Value (7.75)
With a $349 retail price, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 is fairly priced. It is somewhat surprising that it is priced the same as the FZ7; the FZ8 has so many upgrades that it should be priced higher or the FZ7 priced lower. Either way, the Panasonic FZ8 provides a great set of features at a decent price.
Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 – This digital camera is one step under the FZ8 in the Lumix line, but sells at the same $349 retail price. That logic isn’t quite clear though, because the new FZ8 seems to have many more improvements and no drawbacks. The Panasonic FZ7 has 6 megapixels and the same 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. The cameras have the same chunky SLR-shaped body with the exact same dimensions and weight. They have the same pop-up flash units and electronic viewfinders. Both have a 2.5-inch LCD screen, but the older FZ7 has only 114,000 pixels. They have the same manual, priority, and automatic modes. They have similar scene modes, but the FZ7 does not have Pet or Sunset presets. Also, both cameras have a High Sensitivity mode but the FZ7’s isn’t quite as sensitive: the FZ8 uses ISO 3200 and the FZ7 uses ISO 1600. Its manual ISO range extends only to 400 in full resolution. The FZ7 can’t shoot RAW files, but it can shoot TIFF files. It doesn’t have a custom self-timer, internal memory, or compatibility with SDHC cards. It is also less efficient with its battery, getting about 320 shots per charge compared to the FZ8’s 380 shots. Considering all this, the FZ8 seems to be the clear winner if the cameras truly are priced the same.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS – With the same level of manual to automatic functionality, the Canon S3 IS offers more features to consumers who want a hybrid ultra-zoom digital camera. It has 6 megapixels and a stabilized 12x optical zoom lens along with dual shooting buttons for movies and still images. This way, users can snap full-resolution pictures in the middle of a movie. There are no widescreen movies like on the FZ8, but television-quality 640 x 480 and 320 x 240-pixel sizes are available. The optical zoom is fully functional while recording video and the camera records stereo audio simultaneously. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS has more picture effects with its My Colors mode and a faster 2.3 fps burst mode. It is compatible with SD, SDHC, and MMC cards, but it can’t record more than 1GB of video at a time. It runs on four AA batteries that make it quite heavy and run out after only 110 shots on an alkaline set. The Canon S3 IS can be found online for about $300.
Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS – The Kodak Z712 is a cheaper ultra-zoom option. It has 7.1 megapixels and a 12x lens complemented by an optical image stabilization system. For $299, consumers can get the same variety of manual, priority, automatic, and scene modes – although the manual controls on the Z712 are lacking. There is no manual white balance setting and the other controls are typical of a cheaper compact digital camera. The Z712 has a smaller viewfinder with better resolution, and the same-sized LCD screen but with worse resolution at 115,000 pixels. The camera body is similarly sized but weighs much less because of its plastic body. The burst mode is decent at 2 fps. This digital camera accepts SD memory cards and has 32MB of internal memory as well. Its handling, interface, and features aren’t as nice as the Panasonic FZ8’s, but the price reflects that.
Olympus SP-550UZ – This digital camera is much more expensive at $499, but comes with the lofty designation of having the world’s longest lens on a compact camera. Sure enough, it has an 18x optical zoom lens with Olympus’s first optical image stabilization system. The lens moves with impressive ease, but not while recording video and audio. In the movie mode, users have to choose between audio or zoom – you can’t have it all with the Olympus SP-550UZ. The 7.1-megapixel camera has an electronic viewfinder and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with better resolution at 230,000 pixels. It has a guide mode with tutorials for beginners and a host of manual controls for advanced users. Like the Panasonic FZ8, it can shoot RAW and JPEG files – although the Olympus can shoot both simultaneously.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 – With 7.2 megapixels, a 12x optical zoom lens and an optical image stabilization system, the H5 has a lot in common with the Panasonic FZ8. The price tag is the biggest difference: the Sony H5 costs $449. The H5 does have some improved features, but a hundred dollars more is still asking a lot. The Cyber-shot has manual and priority modes that have similar aperture ranges, but a shorter shutter speed range 30 to1/1000th of a second. There are only seven scene modes including a high sensitivity mode that uses ISO 1000. The Sony H5 has a 3-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels; the camera runs on rechargeable NiMH batteries and can get 340 shots with the included set. The H5 has 32MB of internal memory, but requires a Memory Stick Pro Duo card in order to get the full 30 fps on the movies. There isn’t a widescreen movie mode, but the 12x optical zoom is fully functional while recording – something the Panasonic FZ8 can’t do. The H5’s burst mode is quite pedestrian at 1.1 fps. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 has some hits and misses, with its price being one of the misses.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These consumers will appreciate the simple and scene modes and the intuitive nature of the camera’s interface. The 12x lens offers plenty of zoom for good candid shots too.
Budget Consumers – For a camera with manual and automatic functions, a 12x stabilized lens, and solid components, the Panasonic FZ8 certainly isn’t overpriced. Its $349 price is borderline for budget consumers, who will snatch up this camera if they can get their hands on a rebate or coupon.
Gadget Freaks – The Panasonic FZ8 will leave gadget freaks relatively unimpressed. There’s just not much to show off besides the long lens and its optical image stabilization system.
Manual Control Freaks – The controls are there and can be accessed with a tiny joystick. Manual freaks will appreciate the vast white balance options and the ability to set the shutter speed and aperture, but may miss the control dial setup typically on SLRs.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – This audience probably won’t give the FZ8 a serious look because the lens and flash can’t be changed. The camera can accept conversion lenses, though, so there’s a possibility someone would pick it up as a backup model.
