Author Topic: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10 announced (Read 13492 times)

tapeheadtoo · « **on:** January 25, 2011, 03:12:34 PM »

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1101/11012512panasoniczs10zs8.asp

Maybe it'll be time soon to retire my trusty ZS3. It wasn't worthwhile to trade in for the ZS7, but now the ZS10 bumps up the specs to 16x optical and full HD 1920x1080. I don't care about GPS and 3D. New models come out in March, no word on pricing yet.

guysonic · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2011, 03:50:58 AM »

While the ZS10 looks to greatly expand the feature set of my own ZS3 and other's newer ZS7/TZ10, ZS10 seems the same size body as these with most attractive 1080i video ability.
See preview: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1101/11012512panasoniczs10zs8.asp

For what I've found possible to do with a ZS3/FZ100 superzooms, suggest a fun visit to my evolving video sound page: www.sonicstudios.com/videomic.htm

surf1div1 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2011, 06:03:17 PM »

While the specs look enticing, I'm still waiting for a more able camera with low light performance in video mode. I have to say though that for a PNS the pannies have great audio from the stereo pick up on top of the camera.
Regards-
Surf1div1

Quote from: guysonic on January 26, 2011, 03:50:58 AM

While the ZS10 looks to greatly expand the feature set of my own ZS3 and other's newer ZS7/TZ10, ZS10 seems the same size body as these with most attractive 1080i video ability.
See preview: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1101/11012512panasoniczs10zs8.asp

For what I've found possible to do with a ZS3/FZ100 superzooms, suggest a fun visit to my evolving video sound page: www.sonicstudios.com/videomic.htm

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2011, 06:21:47 PM »

Yes. The $250 Lumix records MUCH better audio than my $1000+ Sony HD camcorder. Go figure.

Quote from: surf1div1 on January 26, 2011, 06:03:17 PM

While the specs look enticing, I'm still waiting for a more able camera with low light performance in video mode. I have to say though that for a PNS the pannies have great audio from the stereo pick up on top of the camera.
Surf1div1

pdastoor · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2011, 08:56:03 PM »

does it record audio as LPCM? also what is max length of video you can record per file (usually its 10 minutes, or does it depend on memory card?). Lastly are their any photographs taken from this camera, would love to see some photo and video samples

guysonic · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2011, 09:34:11 PM »

If the ZS10 is like the other Lumix models having video, then no inherent recording time limitation.

pdastoor · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2011, 02:57:29 PM »

Sounds great! Can't go wrong with Panasonic. I've used their huge DVX cameras to record in both SD & HD in my video class, amazing cameras. It also has a MOS censor, is that any different from CMOS, or pretty much the same eh?

OOK · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2011, 05:44:26 PM »

Looks like it will take 10fps in burst mode at full resolution...thats faster than most SRL's. Looks like the mega pixel race is over and the speed race is on.....I love panasonic point and shoots...

OOK

justink · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2011, 11:13:05 PM »

preordered. $340ish shipped. could always use a second lumi, and this one does 1080 @ 16x: sweet.

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2011, 12:04:53 PM »

Quote from: justink on March 13, 2011, 11:13:05 PM

preordered. $340ish shipped. could always use a second lumi, and this one does 1080 @ 16x: sweet.

Hey justink... where did you find that deal? I'd like to pre-order too.

flipp · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2011, 09:03:19 AM »

Could be a delay in this model. Not sure how far along Panasonic was in production but I just read this elsewhere. ~~[I'll see if I can track down the original source.~~ http://www.bythom.com/

Quote

An FYI from Thom Hogan

Japan Quake Update III

Mar 17 (news)--A quick summary of what is known: Nikon has closed their FX body and lens plants with no word on when they might be re-opened. Canon has closed several plants, the most relevant one being the one that makes their pro lenses. Fujiilm has closed the plant that makes the just released X100. Panasonic has closed the Fukushima plant that produces Lumix digital cameras. Sigma reported damage to equipment at one factory and suspended operations at two others due to rolling blackouts. An Epson plant was hit by the tsunami, and three others are currently shut down due to rolling blackouts. None of the photography-related companies so far have reported loss of life at any of the affected plants. Additionally, it's now reported that some container ships, of which some certainly held photographic gear, were destroyed in the tsunami.

