Customer Reviews

Panasonic DMC-FX07R 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Red)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is a great ultracompact camera. You just have to be sure it's right for you.

PROS:
1. It's optical image stabilization feature really does work, and works well. 2. Flash range is acceptable for a camera this size. 3. Boot-up time is very fast, shot-to-shot time is quick for a subcompact. 4. The 2.5 inch LCD screen is gorgeous. 5. Camera can take 6 megapixel 3:2 format pictures (great for 4x6 prints). Compare that to C_n_n's line of cameras, where their 3:2 "postcard" format is limited to a resolution of 1600x1200, which isn't even truly 3:2.

CONS:
1. Noise in pictures is noticeable at higher ISOs. It seems to be a problem common to all Panasonic Lumix cameras. This is only a problem and noticeable if pictures are shot at higher ISOs (400 or more), or if you print pictures out at larger sizes (8x10 or more). It's not a problem at 4x6 picture sizes. 2. There's also no optical viewfinder (only an LCD). 3. To recharge the proprietary battery, it must be removed from the camera and placed in its battery charger. 4. Finally, no date imprint picture (ie. you don't get a date stamp on actual picture, but you can tell it to print one when printing directly to a DPOF printer).

I've spent 3 years shopping for a digital camera. I had a hard time committing, because I couldn't decide which features were most important to me - would compact size be more important (so I could carry it with me anywhere)?, or would I be happier with a larger camera (with a better optical zoom)? And, I really wanted to spend less than $300, but the cameras I was considering were often $350 or more.

Canon has a good reputation, so I borrowed a friend's Canon SD600. I was disappointed in the quality of some sunrise shots - you could really tell this model had no image stabilization. Next, I borrowed another friend's Canon SD700. This seemed to be a nice camera, which offered the optical image stabilization. This model had a few more bells and whistles than I needed, but the biggest cons were that it was only available online, and it was a bit cashy. So, when it came time to make my final decision, this Panasonic had it all. Pros include: 7 megapixels means I can take a shot and then "zoom" and crop it on the computer without sacrificing quality; the optical image stabilization works great; it slips easily into a pocket; battery life seems to be great; picture quality has been OUTSTANDING; 2.5" screen is a great size. Another plus: a "simple" mode, which limits the number of settings you can change(which is great for a novice user), or a standard mode which gives the user more control over manual settings. The camera is VERY user friendly, with an on-screen description available for the 19 different scene modes that helps the user understand the best use of each mode. I've printed an 8x10 shot of our family from Christmas, and the colors and cripsness of the photo are unbelievable. Sunrise and sunset shots are both great quality, with clarity and coloring that are unbelievable. AND, I really love the burnished red finish on the camera too!

The only con I've found so far is that the flash does not seem as effective as Canon's models - but, in the few shots I've taken where that's been an issue, I've been able to correct the problem with photo editing software.

I highly recommend this camera, and can say without hesitation that it has surpassed my expectations. Accessories that I'd recommend would include a 1 gig SD card, and a spare battery so you'll always have one charged and ready to go.

Update - bought this camera in December 2006, and 2 years later I'm still thrilled with it. The compact size means I can carry it everywhere - it fits in the cell phone pocket of most of the purses I own. Battery life is still great. I continue to think this is a great camera, especially for novice users - especially with the price down so low.

I had reservations about buying this camera after reading the few negative reviews citing excessive 'noise' with low light situations and certain ISO settings. Knowing I would mostly be using the more simplified features the majority of the time, and given all the generally positive reviews by others, I decided to give it a try. I must say I am very satisfied with the camera. Granted, I generally use the normal or simple mode for most shots, but have used all modes several times since purchasing the camera and it takes wonderful shots, indoors and out, low light and bright sunshine. The user manual is very easy to understand and gives setting suggestions to correct some of these noise problems. I have not had any negative experiences with it. I bought it as a replacement for an Olympus Stylus that I damaged on a ski trip and although that camera was a great point and shoot and took nice pictures, this Panasonic is far better. Combine that with compact size, sturdy build and good looks and you have a great camera. I bought the leather Lumex case that Amazon sold with it as a bundle and it is very good quality leather and snug fitting so as not to add bulk to the compact size. Nice item.

