The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ30 is definitely the replacement for Panasonic's well liked DMC FZ20 which ended up at the end of 2004. The FZ30 improves on that camera in a whole lot of way, specially in quality and ergonomics.

I'll mention the downside first. Despite a rise in resolution from 5 to 8 megapixels, the quality doesn't have improved all that much. Panasonic's new 8 megapixel chip is pretty noisy (which equates to "grainy" in film cameras) and overall the images won't look improved in a given print size as opposed to the old, 5mp camera. This is simply not to imply the photos are unacceptable they can be good, believe it or not, with the exception of pictures used low light but rather that in case you have a 5mp camera, you ought not rush to order an 8 megapixel and expect great improvements. The detail while in the shots, however, is definitely good.

With that into position, every thing else with regards to camera has improved to some quite incredible degree. When someone does seem like Panasonic followed their customer response and fixed most everything they didn't like.

The camera might be a larger than the FZ20, so that it is quite hefty larger than some SLR cameras, in fact, although a SLR that has a comparable lens might be a greater. Additionally , it is not light, at about one and a half pounds. This does imply custom made steady and hold, however it is not even close to a pocket camera.

The lens is totally new, and in contrast to that with the FZ20, won't retract or move during focussing or zooming every one of the movement is internal. Therefore lightweight much more sealed and solid feeling, and results in making start up times commendably fast. Unlike the last model, zooming is finished which has a ring for the lens as a traditional camera, rather than by using a motor and rocker switch. This uses a little becoming familiar with if you are using other unwanted cameras, but soon becomes second nature and far quicker compared to a motor. In manual focus mode, the lens may be focussed with another lens mounted ring. The display shows a zoomed in area to compliment manual focussing, and I found this feature quite usable.

The zoom range is 35 420mm (35mm camera equivalent), which can be more or less identical to the prior camera and gives a 12x range. This kind of any telephoto reach as they are practicable to hand hold and reveal a clear picture, in spite of image stabilization. If you want more, Panasonic sells an add on lens giving all the more reach, but I'd advise a tripod. You're certainly going to desire more wide angle, in my view, and another conversion lens is out there for those.

Unlike the last camera, the lens hasn't got a constant F2.8 aperture, but gives F2.8 on the wide end and F3.7 along the long end. This is often still wonderful; clearly, some compromise must be made.

Overall, the development feels extra solid and high quality as opposed to the FZ20. The hand grip is improved, being further and easier to maintain, along with location with the shutter button is improved upon. The FZ20 always felt a small amount of fragile, this type of camera would not.

The LCD screen is quite a bit improved, and from now on is usually a flip down and twist model, meaning it is folded inward to guard it, or folded into view previously mentioned or (having a twist) below. This may be a beneficial feature, defining it as straightforward to shoot over crowds or obtain a natural view of little ones, pets etc. I do believe the sideways flipping style is slightly preferable to use than this downward one, but it's still really good, rrncluding a solid upgrade.

Menus and operation seem little changed within the FZ20, and they are good. The flash seems superior to most, and wash things out with close subjects either.

While I do not use movie modes hardly rrn any way, Absolutely , from reading the manual that this movie mode within this you're much improved from your FZ20, and can produce full speed VGA quality movies of shortish duration. Over short clips of one's kids, I'd recommend a show camera instead.

In conclusion, it's a prime quality camera that now stands out as the king in the mega zoom, fixed lens camera market. The photographs are of the same quality or better than the mediocre available in the market, whereas in the ergonomics, usability and 'real camera' solidness, the FZ30 is proper now unbeatable. It does the job and feels an awfully high quality machine, and i also don't believe you can get a better "all in one" camera for a money now.

One must understand, though, that compromises are supposed to have that huge 12x zoom range within a camera. If you can't need that telephoto, you would buy an entry level dSLR for a small amount extra income; however the kit lens they are available in would be much the inferior in the FZ30's Leica mega zoom, the dSLR's imaging chip will produce higher quality images, especially in low light.

If there is an FZ20, do you find it definitely worth the upgrade? Not in order to upgrade for image quality; yes, if you prefer a much more solidly built, ergonomically satisfying camera. Is always that well worth the money? All things considered, it's up to you, but I'd advise seeing a store and handling one; you may adore it, it's so good.