The DMC-ZS7 is the new top-of-the-line compact 12x megazoom from Panasonic Lumix, substituting the well-liked DMC-ZS3, and boasting some new additions including a built-in GPS.

Though the 12x f3.3-4.9 25-300mm-equivalent lens of the ZS7 is the same as that of the earlier model, the new camera features the AVCHD Lite file format; the stereo mic; and manual controls for adjusting exposure, shutter speed, and aperture.

The GPS addition will provide latitude and longitude to the Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) data of the ZS7, as well as display the information pertaining to real-time location while shooting and playback. Moreover, the GPS will help the internal clock of the camera to make an automatic adjustment to the local time.

The internal memory of the camera will essentially be a storehouse of as many as 500,000 landmarks across 73 countries. These landmarks will be displayed on the 3-inch, 460K-dot LCD of the camera while it is clicked, and will be tagged in the data.

The other notable features of the ZS7 include Panasonic’s Sonic Speed AF for improved shooting performance and Power OIS image stabilizer. In addition, equipped with the new ‘Intelligent Resolution’ image-processing technology, the shots from the ZS7 camera boast improved outlines; detailed texture areas; and soft gradation resulting from the use of its innovative ‘Intelligent Zoom’ feature.