Panasonic DMC TZ61 Detailed Review

In additional DMC TZ61 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 6 x 5 mm² (0.24″ x 0.18″).

Also DMC TZ61’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 18 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC TZ61 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 0.20 megapixel, close to the practical minimum for a viewfinder like this.

The magnifcation is c. 0.46x, an average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The DMC TZ61’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 4s.

The highest shutter speed of the Panasonic is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

The DMC TZ61’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 3200 ISO.

Also, Panasonic’s sensitivity can be boosted to 6400. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The DMC TZ61 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC TZ61’s auto focus processor uses 23 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. in low light).

Manual focus is also possible with the Panasonic, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DMC TZ61 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 6m (21 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Panasonic.

The DMC TZ61 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the DMC TZ61’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The DMC TZ61 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

DMC TZ61 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC TZ61 Video parameters:

The DMC TZ61 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Connect the Panasonic to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC TZ61 has a BLG10E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 300 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC TZ61’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC TZ61’s dimensions are 110.6 x 64.3 x 34.4mm³. (4.4″ x 2.5″ x 1.4″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 240 grams (7.7 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the DMC TZ61:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The DMC TZ61 is not much bigger: