Value (8.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is more expensive than its predecessor but the extra $50 is worth the upgrades. The older camera has a 12x lens, 7.2 megapixels, and is missing some of the newer technology like face detection and Intelligent Auto mode. The new FZ18 has 8 megapixels and an 18x optical zoom lens. Its long lens puts it at the top of the market but its price remains relatively low. There are two other 18x ultra-zoom cameras currently on the market; the Olympus SP-560UZ retails for $499 and the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd sells for $399. The Panasonic FZ18 still has competition, but is priced to sell – not to impress.
Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 – The FZ8 is the older sibling of the FZ18 and it looks very similar. It has 7.2 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom lens, which have been clearly upgraded on the FZ18. The FZ8 has the same Manual modes and many of the Scene modes, although it doesn’t have the advanced Scene modes that are included in the newer model. The FZ8 has optical image stabilization and the same Burst mode. It also shoots RAW files and is powered by the same lithium-ion battery. It does not have face detection and its ISO range tops out at 1250, below the FZ18’s 1600 at full-resolution. The Panasonic FZ8 has the same electronic viewfinder and 2.5-inch LCD screen. The FZ8 was outperformed by the new FZ18 in almost every way; it has less resolution, less accurate colors, more noise and less dynamic range. It retails for $349.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS – The 8-megapixel Canon S5 can’t compete with the FZ18’s lens as this PowerShot has only a 36-432mm (equivalent) 12x optical zoom lens. It isn’t as wide and can’t reach as far, but it is fully functional in the Movie mode. That is just one of the reasons why the Canon S5 makes a better hybrid camera-camcorder choice. It records 640 x 480-pixel movies at 30 fps and even manages to pull off proper exposure. The optical image stabilization system keeps bumps out of videos, and there is a wind filter to keep extraneous noise out of the audio. The audio however, is much better quality than on the FZ18: users can choose a sampling rate, but the finest quality audio on the S5 sounds very clear and can be picked up from several meters away. It also helps that the sound is recorded in stereo, as opposed to the FZ18’s mono. The Canon S5 has a similarly sized 2.5-inch LCD screen with the same disappointing 207,000-pixel resolution. The Canon’s LCD folds out and rotates though, and has wider viewing angles without pushing any special buttons. The Canon PowerShot S5 IS also has a hot shoe for flashes to be attached. The S5 retails for $499.
Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd – These specs sound familiar: 8 megapixels, 18x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and face detection. It has a wider 27-486mm lens that is controlled by a similar zoom ring. It has full manual controls and 15 Scene modes along with a 640 x 480-pixel Movie mode that shoots 30 frames per second. The S8000fd does not record widescreen movies though. It has a better 2.5-inch LCD screen because of its 230,000-pixel resolution. It also has more internal memory with 58MB as well as being compatible with xD-Picture, SD, and SDHC memory cards. It runs on four AA batteries, which add some heft but are more convenient to find. The Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd sells for $399.
Olympus SP-560UZ – This digital camera also has an 18x optical zoom lens, but it is 1mm wider. Unfortunately, the lens isn’t very functional in the SP-560’s Movie mode. It locks unless the audio is turned off – but who wants silent movies? The 8-megapixel ultra-zoom digital camera has optical image stabilization and face detection technology. It also has a 2.5-inch LCD screen with smoother 230,000-pixel resolution. The SP-560 has manual controls but they are accessible only in menus; there isn’t a joystick or jog dial to quickly scroll through the options. The Olympus SP-560UZ can shoot RAW files and can even edit RAW files in the Playback mode. It is powered by four AA batteries, comes with 47MB of internal memory, accepts xD-Picture cards up to only 2GB, and retails for a pricey $499.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 – For $30 more, users can get a lot more features. The 8.1-megapixel Sony H9 has a full set of manual controls and automated modes including advanced Scene modes similar to those on the FZ18. The H9 has an advanced Sports mode that combines fast shutter speeds with its tracking 9-point auto focus system. This ultra-zoom camera has a 15x optical zoom lens, an optical image stabilization system, and a 3-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels. The LCD folds out and tilts. The electronic viewfinder is smaller but has better resolution. The H9’s ISO range extends to 3200 in full resolution and it boasts HD output, a NightShot infrared system for photographing in no-light situations, and HD slide shows with music. The Sony H9 also has an optical image stabilization system that works well and a face detection system. The Panasonic does beat it in a few areas besides the length of the zoom lens: the Sony has a weaker 250-shot battery and runs only on pricier Memory Stick Duo media. The Sony H9 retails for $429.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Ultra-zoom digital cameras aren’t as pocket-friendly but still have automated modes for point-and-shooters. The FZ18 probably isn’t their first choice, but they would enjoy the ample zoom and Auto mode.
Budget Consumers – The $399 price scares away most budget consumers.
Gadget Freaks – Optical image stabilization and face detection are cool features, but are included on so many recent digital cameras that these picky consumers are hardly impressed anymore.
Manual Control Freaks – The joystick could be an annoyance, but the FZ18 has all the right stuff for these consumers.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – The FZ18 could perhaps be a backup of a backup camera, but without interchangeable lenses it won’t be the main attraction for this group.
