-
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 7
Image ParametersNext: Page 9
Overall ImpressionsConnectivity
Software (6.0)
The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 comes with PHOTOfunSTUDIO, a Windows-compatible image viewer, and PhotoBase2.5 and PhotoImpression 5 for Macintosh. The programs allow browsing and sorting, printing, resizing for email, and limited editing. PhotoImpression builds albums, slide shows, and web pages as well. The programs have simple, clear interfaces, but as editors, they are vastly inferior to Adobe Photoshop. The FZ30 is not really an entry level camera, and is meant to appeal to photographers who want to improve their work. The software is not powerful enough to support that kind of development.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (7.0)
The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 offers full-speed USB 2.0 for file transfers and printing, analog video out, and mono audio out. It also has jacks for a 3-volt external power supply and an electronic remote control. It has a hot shoe for an external flash.
Direct Print Options (6.0)
The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is DPOF and PictBridge compatible, which means that the user can select images to print and make specifications about the print order for either PictBridge compatible desktop printers, or DPOF compatible labs. The
user can choose to imprint the date on the images, set the paper size, the number of prints to make, and the layout of the print on the page. This is a full-featured implementation of DPOF/PictBridge printing. Battery (7.0)
The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 uses a custom lithium-ion battery pack which supplies 7.2 volts with a 730 mAh capacity. We find that lithium-ion powered cameras typically last longer between charges than nickel metal hydride-powered cameras. The tradeoff is that NiMH cameras can usually take AA cells, which are cheap and widely available. We still prefer the technology that Panasonic chose for the FZ30.
Memory (3.0)
The FZ30 does not have built-in memory, but according to the specs it ships with a 32MB SD card. We received a 16MB card with our sample. Both 16 and 32 MB are pathetically small for an 8 megapixel camera. The typical user needs at least a 256MB card.
Flipbook mode - The FZ30 is equipped to make stop-motion animations. Turn on this mode, shoot a series of images, and they'll be saved as a 320 x 240-resolution animation.
Self-Timer - The FZ30's self-timer can be set to 2 or 10 seconds, via the left button on the four-way controller.
Auto Bracket - The FZ30 can take three images, one at the metered exposure and one above and below the reading. The bracket can be up to a full stop above or below, and can be set in 1/3-stop increments.
Live Histogram – This is one particular advantage of the FZ30 unmatched by DSLRs. Because of the FZ30’s ability to provide a live preview, a live histogram can be incorporated into the interface, offering exposure information in real time.
Extended Zoom – With the expansive zoom range of the FZ30’s lens and its high resolution images, Panasonic has provided users with another means of control. Users in need of some extended telephoto (beyond the camera’s provided 420mm) can drop the resolution down and get a boost to their zoom. The smaller the recorded images, the more zoom users will have to work with.
Shop for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 K and S
Latest News
& Reviews
-
11-Feb-2012
Olympus TG-820 First Impressions Review
The Olympus TG-820 is a waterproof camera that both looks and feels like a tough-cam should. Read More...
-
10-Feb-2012
Sigma DP2 Merrill First Impressions Review
Sigma is back with a new high-end compact camera with a 46-megapixel Foveon X3 APS-C sensor. With image quality promised to be on the level of their $6000 SD1, can the new DP2 Merrill compete with the Fuji X100? 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 -
$378.992Canon 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
$378.99TypesAny 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 -
$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)