Review Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
Review Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30
Panasonic’s DMC-FZ30 is an eight-megapixel all-in-one ‘bridge’ camera with a powerful 12x optical zoom lens and SLR-like styling. Like other long-zoom bridge cameras, Panasonic’s aiming the FZ30 at buyers of budget digital SLRs, with key advantages including LCD-based composition using a flip-out screen, movie mode and of course a lens with a considerably longer focal range than the typical 3x kit SLR lenses.
Panasonic’s 8 megapixel Lumix DMC-FZ30 has been reviewed at Imaging Resource and they write. “Without a doubt, the Panasonic FZ30 is one of the stronger entries at the top end of the “enthusiast” all-in-one digital camera range. Its performance and specs may not quite match those of typical digital SLRs, but when you consider the superb optical quality of its image-stabilized 12x Leica zoom len, you’d have to pay literally a couple of thousand dollars to match its reach with a SLR body and kit of two or three zoom lenses.
Much of what made the FZ20 such a popular camera remains, however, there are some significant changes, many of which address concerns voiced by users and reviewers of the FZ20. The FZ30 has a new 12x optical zoom lens which features a mechanically-linked zoom ring, manual focus ring (electronic), full internal zoom and focus (non-extending) and several improvements to the control layout. The FZ30’s 8 million pixel CCD is also very slightly larger than that of the FZ20, (approximately 1.75 mm larger diagonally), and the FZ30 also now provides a RAW capture option, which promises more flexibility in image processing for the more advanced photographer.
Along with CCD size and total effective pixels, the FZ30 also has enhanced its excellence in other features: addition of a manual zoom ring to the manual focus ring, which was very popular in the FZ20; easy-to-see free-angle LCD; and adjustable dials for the aperture and shutter speed controls. Both the LCD and EVF have had their resolution increased by about 180%, offering a sharp, clear view. All these complete the FZ30 in the resulting picture quality and operationality.
The newly developed 8-Megapixel CCD is compatible with the 9-pixel mixed readout¡¡method, so now moving pictures with dramatically increased brightness can be recorded at 30 fps in VGA size, previously only recordable in QVGA. This technology is used for the LCD monitoring to provide a bright and clear view so subjects can be seen easily, even in low-light situations.
And by considerable, we’re not kidding: the FZ30’s 12x lens has an optical range equivalent to 35-420mm on a 35mm camera. This takes you from a reasonably wide angle to an incredible telephoto - and better still, unlike its predecessor, the FZ30’s lens doesn’t extend.
Similar in design to the FZ20 the FZ30’s lens barrel is shifted over slightly and the hand grip has been made larger, there are also more controls available on the camera body. Other changes include a higher resolution flip-down LCD monitor and control dials front and rear. Full details of changes are shown below.
Of course, it’s hard to hold any lens with this kind of magnification in your hand, so to combat any camera-shake the FZ30’s equipped with Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) facility - this should allow you to hand-hold shots at much slower shutter speeds than normal.
High resolution free style LCD and EVF The free-angle LCD is angle-adjustable to support comfortable shooting even in high- and low-angle shooting positions. With resolution increased by 180% compared to the FZ20, both LCD and EVF boast 235 k pixels, which realizes more comfortable operation when checking points such as the focus of details. Also, real time histogram and composition guidelines are displayed over the image on both the LCD or EVF. The high-resolution LCD and EVF allow the display of images even in tiny thumbnail size. Playback of 9, 16 or 25 is possible on a multi-split screen in addition to the normal 1 frame playback. This helps you to search for the image you want out of a number stored on the SD Memory Card, even the images are in bulk. The swivel LCD can be stored with the LCD surface on the inside to prevent scratching and damage.
It’s an impressive specification for a low price, but the FZ30 has tough competition from other long-zoom call-in-one cameras, including Fujifilm’s FinePix S9500/S9000. Sony’s Cybershot DSC-R1, while not having as long a zoom, is also a key rival.
The FZ30’s ISO 400 photos are a little rough when printed at 8×10 inches (albeit usable for wall display), but look just fine when printed at 5×7 inches. ISO 200 shots look fine at 8×10. With a full range of exposure control modes, including a full manual setting and no less than 14 preset “Scene” modes, the DMC-FZ30 is an approachable camera for both novices and more experienced users alike. Bottom line, the Panasonic Lumix FZ30 is a very strong player at the upper end of the all-in-one digital camera field, and represents an excellent bargain for anyone interested in a long zoom range, optical stabilization, high resolution, and responsive performance.”
Then there are the budget digital SLRs. The Panasonic may have an stabilised long zoom lens, flippable live screen and a lower price, but in their favour, budget digital SLRs should boast lower noise levels, superior manual focusing and of course the ability to swap lenses.