It's clear that it is not business as usual in Japan and won't be any time soon. While all these companies have detailed business resumption plans, the rolling power outages are an unknown--it's difficult to resume operations at some plants, even outside the areas with damage, without knowing how reliable the power service will be. Some processes require continuous power availability. It may be awhile before this situation resolves itself and the industry gets back on its feet. Every company I've been monitoring has issued statements indicating that they are doing everything they can to get operations back as close to normal as possible. Most have also donated money and more to relief efforts, as well.

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2011, 07:05:16 PM »

I ordered mine this morning from Samy's Camera (via Amazon). According to the Amazon site, it was in stock, though when I checked Samy's website it said it was pre-order only.

Well, just got an email from Samy's saying my product was shipped.

xitrium · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2011, 01:03:09 PM »

How's the sound on this? I have the Panasonic GF1 and the mid range and bass are just completely absent while the video is pretty much perfect. I'm trying to decide between going with a separate portable audio recorder (which is a pain to use at the same time as the camera) and just getting one of these cameras...

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** March 21, 2011, 03:23:37 PM »

^^^
The sound on the DMC-ZS3 (predecessor) is pretty good, better than many (if not most) camcorders costing hundreds of dollars more.

That being said though, unless it's a quickie to be thrown up on YouTube, I always use audio from a separate dedicated audio recorder.

pontiacb · « **Reply #14 on:** April 12, 2011, 07:38:02 AM »

Quote from: guysonic on January 26, 2011, 09:34:11 PM

If the ZS10 is like the other Lumix models having video, then no inherent recording time limitation.

Unfortunately the european Lumix's have, to date, had a limit on video length (either 10 or 15 mins, cant remember which, my mate's TZ-7 has this limitation) which has been a real pain. There seems to be no such limitations on the US models as far as I understand.

tailschao · « **Reply #15 on:** April 12, 2011, 07:43:28 AM »

Quote from: pontiacb on April 12, 2011, 07:38:02 AM

Quote from: guysonic on January 26, 2011, 09:34:11 PM
If the ZS10 is like the other Lumix models having video, then no inherent recording time limitation.
Unfortunately the european Lumix's have, to date, had a limit on video length (either 10 or 15 mins, cant remember which, my mate's TZ-7 has this limitation) which has been a real pain. There seems to be no such limitations on the US models as far as I understand.

I heard it was a tax thing. Something like cams can only be imported/sold as stills cameras if they're limited in video recording time, otherwise they're classed as camcorders. Probably bullshit, but ya know...

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2011, 01:08:04 PM »

Received my new ZS10 a few weeks ago. Disappointed with two things:

1) For full HD (AVCHD 1080) there is a 29:59 recording time limit. (Unit purchased in US.)
2) The aftermarket extended batteries that worked with my ZS3 do not work with the ZS10.

I'm hoping that the aftermarket battery manufacturers will come up with something soon for the ZS10. They were able to get around the firmware for the ZS3.

On the positive side, I'm happy with the ZS10's increased zoom to 16X... up to 21X when using "intelligent resolution" with virtually no loss in quality.

Gutbucket · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:23:35 PM »

Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 01:08:04 PM

1) For full HD (AVCHD 1080) there is a 29:59 recording time limit. (Unit purchased in US.)

Was that the same with the ZS3 & ZS7?

tapeheadtoo · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2011, 09:08:59 PM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on April 12, 2011, 08:23:35 PM

Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 01:08:04 PM
1) For full HD (AVCHD 1080) there is a 29:59 recording time limit. (Unit purchased in US.)

Was that the same with the ZS3 & ZS7?

