-
Introduction
-
01.Testing / Performance
-
02.Physical Tour
-
03.Components
-
04.Design / Layout
-
05.Modes
-
06.Control Options
-
07.Image Parameters
-
08.Connectivity / Extras
-
09.Overall Impressions
-
10.Conclusion
-
11.Specs / Ratings
-
12.Comments
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 K and S
Previous: Page 9
Overall ImpressionsNext: Page 11
Specs / RatingsLikes
- Lens controls are excellent
- Image stabilization system
- Easy to use
- 12x optical zoom range
-Viewfinder has too much contrast
- Regular autofocus is slow and unsure
- Fast autofocus freezes the viewfinder display
- Images are VERY noisy
- Wish there were an ISO 800 or 1600 option (and that it would be usable on the FZ30)
Conclusion
The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is an appealing camera, for users who can avoid the camera's poor noise performance. These are users who plan to make small prints where noise is less of an issue, and who do not need high ISO ratings. The camera is slow to operate – focusing time, shutter lag, and image writing cause enough delay to miss shots in hectic situations. At $700, the FZ30 is priced as close to entry level DSLRs as it is to compact cameras, thought it has much more in common with the compacts – it shoots video, it has an extensive range of scene modes, it has a live display with a live histogram; it is also slow and its small imaging sensor gives rise to noisy images. Its DSLR-like features are pretty limited: it has a wide range of focal lengths, and it has excellent manual controls. For the casual photographer who demands a long telephoto – and the image stabilization that makes it useful – switching up from a small compact to the FZ30 is going to feel like an impressive upgrade. For photographers who really want to grow into the medium with excellent image quality, action shooting capabilities, or with wide angle views, the FZ30 is going to be a constraining tool in short order.
Shop for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 K and S
Latest News
& Reviews
-
10-Feb-2012
Nikon Coolpix L810 First Impressions Review
Nikon’s L810 is a AA-powered ultrazoom that somehow manages 26x for under $300. Some cost-cutting efforts have certainly been made, and controls are quite simplified, but for the right user this could be an ideal camera. Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Canon PowerShot A810 First Impressions Review
Designed for absolute novice point-and-shooters, the $109 A810 holds up the bottom-end of the PowerShot lineup. Read More...
Top Rated Point & Shoots
-
$459.991Panasonic Lumix FZ150
Excellent image quality, speedy performance, and a great design add up to the best superzoom that has ever graced our labs. That distinction seems to change hands every week, but trust us when we say that the FZ150 is a truly great camera. Read full 16-part review
$459.99TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$378.892Canon PowerShot SX40 HS
Canon's SX30 got a CMOS makeover that resulted in the SX40 HS, an impressive ultrazoom that captures beautiful shots in almost any scenario. Read full 16-part review
$378.89TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$427.953Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
This professionally-geared ultrazoom offers some of the best color accuracy we've ever seen. It's a shame the other scores weren't quite so strong. Read full 16-part review
$427.95TypesUltra-ZoomAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels16.8 MP -
$314.954Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47
Panasonic resists the urge to cram more megapixels and more focal length into their latest ultrazoom. The FZ47 instead focuses on image quality and features, resulting in an incredibly strong camera that we loved shooting with. Read full 16-part review
$314.95TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels -
$417.005Canon PowerShot S100
Canon's PowerShot S100 improves on the popular S95 and takes its place at the top of the point-and-shoot food chain. Read full 16-part review
$417.00TypesAny Zoom3,5.13.1x to 5x Zoom5.1,105.1x to 9.9x Zoom10,10x & Larger ZoomAny Megapixels0,8< 8 Megapixels8,108 to 10 Megapixels10,> 10 Megapixels
Features
-
DigitalCameraInfo New Year's Giveaway
Check back every day for the rest of 2011 to see what we’re adding to the grand prize package. It all starts with the Sony NEX-5N and ends with over $4000 in prizes! Read More...
-
DigitalCameraInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After a year of tireless testing and deliberation, we’ve made our selections for the very best cameras of 2011. Read More...
(add your own)