Pnasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4

Now I got this camera as a gift this past year and have only had a few reasons to use it extensively until now. Until now, I did not have a really good grasp on different camera properties, such as aperature/f-stop, ISO, or shutter speeds. Now having a better idea of what those things are, I feel that even with a limited point-and-shoot like this one, I can now take better quality photos than before by just keeping everything on my camera at “AUTO” function.

Now unfortunately as a smaller point-and-shoot my camera does not have some of the adjustable features of an SLR such as aperature/f-stop or shutter speeds, although there is an “exposure” feature, as well as several “high-speed” shot options. This camera does have an ISO feature with ranges of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, which allows for the camera to be sensitive to a range of light settings. There is also an adjustable white-balance feature on this camera that allows for truer colors in your shots in various settings. There is also a maximum 10x zoom that allows for a good distance range.

Fortunately, even though this camera may lack some features you may find on a bigger SLR, the constraints on its LCD menu system allow for only a few places for whatever function you are looking for to be. There are only two menus on this camera and one is the quick “on-the-go” choice box, so it is pretty easy to find whatever function or setting you’re looking to adjust.

Physically, this camera is pretty small but fairly thick so it fits in your hand pretty good. The LCD viewer is about 2/3 the width of the camera and so allows for a decent sized viewing area. Another really cool thing about this camera is that it comes with its own rechargeable battery unit and battery charger so you don’t have to constantly fumble around looking for 2 AAs.

For now it is a fine camera to use and learn on, but as I become more involved in photography I might look more into advanced and professional SLRs. Unfortunately, it might not be anytime soon this year seeing as how this term abroad, while invaluable, is also le expensive.

-Mike