Last update (Jun 22, 2009): Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (black) review at CNET Reviews.
This post is a compilation of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 / DMC-TZ6 compact digital camera professional and user reviews, owner opinions and experiences, tests, conclusions, ratings and feedback.
Full attribution is given by linking to the source and where available, the author’s homepage or photo gallery.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (black) review at CNET Reviews — Joshua Goldman, the reviewer, assigned a rating score of 3.5 stars (Very Good) to the ZS1 / TZ6, and says:
Photo quality is very good for its class. Things that megazoom photos typically exhibit—softness, barrel distortion, purple fringing—didn’t seem to trouble the ZS1.
Compact Super Zoom Test by DPReview, May 2009
The following summary on the DMC-ZS1 / DMC-TZ6 was given for the camera:
The ZS1 isn’t the best specified model in this comparison but offers best-in-class image quality at an interesting price point. If you can live without HD video it should very high up your shortlist.* We like: Good image quality, intuitive user interface, decent high ISO output (for smaller prints), 25mm wide-angle, relatively fast lens at the long end (F4.9) * We don't like: Some highlight clipping of contrasty scenes, LCD difficult to view in brighter conditions
Panasonic DMC-ZS1 / DMC-TZ6 review at CNET UK
Rod Lawton, the reviewer, awarded the ZS1 / TZ6 a test score of 9.4 (Spectacular), and is obviously very impressed with the camera, for it’s also earned the CNET UK’s Editor’s Choice status.
He has the following conclusion:
Panasonic’s TZ-series superzoom cameras just keep getting better and better. The pricier Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 has a better LCD and a higher-quality movie mode, but, for regular stills photography, the DMC-TZ6 is better value by far, offering fantastic flexibility, great image quality, a superb build and finish, and pocketability too.
So, the ZS1 / TZ6 offers better value than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 / DMC-TZ7 if you don’t require the higher-quality movie files offered on the more expensive model.
Also noteworthy is Rod’s conclusion in his review of the Canon SX200 IS, where he makes it very clear that he prefers the ZS1 / TZ6:
The Canon PowerShot SX200 IS’ manual exposure modes might tempt keen photographers, but these are undermined by the awkward controller. The image stabilisation is good, but the pictures are average. You’d have to be a real Canon fan to pick this camera over its rivals, which include the smaller, cheaper and much better Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6.