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.
We liked
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX1 is a small but slick bit of camera kit. It's quick and easy to use and it takes top shots with very little input from us. If you're feeling lazy, and like to leave your compact on auto or use Scene modes, that's ideal. If you like to take control of your photography a bit more and set apertures and shutter speeds… well, perhaps you need think about a DSLR!
We disliked
You only get Basic Operating Instructions in the box, you have to get the more in-depth manual from the supplied CD.
When taking photos using the flash, we had to be careful composing our shots square on to our subjects, otherwise we got nasty shadows appearing across the sides of our images.
And as the flash is to the top right side of the lens, this means when taking very tight shots (macro close-ups for instance) and flash, if you angle the camera to the right, you could shadow appearing from the lens itself. A small point, but an important one nonetheless.
We also didn't like the high noise levels above ISO 200.
Verdict
Small enough to slip into a shirt top pocket and light enough to go unnoticed in a handbag, the DMC-ZX1 is an ideal camera to take with you to get some happy snaps. It's impressive that Panasonic's managed to fit in so much when you consider the DMC-ZX1 is so small – 97.8x54.6x26.0mm to be precise.
It's also worth noting the DMC-ZX1 is also available in blue, red or black as well as traditional silver – a colour choice for everyone then.
Follow TechRadar Reviews on Twitter: http://twitter.com/techradarreview
