Performance
The TZ100’s autofocus is both quick and precise. Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus technology does work. Also, touchscreen technology enables the focus point to be moved across the frame. Autofocus also works well in dimly lit areas. Autofocus tracking was also very good. The main multi segment metering system produced properly exposed pictures. Images appeared free of flare and chromatic aberration at the wide angle end with the lens wide open. Slight pincushion distortion was observed from 135mm onwards. Images were remarkably free of noise upto ISO 1600. Images were still usable even at ISO 6400. We did not observe any darkening of corners in our JPEGs. Sharpness of images was very good at the centre although the peripheries were slightly weaker. The camera’s 4K video produced very good video quality and is a feature that will be frequently used. Overall, the performance of the TZ100 was very good, warranting a recommendation.
Value For Money
The TZ100 has not yet been introduced in the Indian market. Even in foreign markets like Europe, the availability of the camera is still far lesser than the actual demand. The camera is listed in the UK market at 549 pounds which includes 20% VAT. At that price, theTZ100 is fair to good value. |SP
FINAL SCORE 82%
Design and Build Quality 13/15
Key Features 14/15
Ergonomics 12/15
Performance
Autofocus 5/5
Metering 5/5
Noise Control 4/5
Sharpness 3/5
Darkening of Corners 4/5
Flare and CA 4/5
Distortion 3/5
LCD/EVF 3/5
Auto WB 4/5
Sub-Total 35/45
Value for Money 8/10
PLUS
• Pocketable
• 1” Sensor
• 25-250mm zoom
range
MINUS
• Small viewfinder
• Small finger grip
• Fixed rear LCD
• Limited availability
VERDICT
At the moment, because of the wide focal range of its lens, the TZ100 has virtually no competition. If you like the features of the TZ100 and frequently travel abroad, it would constitute a good purchase. For those of you who are restricted to India borders, we recommend that you look at the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV instead.
Hoshang S. Billimoria
