Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 Digital Camera Review

by Patrick Singleton
Published on October 21, 2005

Navigation
Intro	Testing / Performance
Physical Tour	Components
Design / Layout	Modes
Control Options	Image Parameters
Connectivity / Extras	Overall Impressions
Conclusion	Specs / Ratings

 

Likes

- Well-designed controls - Lens controls are excellent - Image stabilization system - Easy to use - 12x optical zoom range

Dislikes

-Slow operation -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.