This camera is one of the best of its kind: ultra compact, great quality of construction, friendly menu, excellent lens (thanks to Leica) and a very attractive price.
It peforms according to the Leica reputation, extremelly well. The image stabilization boosts the end results. However do not expect results similar to more expensive srls as you will be disappointed especially in cases of 8x10 or even larger images as noise becames a factor- for smaller images you should have no problems and you will be able to capture your moments with ease.
Again this is one of the best choices for a compact digital camera in a market segmant that there are plenty of options.

I just got this camera, was upgrading from my 4-year-old Canon Powershot S400 digital Elph, looking for the image stabilization feature and more megapixels. What I don't understand is why all my indoor photos are so dark. I prefer to shoot without flash, and with the Canon, the room could be very dimly lit and I'd still get a photo. With this camera, even changing the exposure doesn't help. I took close-ups of the lights on my Christmas tree--with the Canon I got photos with a lovely glow to them, and with the Panasonic I got a lot of black. I tried the "candelight" setting and the "party" setting, and neither helped. Not sure how to fix this.

Everything else seems to work fine.

The Leica lens was a great bonus for my decision to add another camera. I love the size. My other Panasonic/Leica camera took several falls on a long trip and never stopped performing. It is discontinued, so it is now held together with duct tape. This DMC-FX07 is a wonderful replacement.

ps. I bought a cell phone belt case that is leather with magnetic closure for a perfect camera case. ($[...])

This camera is the best point and shoot cameras for the money. Just think of what you are getting. Not just a 7.2MP camera, but a LICA lens and technology. Not a bad deal. The images are not bad when printed. On a scale of 0-10, 10 beining the best, I give this camera an 8.

David the photog
In Chicago

I was extremely dissapointed with this camera, and I'm by no means a pro photographer. My previous camera is a Canon A40 2 MP purchased over 3 years ago. Comparing the two was surprising. Despite the Canon being 2 MP vs. The Panasonic's 7 MP, The Canon takes sharper pictures with less noise. I tested this both indoors with and without flash, and at even a 100 ISO setting on the Panasonic. Also comparing outdoor shots in full daylight, there is very noticable noise in the Panasonic's pictures, even in a 4x6 print. The photos it takes are just hopelessly noisy. Even resizing them down to 2 MP, the pictures from the 3 year old Canon are still sharper and more detailed. I really wanted to like this camera. It's 1/3rd the size of the Canon, but so are a lot of new digital cameras. The control layout is well considered, and I could even operate it with a ski glove on. The terrible picture quality is simply a non-starter.

Pros:
- Nice controls and interface, good build quality.
- Best in class movie mode (848x480, or 480p widescreen)

Cons:
- Terrible noise in any environment, even outdoors in full light.
- Takes worse photos than my 3 year old Canon A40 2 MP.

Like many of the reviews before mine, I had terrible amounts of noise in most lighting conditions and some of the pictures came out so dark they were practically illegible. It was so bad that I was convinced that the camera was defective so I sent it back to Amazon for a replacement. There is just no way that a manufacturer can produce a product this bad with all the choice we have... it must be broken!

Sure enough, the replacement they sent me takes decent pictures. Its not going to give you pictures as clear as many larger (compact) cameras, but for the average photographer who wants an ultra-compact camera it works just fine. The menus are intuitive and easy to master. The image stabilization works great. The best feature is the wide angle lens. Everyone always is concerned with zoom. I have a 2 year old Casio Exilim and a 4 year old Canon Elph and I never realized how much of the pictures were being cut off. This lens allows you to frame pictures much more easily, especially up close. The movie mode works great and the 16:9 format is nice for playback on your TV.

I'm not sure whether recommend this camera or not. Everyone that sees it thinks its great. Its fun to use, solidly built, fits well in your hand and takes nice pictures. If you're willing to take a chance, it really is a very nice camera. Seems like Panasonic has some quality control issues to work on. For now, no complaints.

This camera is a pleasure to use. The size is perfect for travelers who prefer unobstrusive and bulky SLRs. Not to mention the fact that it takes great pictures. The 28mm wide angle lense is unique in the price range of the FX07. It is a little noisy in the higher ISO speeds but if you want something better (perfect in higher ISOs) you'll have to dish out hundreds more and step up to the digital SLRs. If you're looking for a great camera at a bargin price, then the Panasonic is for you.