Panasonic DMC TZ81 Detailed Review

In additional DMC TZ81 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 6 x 5 mm² (0.24″ x 0.18″).

Also DMC TZ81’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 19 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 TZ81 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1.16 megapixel, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

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

The DMC TZ81’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 TZ81’s sensitivity goes from 80 ISO und 3200 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The DMC TZ81 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC TZ81’s auto focus processor uses 49 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 TZ81 features a built-in flash with a range of up to 6m (19 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Panasonic.

The DMC TZ81 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the DMC TZ81’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The DMC TZ81’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

DMC TZ81 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC TZ81 Video parameters:

The DMC TZ81 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 TZ81 has a BLG10E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 320 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 TZ81’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC TZ81’s dimensions are 112 x 64 x 38mm³. (4.4″ x 2.5″ x 1.5″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is only 281 grams (9.1 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the DMC TZ81:

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 TZ81 is not much bigger: