Panasonic Lumix TZ70 Review – First Look
Panasonic has a proven track record in producing some excellent travel compacts. It could even be said that they invented the category itself back in 2006 with the TZ1.
As you might expect for a company with such experience, Panasonic continues to produce fine examples of the type, combining long zooms with advanced imaging capabilities in pleasingly compact bodies.
The latest model in the TZ range is the all-new TZ70 – a compact which maintains several key characteristics of its predecessor whilst managing to improve in other key areas.
We got the chance to go hands-on with the new compact ahead of its announcement and took a closer look.
Panasonic Lumix TZ70 First Look
Amongst the major modifications in the TZ70 are three improvements with regards to resolution across various elements of the specification.
The first of these improvements is found on the rear of the camera. The model’s LCD screen is boosted in resolution from 920k-dots up to 1,040k-dots, although it remains 3in in size.
Panasonic has also improved on one of the TZ60’s most welcome features, namely the EVF. While the jump in resolution found on the LCD may fairly be described as modest, that on the EVF is altogether more impressive, leaping from 200k-dots up to 1,160k-dots.
The EVF also benefits from the introduction of an eye sensor which will save the thumbs from clumsily switching between it and the LCD when shooting.
The other major change concerns the camera’s sensor. Although it still measures in at 1/2.3in in physical size, Panasonic has taken the interesting decision to drop the resolution from 18MP to 12MP.
This decrease in resolution should result in better images at higher ISO settings and as a result is certainly welcome, especially when some manufacturers are still concerned with pushing the resolution in the other direction.
Elsewhere the TZ70 retains a host of the functionality found on its predecessor, including the 30x zoom covering an equivalent focal range of 24-720mm. The model also retains full manual control, Raw image capture and both Wi-fi and NFC connectivity.
Final Thoughts
In terms of the look of the TZ70, it’s much the same as before. The model features a welcome mode dial on its top plate and control wheel around the lens, allowing for simple adjustment of the various settings.
The model is available in either a traditional all-black finish, or an attractive black and silver two-tone variation which is our personal preference
Although close examination reveals that the TZ70 as more a progression on the TZ60 rather than a complete overhaul, that’s not terrible news as the predecessor was arguably the best compact of its type.
The only real issues on the TZ60 were the low resolution viewfinder and the model’s performance at higher ISO settings, both of which have been addressed with the TZ70.
So, the TZ70 is certainly a camera of promise and it looks set to retain its place as the most desirable travel compact on the market. We look forward to testing it in the near future to see if that’s the case.
Score
Score in detail
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Features 90
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Image Quality 90
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Design 90
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Performance 85
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Value 90