Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Review Analysis | All Features Rated & Tested

image quality

5

middling image-quality for its price
terrible noise distortion, middling image-quality for its price, narrow aperture range
Image details destroyed from ISO 400 onwards
Optical image stabilasation not quite as effective as on Canon Powershot A710
accurate chip focuses well with great image quality

The image stabilisation is effective and hand held photos at full extension are possible
Good all-round image quality
Excellent telephoto lens, Good all-round image quality
Very good image quality when you keep the ISO low and the lighting up
Optical image stabilization

fast, accurate chip focuses well with great image quality
When it comes to image recognition the slots are too close to each other unlike in NIKON or even with FUJI
This is a problem to an extend when it comes to out door photography where you have no time to waste with readjusting until correct points of the image are recognized
Image quality in poor light conditions

Effective image stabilization
Optical image stabilizer
optical image-stabilization
Great print quality
Quality of images in low sensitivity (100 ISO)
good image quality
Compact size, amazing optical zoom, good image quality, usable EVF and handling
Good image quality - excellent colour
Image quality at low ISO
Range of features, Design, Image quality at low ISO
Panasonic Mega Optical Image Stabilizer
Great image quality
Great quality of digital snaps
image stabilizer
2 Image Stabilization modes
optical image stabilisation
quality of pictures
good quality optical image stabilization
Image quality,Cost factor,Big zoom,RAW mode,excellent interface, joystick access to most commonly needed functions, Uses SD/SDHC cards, Good build
great lense quality
image stability
picture quality
Zoom, features, weight, picture quality
Very good image quality overall
The image stabilizer is awesome
I was take a clear picture
The image stabilizer is awesome, I was take a clear picture, hand held at a shutter speed of 1\10th of a second, unheard of
Image quality is great
Great quality
image stabiliser
excellent colour reproduction and picture capture, strong flash, image stabiliser
Excellent picture quality
Excellent picture quality, aesthetically beautiful
Excellent Image Stabilization
Image Quality
Lieca 18x Zoom is outstanding: picture quality: close up /macro : battery life are all excellent
picture quality is really good
I took the camera to a football game and the quality of the picture quality was really good even at full zoom
The zoom on the camera is amazing added to that the image stabalizer the picture quality is very good
Unbelievable technical specification and quality of photo's
The quality of the image for my purposes is impressive
Flexibility Image quality Auto modes Does everything Good Macro and zoom
i have 3 children so wanted a better quality picture which is what i got
Its just what i was looking for, i have 3 children so wanted a better quality picture which is what i got
the picture quality is brilliant
the picture quality is brilliant, and the optical zoom fantastic
good quality photos
Photo are sharp with lifelike colours
Very light and surperb picture quality
VERT GOOD IMAGE STABILIZER
Good quality photo's
Good picture quality on auto
Fantastic zoom and picture quality
Quick start-up and picture taking, great zoom and image stablization
photo quality
Excellent performance, zoom range, photo quality, ease of use, battery included
photo functions
great picture quality
Lightweight, great picture quality, high power zoom, still enables some manual input if desired
Excellent quality

show all

price

3.5

cheap plastic feel
this is a small price to pay
If you really want a big zoom, this is a small price to pay
As above - there are other worthy competitors in the market right now for equal or lesser price
I don't have enough money to buy one for all of my friends

Excellent value for money
included, Lots of in-camera image adjustments, Excellent value for money
Price
low price
Super zoom, great lense quality, lots of futures, low price

price price price
May be a bit expensive for some
No case in with the price
No case in with the price, but thats easy to solve
You pay the price for quality
price- 29
price- 29,000 php

Great price
but you do not want to pay the price for a digital SLR
but you do not want to pay the price for a digital SLR, the lenses, tripods etc
OK - there is a price - at the long end of zoom the light conditions need to be good but it is certainly good enough for me
Superb spec for the price....Zoom is fantastic
Superb spec for the price....Zoom is fantastic, 18x (504mm
included Lots of in-camera image adjustments Excellent value for money
Price, specification, X18 optical zoom
Good value
Really pleased with my purchase
Very good value for money
Price, ease, zoom, speed, photo functions, and durability

show all

performance

4

No USB 2.0 High Speed support
Slow data transfer time
USB slow connection
Poor ISO performance
Due to poor ISO performance

Good overall performance
Robust performance
Very fast operation
Fast (and accurate
Fast image processor

Due to poor ISO performance, I give IQ just 4,5 of 5
No USB 2.0 high speed
the Venus III image processor
fast
some slow uploads in RAW format
As other users have mentioned, some slow uploads in RAW format
The only problem is the VERY slow transfer speed
In the specs there is a reference for "USB 2.0 (Full Speed)"
I bought one for only 14 Euros and my photos are transferred very fast now
Faster multiple shots
for aperature priority or speed setting
low light performance not as good as I was hoping
Found the download speed of pics to my computer quite slow
ISO performance very bad above 200
CONS:Needs tripod for fast action and low light shots

