Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 Review

Click on the Lumix FZ30 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The DMC-FZ30 continues Panasonic's "super zoom" series with an 8-megapixel, 12x optical zoom (35-420mm equivalent) with MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and both automatic and manual controls.

The 12x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens, which has appeared in all of the FZ series cameras from Panasonic, has undergone further development to ensure more superb picture rendering. Along with the CCD size and total effective pixels, the FZ30 also has enhanced and added a host of other features: a manual zoom ring along with a manual focus ring; an easy-to-see, free-moving LCD; and adjustable dials for the aperture and shutter speed controls. Both the LCD and the electronic viewfinder have had their resolution increased by about 180 percent, offering a sharp, clear view.

The FZ30 combines high-speed and high-quality image processing with the Venus Engine II LSI. It boasts quick responsiveness with best-in-class level release time lag of 0.01 seconds. Adopting a non-collapsible lens has substantially reduced start up time from about five seconds to about 0.97 seconds. Autofocus time in 1-point high-speed AF has been reduced to a quarter of the level achieved in Panasonic's DMC-FZ20 (based on the CIPA standard).

Two rings on the lens barrel of the FZ30 provide manual control of zoom and focus, allowing quick and fine control that typically can't be achieved with button controls. Shutter speed and aperture controls area also very easy and quick to adjust with dials. Shutter speed can be set from 1/2000 to 60 seconds and the aperture from F2.8 to F11 to meet a wide range of shooting conditions. The AE lock button, a new control, is convenient for taking multiple shots at the same exposure setting regardless of subject color conditions.

In addition to advanced features are great enhancements to basic functionality. A newly developed lithium-ion battery has increased capacity, allowing for up to 280 images with one charge. There are also 14 scene modes for beginning photographers, including five news modes: Baby, Soft Skin, Food, Starry Sky and Candle. Each scene has its own help screen to describe the affect and advise the photographer on how to get the best shot possible.

Major DMC-FZ30 Features:

• 8-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 3264 x 2448 pixels
• Leica DC-VARIO ELMARIT 12x zoom, equivalent to 35-420mm on a 35mm camera
• Optical image stabilization to help prevent camera shake and blurring
• Venus Engine II LSI for robust camera operations
• Mega Burst continuous capture @ 3 or 2fps up to 7 images (4 in Fine mode)
• Macro focus with autofocus down to 1.9 inches
• 2-inch free-angle TFT color LCD monitor
• Eye level color electronic viewfinder with dioptric adjustment
• Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and 14 Scene modes
• High Speed and Low Speed Continuous, AE Bracketing and Timelapse modes
• 640x480 QuickTime movies, 30fps or 10fps w/audio
• Shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 60 seconds (Shutter priority and Manual modes)
• Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow synchro and red-eye reduction modes
• Intelligent Multiple and Spot exposure metering
• TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
• Secure Digital memory card slot, 32MB card included
• Plug-n-Play USB, Mass Storage compliant
• PictBridge Direct-Print compatible
• Li-ion rechargeable battery and rapid charger included