where you touched and even follow the subject if it moves. You can then snap the picture from the touchscreen. I found that bluetooth connectivity is pretty nifty, too -- you can download an app onto your Ipad, and then view the screen and control the camera from your tablet. I still don't quite understand how I would use that, but I can imagine setting the camera up on a tripod at a game or concert or something. You can also send photos directly to a wireless printer or to your tablet for safe keeping. The manual makes a big fuss about GPS settings, which evidently also tell you your altitude, but I truly have no use for that and I switch it off to save the battery. Battery power is pretty good at around 300 shots, and it charges pdq with a USB or wall cord (no separate battery charger). The camera takes standard high speed SD cards, and you can use them to store text files, too(why, I don't know -- you can't read the pdf manual on it, though it does let you read a map you upload from the Panasonic site). There is also a compass -- again, I don't know why I need one, and it is evidently temperamental, if all the help pages in the manual are any indication. There is a 20x zoom, which is nice, and it does ok with low light -- the images are a little blurred at the edges, to be sure, but the images are not yellow as they are in my older Sony cameras. The lens is evidently very good -- I have not experienced the blue spots that were the reason I traded in my old Sony in the first place. It produces 18mp images, but here's another cool thing -- you can set it to take four versions of the same image, each with a slightly different ratio of width to length. As someone who loves to play with cropping and angles, this seems it would be useful. There is no RAW image, though. I have no use for the video functions, so I didn't try them. The case is sturdy metal, which I appreciate since I tend to stick cameras in pockets or handbags. I got a good price on the camera, but I might have sprung for the $100 extra had I realized the TZ40 could not be changed to English menus. Still, I will enjoy itRead full review
Nice compact camera with all the features needed if you want more creative control. Nice video... with slow motion at 120 fps and 240 fps. It was listed as "like new" which is accurate to say the least. The 20X zoom is excellent. A very nice purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Although this one was used, it was like new. Don't know if I will use the wireless or gps features, but the other controls and features are top notch. This mighty mini is the best compact camera I have handled yet. The zoom range is amazing. It is much better than the zs35 although it lacks a rotating view screen. Touch screen controls are intuitive and make the camera easy to use.
I bought this camera based on prior experience with Lumix it's Leica lens. I expected to see some signs of prior use. It arrived looking and operating AS NEW. My primary camera is a Canon EOS 70D with a Canon 18mm-200 mm zoom lense. Love it, but it weighs a ton. I wanted a light weight camera with lots of functionality. The Lumix is a perfect solution.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have had other cameras from this series by Panasonic. The newer cameras scrimp on featurea to make a price point. Not this one! This may be their best compact/full featured camera out of the group. A great piece of equipment that is easy to use
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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