Don't know about the ZS7, but with the ZS3, one could record continuously until the card filled up.... just over 2 hours of 720p on a 16gb sdhc card.

justink · « **Reply #19 on:** April 16, 2011, 02:04:01 AM »

Recorded some 1080p but the video jitters on playback.

Would this be a card speed issue (supposed class 10) or a computer speed issue?

exxile · « **Reply #20 on:** April 16, 2011, 03:58:18 AM »

Are you reading the footage direct from the card or have you copied it to your hdd first? For best results you'll need to copy it over first. If it still has playback issues, could be limitations of RAM, graphics card, or just processor speed.

justink · « **Reply #21 on:** April 16, 2011, 08:05:01 AM »

Quote from: exxile on April 16, 2011, 03:58:18 AM

Are you reading the footage direct from the card or have you copied it to your hdd first? For best results you'll need to copy it over first. If it still has playback issues, could be limitations of RAM, graphics card, or just processor speed.

Copied over. Spose I could convert to .m4v and try it on the ps3, right?

Colin Liston · « **Reply #22 on:** April 16, 2011, 03:07:36 PM »

Just marking this thread.

I am really interested in this camera, but I've read some poor reviews and would love some feedback.

justink · « **Reply #23 on:** April 21, 2011, 05:23:13 PM »

What's the best settings for battery life recording video? I'm only getting around an hour and half.

Gps off, etc...

exxile · « **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2011, 04:04:09 AM »

I'd say 90mins is pretty good going, especially for 1920x1080. I'm only getting 65-70min on the ZS-3 and that's only 1280x720.

Ziggz · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:43:29 PM »

Yeah. I get around 90-100mins on the TZ10 @ 1280x720. A lot of zooming will run it down faster. I also bought a cheap 'bootleg' battery off eBay as a spare, usually get 75-85mins off that.

bluntforcetrauma · « **Reply #26 on:** April 25, 2011, 04:40:16 AM »

Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 09:08:59 PM

Quote from: Gutbucket on April 12, 2011, 08:23:35 PM
Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 01:08:04 PM
1) For full HD (AVCHD 1080) there is a 29:59 recording time limit. (Unit purchased in US.)

Was that the same with the ZS3 & ZS7?

Don't know about the ZS7, but with the ZS3, one could record continuously until the card filled up.... just over 2 hours of 720p on a 16gb sdhc card.

FYI
I have been using the ZS7 and i use a class 10 32 GB card and have 4 hours of straight recording time with highest resolution. But you do need to change batteries about 1 hour and 15 minutes into recording due to the camera demand. but again i just hit the red button and record away.

largeman · « **Reply #27 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:05:53 AM »

Hi all, I'd like to share my experience with the ZS10.

I am a guy who loves going to rock concerts and casually taking videos. Up until now I have not used separate mics/audio recording devices, and have been relying on the built-in mic on my cameras. I bought a ZS7 back in December and took it with me to a concert. These are a couple of videos I took:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw-75lG68-Y
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JehAFnvsqLU

I was very impressed with the zoom, the video quality, and especially the sound with the ZS7. However I really hated the vertical streaks/blooms, which had always been a problem with my previous cameras. When Panasonic announced the ZS10 in January, I was thrilled. The MOS sensor was like an answer to my prayers – no more blooming. I got my hands on the ZS10 at the end of March, just in time for a couple of eagerly anticipated concerts at Madison Square Garden. The following is from April 1:
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCothDZn358
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siWrsNk_YpE

In addition to being happy with the sound quality, I felt that both the zoom (which was powerful and smooth) and the continuous autofocus during recording worked even better than on the ZS7. I do not think any other pocket-sized P&S camera on the market could have achieved this level of picture and audio quality, from where I was sitting in the venue.

However, last night I went to another concert at an arena (UIC Pavilion in Chicago), this time standing up front and center. And the sound quality of my videos really came as a blow:
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjus9Jbs6c
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VeNEWf2l9U

Not only was there a lot of clipping, the overall sound was suppressed and muffled. Granted, I don’t think the acoustics of the venue was great. The sound was not good where I was standing and in fact impeded my enjoyment of the concert. Still, the quality of the recordings was much worse than I expected, and I wonder what could be the explanation.

