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September 21, 2009
[REVIEW—PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FZ35]
Price: $770
One more evolutionary step
The low-down: This 12 megapixel super zoom has an image stabilised 27–486mm (film equivalent) Leica-branded lens. It is the usual pseudo SLR form with an electronic viewfinder. It is marketed as a hybrid camera with as much emphasis on its high definition video functions, including Dolby stereo sound, as with its still capabilities. Construction quality is high and camera controls are reasonably accessible and intuitive. Video is activated with a single dedicated button, much faster than having to turn a mode wheel. There are the expected features of face recognition, “intelligent” auto mode and a type of high dynamic range setting to improve retention of detail in shadows and highlights.
Like: The lens is really quite extraordinary, in spite of its absurd specifications. Auto focus is fast, even when the lens is at its longest focal length. And resolution and sharpness are surprisingly good at 486mm – or, put another way, not as bad as expected. Image stabilisation is effective, even at the longer zoom extensions. At modest zoom lengths the lens is outstanding in every way.
Dislike: Image noise is perplexing. In default mode, straight from the box, noise reduction is activated and its effect is unpleasant, even at ISO200. When NR is turned off the images are clean and sharp, at least when exposure is spot on. If the picture is slightly underexposed noise is an issue. Consequently we got some of the cleanest photos from the FZ35, but also some surprisingly grainy ones.
Verdict: This camera certainly has the numbers. 12 megapixels. 18X zoom. All for $770, that has to be good, doesn't it? So why does Panasonic charge $830 for the Lumix LX3 which sports a mere 10 megapixels, a 2.5X zoom and no eye-level viewfinder? And why is that camera so popular that the company cannot make enough to meet demand? Do the words “free” and “lunch” spring to mind?
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Posted by terry at September 21, 2009 05:24 PM
