We get our hands on Panasonic's first Wi-Fi camera, but does it actually work? Read on for the full Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 review.
Review summary of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50:
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 Panasonic's first Wi-Fi enabled camera took a major nose-dive in an area that fuels its existence: Wi-Fi image uploading. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 rendered us haplessly flummoxed as we tried and tried to connect to various wireless networks and failed miserably each time. A hefty $120 is the only divide between the Lumix DMC-TZ50 and the Lumix DMC-TZ5, but after days of struggling, we had to throw in the towel. Its 10x optical zoom and above average low light performance are nice features, but they don't justify the purchase. Furthermore, shooting features are minimal and the camera occupies a little more space than necessary. Those who are Wi-Fi-curious should take a look at the Nikon Coolpix S51c, until Panasonic gets things together on this camera. Release: June 2008. Price: $330.
Pros: 10x optical zoom. Decent low light performance. Large LCD screen.
Cons: Wi-Fi mode didn't work. Limited shooting features. Bulky size.
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Full Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 Review:
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Design - Good
Panasonic's first wireless-enabled camera is slightly larger than the average Lumix, but that's due mostly to the camera's generous 10x optical zoom lens. We definitely couldn't pocket the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 without a struggle, but we found it compact enough to fit in a small camera bag or fanny pack. Despite the camera's size, it is surprisingly light, weighing just over half a pound. Style-wise, the Lumix DMC-TZ50 showcases its key feature on a black plastic panel with "Wireless" etched into it, mounted to a silver plastic body. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 provides enough real estate to grip the camera comfortably and the zoom toggle is wrapped around the shutter button, which is a design we prefer.
In back, the camera has a 3" LCD with an average pixel count. We like an ample LCD, but there's no viewfinder. Panasonic could have implemented a viewfinder, especially considering the Lumix DMC-TZ50's size. The Mode dial is a nice touch, but half of it is featureless, leaving a large gap prompting the message "Mode Dial is not in the proper position." What's the point of this monumental gap? We'd like to see the rest of the Mode dial stocked with additional shooting modes and features. The four-way directional pad is pretty standard and each button doubles as a quick function such as Macro, Exposure and Flash settings. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 has an On/Off switch and Camera/Playback switch, which we like because they're less prone to inadvertent toggling as opposed to buttons.
Interface - Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50's LCD screen has a decent pixel count and provides a fairly sharp picture, but it's not the best display we've seen in this class of cameras. Still, a 3" LCD screen is nice to have, and we found that making manual adjustments was easier with the additional surface area. We were a little perplexed with some of Panasonic's control designs, particularly the Extra Zoom button and barren, untapped plastic next to the LCD screen. How about an Image Stabilization button instead of an Extra Zoom button? Also, a couple buttons on the back for White Balance and ISO or something of that ilk would have been nice.
Like all current Lumix models, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 is equipped with a great menu system. Action is rapid, and we were able to fly through options at a swift pace. The menu is also organized cleanly and options are logically ordered, for the most part. The Q. Menu contains mostly manual controls, including ISO, White Balance and Auto Focus settings. We also like Panasonic's digital Mode dial that appears on the LCD screen when you turn the camera's external Mode dial. The Scene mode icons are a little Clip-Artsy and lame compared to Casio's real picture Best Shot mode icons. One definite issue we had with the Lumix DMC-TZ50's interface was in the Wi-Fi mode. We think the options are too technical and confusing for the average consumer, as the menu fields require some advanced experience setting up a wireless network, and the level of sophistication seems inappropriate on a small device without a keyboard.
Features - Mediocre
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50's raison d'κtre is its Wi-Fi mode, which lets users upload images via a Wi-Fi network, including T-Mobile Hot Spots. Images can only be uploaded to a Google Picasa album, so users must have a Google account. Furthermore, T-Mobile Hot Spots are slowly making their way onto the endangered species list, limiting active locations to airports, Kinko's and Borders or Barnes and Nobles. Starbucks' Wi-Fi was bought out by AT&T, so we were up a creek at our local trio right around the corner. In addition, the FedEx/Kinko's we tried had been Hot Spotless for over a year. We think that's pretty far from convenient, but it gets worse.
