Panasonic's slim 8x zoom compact — 12MP CCD, 25-200mm Leica lens, Power OIS; sold as ZR1 in the US.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZX1 was launched in 2009 as a new slimline zoom compact line sitting between the FX fashion compacts and the TZ travel-zooms. ZX1 was the European and Japanese name; the same camera sold in North America as the Lumix DMC-ZR1. It was one of the first Lumix models with Panasonic's Power OIS stabilisation.
The ZX1 combined a 12.1-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD with a newly developed Leica DC Vario-Elmar 8x zoom spanning 25-200mm equivalent at f/3.3-5.9, kept compact through very thin aspherical lens elements in a 26mm-deep body. It carried a 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD, shutter speeds from 60s to 1/2000s, Extra Optical Zoom to an effective 15.6x at reduced resolution, and a battery rated at around 330 shots per CIPA. Storage used SD/SDHC cards.
It appealed to buyers who wanted more reach than a typical pocket compact without stepping up to the chunkier TZ series, and its 25mm wide end made it flexible for street scenes and interiors. Controls were fully automated with Intelligent Auto; there are no manual exposure modes.
When buying used, confirm the proprietary battery holds charge and an original or reputable charger is included. Exercise the 8x zoom through its range listening for grinding, check for lens errors on startup, and inspect the LCD and lens front element for wear. UK listings sometimes use the US ZR1 name, so search both designations when comparing prices.