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November 24, 2005
[ REVIEW—PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FZ30 ]
Price: $1100
Rating: 4 stars
The low-down: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 digital camera has an 8.0 megapixel sensor and a 12x Optical Zoom with an “extended optical zoom” function (the recorded area on the sensor is reduced to, in effect, increase the focal length of the lens -- it’s a clever trade off of pixels for extra magnification).
The Leica f2.8–3.7 zoom lens has a range from 35–420mm, film equivalent, and is image stabilised. It is a magnificent piece of optics delivering good resolution, contrast and colour.
What makes this lens special is that it has manual focus and zoom rings and the overall dimensions of the lens remain constant throughout the zoom range. This is the mark of a superior lens. There are still some functions on a camera that ought to be analogue and lens control is one.
The viewfinder should also be analogue and here the FZ30 fails. It has an electronic viewfinder which has the usual low resolution display that gives no information about the distribution of tones in the image.
The swivelling LCD screen, however, is exceptional in resolution and accuracy of image rendition.
The FZ30 produces images with amazing detail and excellent exposure and white balance.
Like some other Panasonic cameras (and the Leica models made by Panasonic) there is more picture noise than in other brands.
Like this: The combination of Leica lens, image stabilisation and 8 mp sensor produces high resolution images. We made A3+ prints from pictures taken with the FZ30 and they show great detail and good tonal range.
Dislike that: The absence of an optical viewfinder is a pity. Picture noise is present at all ISO speeds.
Parting shot: The Panasonic Lumix FZ30 is in the camera category occupied by the Canon Powershot Pro 1 and the forthcoming Sony DSC-R1. The competition is stiff and the Sony also has manual zoom and focus rings. The Sony has features that make it the killer in the category, but it will be more expensive. Shop carefully!
Posted by terry at November 24, 2005 07:51 AM
Comments
Hey you can't have an Optical viewfinder in a camera with 8MP 12X /EZ5 15X / or EZ3 19X zoom and frame with accuracy only a DSLR can do this
The FZ30 is a quantumn leap in non DSLR cameras and with Ultra zoom that can zoom up to 19.1 times very cool.
Posted by: John Smith at December 11, 2005 08:21 PM