Panasonic Lumix TZ25 review

The 16x travel zoom that's fast and fun to use

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ25
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ25 is versatile and good value

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Despite lacking some of the Panasonic TZ30's high-end trimmings, the Panasonic TZ25 offers a range of desirable features and excellent responsiveness.

In fact, in terms of picture quality and performance, the Panasonic TZ25 represents better value for money than its higher priced stablemate - particularly if you don't need the GPS functionality.

We liked

The Panasonic TZ25's versatile zoom range, quick focus and creative shooting options are all excellent.

We disliked

The battery life proved underwhelming during our tests, and USB recharging isn't for everyone. Having to physically switch between shooting and playback can be tiresome, too.

Final verdict

The Panasonic TZ25 is a camera that has something to offer photographers of all abilities. If you're a beginner, dial in Intelligent Auto. This point-and-press mode gets it right more often than it gets it wrong, matching the camera settings to the shooting situation with a fair degree of accuracy.

It is a little too keen to unleash HDR mode when it detects backlighting, though - at one point, even a pale wall behind a portrait sitter set it off - and this adds several seconds to the image processing time.

More advanced photographers will welcome the control that the P, A, S, M modes bring to a camera with such potential, although the aperture range is a little narrow at the full telephoto zoom setting (f/5.9-6.3).

Overall, the Panasonic TZ25 is a fast performer with lots of genuinely useful features, and it's capable of producing smooth, attractive images. It represents very good value, giving both the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and the Samsung WB750 a run for their money.

TOPICS
Latest in Compact Cameras
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Canon PowerShot V1 in user's hands, oudoors with a snowy Japan backdrop
I review cameras for a living, and the new Canon PowerShot V1 could be this year’s vlogging star – here’s why
Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s rumored PowerShot V1 point-and-shoot could hit the sensor sweet spot – and be first of two new PowerShots for 2025
Flashback ONE35 redisposable digital camera on a wooden surface
I tested the Flashback ONE35 "re-disposable" camera, and it's a novel idea let down by a shoddy app
Canon compact cameras tipped for a big return with rumored Powershot V1 – and I think that's Canon's most exciting play for 2025
Panasonic Lumix TZ99 point and shoot camera on a bright green / cyan background
The point-and-shoot is back: Panasonic launches new Lumix out of the blue, with iPhone-trouncing 30x optical zoom
Latest in Reviews
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is
Mac Studio on a desk
Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): the ultimate creative workstation
Apple iPad Air 11-inch M3 (2025) Review
I tested the 11-inch iPad Air with M3 for five days, and it stretches the value even further with more power for the same price