In our second head-to-head review, we compare two popular super-zooms: the $489.95 (online), 8-megapixel Panasonic Lumix FZ30 and the $559.95 (online), 9-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S9000. Comparing the two cameras should help shoppers choose between the two, along with pointing out the advantages and limitations of the super-zoom format – particularly in contrast with comparably-priced inexpensive digital SLRs. The FZ30 and S9000 take different approaches to the super-zoom form; the FZ30 banks on an optically stabilized 35-420mm (equivalent) zoom lens, while the S9000 provides a 28-300mm (equivalent) zoom lens with high sensitivity settings, extending up to ISO 1600. This review examines the pros and cons of each approach and indicates where one may fall short of the other.
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Review overview - Advantage chart
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Panasonic FZ30
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Fujifilm S9000
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METERING/EXPOSURE/
FOCUS
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Metering
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X
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Exposure
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X
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Focus
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Manual Focus
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X
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Auto focus
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X
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STILL IMAGING PERFORMANCE / IMAGE QUALITY
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Speed/Timing
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Start-up to First Shot
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X
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Shot to Shot
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X
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Shutter to Shot
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X
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Resolution
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Maximum Aperture: Resolution
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X
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Corner Sharpness
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X
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Focal Range
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X
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Image Stabilization vs. High ISO
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X
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Color Fringing
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X
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Moiré
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X
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Distortion
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X
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Noise/High ISO Performance
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X
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Low Light /Long Exposures
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X
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Dynamic Range
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X
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Color
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X
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White Balance
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X
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Portrait
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X
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RAW Files
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X
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VIDEO CAPTURE
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Control Options
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X
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Motion / Compression
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X
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Auto focus
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X
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Metering
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X
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Color
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X
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Low Light Performance
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X
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Audio
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X
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COMPONENTS
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Viewfinder
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X
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LCD screen
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X
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Flash
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X
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Battery
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X
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Lens
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X
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Macro
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X
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MODEL DESIGN / PHYSICAL TOUR
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Model Design /Appearance
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X
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Handling
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X
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Front
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X
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Back
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X
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Sides
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X
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Top
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X
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Bottom
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X
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