We also tried to connect to our secure wireless network here in the infoSync labs, but to no avail. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 demanded Encryption keys, User IDS, User passwords and a gaggle of other confounding pieces of data. After leaping through these hoops, the Lumix DMC-TZ50 was still unable to connect. Even when we attempted to connect to an open wireless network that did not require any password, the Lumix DMC-TZ50 failed to connect. The strange epilog to this story is that when we searched the user manual for help, the Wi-Fi feature isn't mentioned even once.
Our verdict? $100 separates the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 from the Lumix DMC-TZ50, and the only difference is a dreadfully poor Wi-Fi feature. In that case, we highly recommend sticking with the Lumix DMC-TZ5 and not even touching the Lumix DMC-TZ50 until Panasonic has worked all the kinks out of this faulty feature with a revamped sophomore incarnation. If you're a wireless wiz and want to give the Lumix DMC-TZ50 a crack, be our guests. But the average user will be stumped.
Hardware - Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 has a 9-megapixel, 1/2.33" sensor inside and a 10x optical zoom lens. The lens is 28mm wide, which is slightly wider than many cameras in this class. We were able to fit in a decent amount of subject matter in our images, but there were still occasions where we had to back up in order to fit in an entire scene. A 10x optical zoom is pretty hefty, especially on a compact camera and that's one of the Lumix DMC-TZ50's strengths. Connectivity is also more plentiful than most compacts, as the Lumix DMC-TZ50 offers Component Out, AV/Digital Out and DC In jacks.
Image Quality - Good
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 churned out an average performance, similar to an entry-level camera. We weren't entirely jazzed with the images produced by the camera due to its poor dynamic range. Nearly every highly contrasted image with sky in the background is blown out to the 255 level. There's also varying degrees of noise in every image, along with occasional fringing or blooming. Colors impressed us, in addition to some great detail under ideal lighting conditions. Otherwise, we have to keep in mind that the Lumix DMC-TZ50 is the same camera as the Lumix DMC-TZ5, only with Wi-Fi. Honestly, we can't justify dropping $330 on this camera based on image quality alone.
Scene Test Through the Rubble
Detail is stellar on the focused portion of this image and colors are realistic. We begin to see a slight haze of noise amongst the bricks, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 renders the intricate crevices and textures of the rubble quite well. Our problems arise as we pan up to see a glowing white sky with purple-lined trees. This is an example of the camera's poor dynamic range.
Detail Test Circus Liquors Clown
This historically frightening landmark is blessed with optimal lighting and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 performs very well as a result. Aside from a minor dosage of noise present in the sky, this image contains clean lines and sharp detail. Colors are slightly washed out, so this is an instance where we might want to experiment with the Vivid filter.
Color Test Fruit Stand
Colors are popping in this image, providing plenty of saturation without appearing cartoonish. We really dig the electric hues of the oranges and subtle green palette within the avocados. This is a great color performance.
Contrast Test St. Mark's Place
It's clear that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 cannot handle advanced levels of contrast and this image pretty much sums it up. The right side of this image displays excellent colors and sharp detail, but the sky on the left side of the image is eating the trees for breakfast. This is a bad case of blooming and fringing, and the camera's poor dynamic range is having a field day.
Sharpness Test Pastel
This is a great image because we're seeing sharp lines without any stepping or jagged edges. The detail along the concrete wall is more than adequately rendered and colors are very naturalistic. Of course, the lighting was ideal in this environment.
Macro Test Leaf
Here's an example of a great Macro performance. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50's 28mm wide lens allowed us to get a little closer than usual and the detail is awesome. We see some noise in the shadow of the leaf, but the primary focus is the leaf itself. The Lumix DMC-TZ50 kicks some digital imaging butt when it comes to Macro shots.
Dusk Test Uptown
Night Test Grand Central
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 surprised us in low light, as you can see in both of these images. In the darker portions of the overpass and buildings surrounding Grand Central, noise is heightened, but it's not the pixilated mess we usually see with certain cameras in this price range. Exposure levels and colors are great, and both of these images were taken without the flash at 100 ISO. Exposure control is there if you need it, but we experienced more noise when boosting the levels.
Low Light Test Fiery Steam
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 even handles extreme low light well, as you can see minimal noise in this image. The light is blown out, but that's the familiar contrast issue we've seen throughout most of our tests with this camera. There's some slight posterization within the darkest portions of this image, but an exposure like this at 100 ISO without the flash is pretty commendable.
Price and availability
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50 is currently available online for approximately $330.
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