Panasonic Lumix DMC-F7 2.1MP with world-renowned Leica DC lenses, Panasonic offers high-quality optics with the DMC-F7 digital camera. Pictures are sure to come out sharp and brilliant thanks to the 2-megapixel CCD sensor, capable of resolutions of up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels and prints up to 8 by 10 inches. There are two lower-quality settings that you can use to save memory and store more pictures on the included 8 MB SD memory card.
The F7 has an optical zoom of 2x and a 2x digital zoom, making the overall zoom capable of magnifying an image up to four times. The camera has several automatic and manual controls for focus, exposure, white balance, and flash. It also has a feature that allows you to take consecutive pictures at a fast rate (5 frames per second), ideal for those hard-to-capture moving objects and similar to regular full-motion video. Use the large 1.5-inch LCD monitor to keep track of all these settings and manage your photos.
Since the camera has full USB connectivity, you can easily transfer your photos onto a PC or Mac. Photo-editing software is also included for more creative uses of your photos. Also included in the package are an AC adapter, battery pack, video and USB cable, and strap.
Helpful consumer’s review
I have a Canon PowerShot s230, and bought the Lumix for my mother for Xmas hoping to save some money and get a camera of similar quality. Sadly, I’m disappointed with the Lumix despite the savings.
For those familiar with the Canon, you know that it’s a very effective digital camera experience. It’s solid, sturdy, has a great interface and takes excellent pictures. The Lumix is none of these things.
Holding the Lumix in your hand is disappointing compared to the Canon. It’s flimsy at best. There’s no weight to it, but that’s not a good thing. It feels hollow, as if it would really sustain serious damage if dropped or otherwise banged up. The case is stainless steel, like my Canon, but my camera’s solid construction and obvious design superiority makes it a more satisfying experience. As I said, the Lumix is too light to feel dependable.
The Lumix experience, overall, was disappointing. There’s no intuitive buttons on the body of the camera. It actually took me about 20 minutes to find the ‘on’ button. (it’s actually more if you count me trying to find it two separate times). Nothing is clearly marked. To make matters worse, there is not only no “getting started” mini-manual in the package, but the instructions are confusing with about 1 out of every 10 words spelled incorrectly.
Finally, the operation of the camera resembles something that was designed and engineered in a rush by a company that doesn’t really know what they’re doing. The display on the rear of the camera is grainy, the operation of the device is sketchy, and, as I mention above, the interface of the buttons and display screen icons is confusing where it’s not completely impossible to understand.
Can you tell I’m disappointed with my purchase? If you’re in the market for a camera, go with the Canon. This camera seems like it’s either the last deliverable of the last generation cameras, or a rushed-to-market early adopter model of the current generation. I’m very satisfied with my Canon and will definitely never advice anyone on anything else.
