Readers Write: What About the Panasonic TZ8?

A reader recently contacted us to ask when we'd be publishing our test of the Panasonic TZ8:

Hello, I'm writing to you about the TZ8 product test. I've been waiting for this test to be published for several weeks now and there's still no sign of it. I do understand that you must be very busy, but given that the TZ8 is the replacement for the infamous TZ7, I was hoping to see it on your site a little sooner. I've noticed that it's in the face-off but I'm really interested in seeing the full test. Do you plan on publishing it soon? If not, can you tell me whether the TZ8 is better than the TZ7, and would you recommend buying the TZ8 over the TZ7 given that both models are a similar price? Thanks in advance for your advice. Great site by the way!

Panasonic TZ8 Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives Editor's Choice Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Battery Life and Video Sony Cyber-shot HX20V Quality Budget Snapper Canon Ixus 220 HS

The first thing I'd like to point out is that the TZ8 isn't actually the replacement for the TZ7. It's in fact designed to replace the TZ6, and Panasonic has already played this 'skipping a number' game in 2007 with the TZ2 and TZ3. The replacement for the TZ7 is actually the TZ10 (confusing, isn't it?) and as a result, this was one of our top priorities among winter's new releases and we published our TZ10 test back in March.

Now on to your second question: is the TZ8 any good? On the inside, the TZ8 is very similar to the TZ10. It has the same lens and sensor, and the Venus Engine VI processor is very similar to the Venus Engine HD II (it's mainly the video capabilities that differ).

For a strictly photography-based use, choosing between the TZ7 and the TZ8 is basically a toss-up between what you'll gain and what you'll lose. The main differences are the screen (lower resolution on the TZ8) and the manual modes (not present on the TZ7).

However, if video is important to you then the differences between the TZ7 and the TZ8 are more marked. The TZ7 and TZ10 are effectively hybrid devices that are designed to film videos almost as well as they take photos. They have stereo microphones and record in the AVCHD format like regular camcorders, and both models have a separate video recording button. The TZ6 and the TZ8, on the other hand, are classic compact cameras with a basic video mode that records mono sound and MJPEG footage, and which can only be accessed via the control wheel.

And finally, yes, our test of the TZ8 will be published soon. But in the meantime, don't forget that all good things come to those who wait!

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