The Lumix DMC-ZS1 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera with iA Mode and 25mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom. Just set the camera to iA mode, aim and shoot. The camera does all the rest. It automatically determines the most suitable Scene mode and helps correct blurring, focus, and brightness problems. With iA mode, it's easy to get beautiful, clear results. In the ZS1, iA mode cannot be used when shooting motion images. The ZS1 packs a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 12x optical zoom into a compact body. This versatile photographic tool lets you shoot everything from sweeping vistas at the 25mm wide-angle setting to dynamic 300mm telephoto shots. And the lens system's exquisite rendering ability lets you capture even the subtle nuances of the sights and scenes in your travels.
The Panasonic TZ series represents brilliant little pocket superzooms. The build quality is excellent and the lens resolution and performance is ideal for the designed purpose ie as a traveller's camera.
But with a little more development it could be so much more. As an old school camera user I cannot adapt satisfactorily to the LCD screen viewfinder and in bright light, no matter what anyone says it is hopeless.
There is a niche there waiting to be opened for a fixed pocket/compact superzoom with an electronic viewfinder bunged on the top.
Sure it would be bigger than the TZ is presently but for those of us who cannot afford a Leica M digital this would be the answer. It could be pitched as a kind of digital replacement for the Leica/Minolta CL and could be given a classic retro style. The Canon G series has the right idea but they lack the fantastic Leica optics. At Panasonic prices I'm sure such a compact would sell by the shedload.
