Panasonic Lumix TZ30 review
Design
Panasonic Lumix TZ30 review - Design
Considering the TZ30's sizeable zoom the camera is very pocket-friendly. Straight out of the box and there's little difference to be seen when compared to the TZ20: the design is simple and functional, yet carries an appealing style. 
A premium finish includes all-metal buttons and a mode dial which gives the camera a well-made, high end feel.
The TZ30's lens sits inside the body when the camera is turned off, making it ideal to carry around anywhere. The three-section lens is sizeable when extended to its longest zoom, though isn't disproportional.
Controlling the camera can be approached in the conventional way by using dials and buttons, or the inclusion of touchscreen LCD technology makes for easy point-and-press control. 
There's also a Q.Menu button on the rear of the camera to bring up the most common options on screen for immediate adjustment - though it's not possible to use the touchscreen to select these options, instead the d-pad and OK buttons are used to control selection. Not a huge issue, though the G-series cameras have a more hands-on approach when controlling all avenues.
Overall the TZ30 is a well-proportioned compact. It may not include DSLR-like style thumbwheels or manual lens control, but for a consumer compact it's on the approach to perfection.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 24 22:01
killhippie
Having been playing with this camera for a day I am very impressed, low light is so much better, and detail is not smeared or so noisy as the TZ20, feels like Panasonic really upped their game.
April 19 09:43
Zak Ventis
Now going for £262 at PC World (although on-line sold out, its still available at some stores).
May 05 14:52
Claire
I used to have the fujifilm finepix ax280, it's currently got a crack on the screen and i'm into my last week at secendary so i've been looking for a new camera, I tend to take alot of picture's with friends and family and often pets.. would you recommend this camera?
July 19 02:02
Foe toe
Shouldn't be rated higher than the Sony HX20V, the Sony performs far better in lowlight than the TZ30 and doesn't have the poor battery issue that plagues the TZ30. The Sony also has a superior zoom.