Thanks a lot for reading the post. I am very curious whether people here would have some (relatively) good experience/recommendation of cameras that have exceptional built-in mics and audio recording capability. To me the ZS10 is very strong in video quality, the autofocus and active image stabilization works considerably well. I have just ordered the CA 11’s and a digital recorder so I don’t have to rely on the internal mics. Still if anyone has recommendations of cameras with decent audio recording quality (while also having a powerful zoom), it would be much appreciated!

largeman · « **Reply #28 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:21:44 AM »

Quote from: justink on April 16, 2011, 02:04:01 AM

Recorded some 1080p but the video jitters on playback.

Would this be a card speed issue (supposed class 10) or a computer speed issue?

Hi Justin,
Did you turn on the deinterlace mode on your media player? I use VLC Player and had to set deinterlace mode to "automatic" or "on" in order for those .MTS files to play properly.

bluntforcetrauma · « **Reply #29 on:** April 28, 2011, 12:50:30 AM »

Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 09:08:59 PM

Quote from: Gutbucket on April 12, 2011, 08:23:35 PM
Quote from: tapeheadtoo on April 12, 2011, 01:08:04 PM
1) For full HD (AVCHD 1080) there is a 29:59 recording time limit. (Unit purchased in US.)

Was that the same with the ZS3 & ZS7?

Don't know about the ZS7, but with the ZS3, one could record continuously until the card filled up.... just over 2 hours of 720p on a 16gb sdhc card.

I have ZS7 and no record limit. I use 32GB card class 10. jsut over 4 hours of recording at highest quality, BUT remember the limitation is the battery, so buy a bunch or use 2 cams and have them ready. YOU get over an hour and so on full charge of battery with 32GB class 10 card. so 4 hours of video on said card but battery gets eaten up just over an hour and about 15-20 minutes depending on temperature.

Gutbucket · « **Reply #30 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:22:32 AM »

Can anyone else confirm that there is a 30 minute video recording limit on the US version of the ZS10?

justink · « **Reply #31 on:** May 04, 2011, 02:27:44 PM »

Quote from: Gutbucket on May 03, 2011, 10:22:32 AM

Can anyone else confirm that there is a 30 minute video recording limit on the US version of the ZS10?

1080i has 30 minutes
720p has no limit

Seems kinda silly but not a horrible issue I guess.

Gutbucket · « **Reply #32 on:** May 04, 2011, 03:01:30 PM »

Ok cool, 720p works for me.

I've heard there is some competition from a new sony camera. Can anyone point me to info on that one to compare? I'm still on the fence but getting ready to buy something this summer. Mostly looking for a pocketable camera with decent low light performance and great video.

guitard · « **Reply #33 on:** May 25, 2011, 05:40:32 PM »

My brand new ZS10 lasted about two weeks...before I dropped it in salt water. It was only under for around 3-4 seconds...but that's all it took. The repairman told me that he can fix it, but it will cost almost as much as a new camera and he can't guarantee that the camera will run properly (it was a "maybe...maybe not...can't say until after the repairs are made...").

In comparison to my ZS7, I liked the additional zoom and the fact that it doesn't go out of focus like the ZS7 every time you zoom in/out on distant shots. Having said that - 10X is about as far as you can go IMO and still get a steady hand held shot. Even at 10X it can be a challenge with such a small camera. If you've got a tripod - you're golden on the close-up zooms though.

One thing I really didn't like about the ZS10 is how poorly it functions in low light. Basically, I found that unless you had lots of bright light, the video came out dark - even with the manual exposure set to a high setting. The ZS7 isn't significantly better - but in experience, it does better in low light. So in a lot of small clubs where the lighting isn't all that bright - it's tough to get a nice shot with the ZS10.

And also - not only do I not like the ZS10's 30 minute limit, you never know how much time you have left on a card until you have less than 30 minutes on the last clip. With the ZS7, you always know how much time you have left.