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Although there's no real like-for-like rivals for the TG7 as yet, it does outperform similarly styled competitors like the Sanyo VPC-HD2000. It's also more compact than Canon's LEGRIA HF20, and while the JVC Everio GZ-X900 trumps it on some specifications, overall the TG7 is perhaps the stronger contender.
We liked:
The video performance is full of positives: images are dripping in detail and, for the most, colours are spot-on (reds look a bit too orange for us, at times). The autofocus system is rock solid and only the most complex of scenes will cause it any trouble.
Even the audio results, often an area where camcorders falter, are to be applauded and across a variety of recording situations the TG7 managed to deliver crisp speech, and rich, varied tones when playing back music recordings.
We didn't like:
It's a little disappointing that the TG7's highest photo resolution results in just 4MP images, and that when taking stills in simultaneous video/photo mode that you are restricted to 2.3MP shots. But we don't' think these are necessarily deal clinchers or deal breakers.
Verdict:
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It's actually the price and the need (or not) for GPS that will define the TG7. It is a compact, versatile and reliable movie and stills shooter, and as an all-rounder is undoubtedly one of the best on the market. We're just wondering what kind of (GPS) reception it will receive from consumers!