Strong 18X zoom, Optical image stabilizer, Fast image processor
Quick speed of operation
Very fast high speed continuous shooting mode (3fps
Quick camera - Fast shot to shot time etc
quick start up
fast shutter speed
quick start up, fast shutter speed, manual AND "camera for dummies" settings
quick startup time
Very fast
18X zoom is phenomenal, battery life is great, fast shutter speed, trimming feature, video and sound is great
Light, fast, superzoom, accessories
almost stepless 2-speed zoom Effective image stabilization Good build quality Compact package Very comprehensive range of controls Very fast operation Fast (and accurate
Good responsiveness - no delays on taking shots and fast recovery time
Fast locking an quiet autofocus
Fast processor
good performance and easy to handle
good performance and easy to handle,and it has an excellent range of features
FAST RESPONSE
fast autofocus even at extreme range Good wide angle
Can be as easy or a complex as you want it to be, its quick to use in a rush for those on the spot photos and it stores large pictures at a sensible speed as long as you have a good fast memory card
Excellent performance
speed
Super telephoto, very high ISO range, excellent color balance, fast shutter speed

show all

color

4

We were also disappointed with auto white balance which did a poor job of getting colour right in the shade
Significant chromatic aberration at telephoto
If you increase white balance a notch it seems to help the TZ18
The other is the lousy sun shade that doesn't screw into the filter mount
Auto White Balance (AWB

including white balance fine-tuning
White balance can be fine-tuned
Natural color
Good chromatic aberration at wide angle
Auto White Balance handles indoor shots reasonably well

Some white balance issues

Good color accuracy
Custom White Balance
Great color rendition
excellent colour reproduction and picture capture

show all

focus

4

Occasional focus hunting at long end of zoom in low light and in macro mode
Noise reduction induced problems in low light situations, Lens move in and out while zooming and retracts in when powered down, No focus ring, No flash shoe, No tilt LCD, Non standard thread size
No manual focus
Slow to focus especially with the zoom at a high setting
Occasionally slow to focus

Sharpness and contrast are exemplary and focus, even at full zoom, is quick
especially in terms of focus and shot-to-shot speeds
Robust performance, especially in terms of focus and shot-to-shot speeds
Well implemented manual focus
and focus point selection features

screen going blank in super zoom focus
Manual focus can be a little fiddly

Well implemented manual focus, face detection, and focus point selection features
focus
Great focus
EVF with diopter focus adjustment
Great color rendition, excellent lens, EVF with diopter focus adjustment
manual focus
Stabilization, Intelligent auto settings, manual focus, closeups to 1 inch, etc
focus Well designed menu system Nice handling Bright

show all

memory

0.5

a memory card reader is indispensable
So, a memory card reader is indispensable
I wish I hadn't had to buy a memory chip or case but that's the way things are now days

lens

5

Lens performance drops off slightly at long end of zoom range
and the display said please remove lens cap
The first thing I did once the battery was charged was turn on the camera, and the display said please remove lens cap
The lens actually comes out of the camera body
it blocks the lens

The lens is superb
Excellent telephoto lens
Whopping 18X zoom lens with useful 28 - 504 mm focal range and almost no barrel distortion
Excellent 18x 28mm wide-angle lens
Excellent 18x 28mm wide-angle lens, high-quality video mode, intelligent auto mode

The lens actually comes out of the camera body, so if the cap is on, it blocks the lens
I prefer cameras where the moving parts of the lens are all contained within the body
I prefer cameras where the moving parts of the lens are all contained within the body, but then I guess the camera would not be so compact
I would recommend buying a second battery as well as a 46mm UV filter and 46mm lens cap
As long as the lens cap edges do not protrude you can keep it on without obstructing the lens movement
lens cover
Noise, the Venus III image processor, lack of a usable digital zoom, proprietary battery, lens cover, bulky size
and I fear that my lenses will be scratched by the hard plastic eyepiece
I wear glasses, and I fear that my lenses will be scratched by the hard plastic eyepiece
My only complaint is the way the lens hood attaches with a thumb screw instead of a swivel
The excellent lens zoom range
the lens group moves slightly inside the frame when moving hands fast and that can sometimes cause an uncomfortable feel
The zoom and lens and ability to play are great so a better IQ and larger sensor are the only things I would want in another camera- someday
I've occasionally had flies get inside the lens when
Universal Lens attachments not compatible (see comment
Case feels a little cheap, Lens cap is a pain
lens hood useless
Can't zoom in movie mode, screen doesn't rotate, lens hood useless
You have to take the lens cap off before storing it in it's camera case (Panasonic accessory), and like de man sez, you can't zoom while in video mode
The Lend Hood is not easily portable - it does not sit backwards on lens when not in use
The finger grips on the lens cap catch are fine when removing it but irritatingly difficult to get hold of as the cap swings on its string
eg when taking portraits what percentage is equivalent to an 80mm lens

long zoom lens
Wide-angle, long zoom lens
18x optical zoom, optical image-stabilization, full manual-mode, RAW support
Long zoom lens - colours - picture sharpness - design - features
Extremely low optical distortion
Lens is well-recessed when off
Lens doesn't protrude far even at 18x tele setting
Excellent 18x optical zoom Leica lens
Low optical distortion
Extreme wide-angle 18X optical zoom, Good color accuracy, Low optical distortion, Consistent sharpness from corner to corner, Effective stabilization
Nice lens with 18x optical zoom
High quality wide angle Leica 18x optical zoom lens
18x optical zoom lens
18x optical zoom lens, Light weight slr type digital still camera, Panasonic Mega Optical Image Stabilizer, Intelligent Automatic, Face Detection technology
Leica Lens
excellent lens
very good "auto" system for point-and-shoot
Leica 18x optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, Face Detection, iA (Intelligent Auto
The Lumix lens
The Lumix lens, quality of pictures, but most importantly the Zoom
Good lens
Good lens, takes sharp pictures
High quality Leica lens
good lens cap
High quality Leica lens, 18x zoom, 28mm wide angle, good quality optical image stabilization, good lens cap, calendar playback mode
Good quality 18x zoom range lens, many features like stabilization
28mm Wide Angle Lens
Leica Lens, 18x Optical Zoom, 28mm Wide Angle Lens
Outstanding zoom and Leica Lens
Leica lens and 18x
extensive ISO rating and Leica lens
18x optical zoom, LEICA Lens, intelligent auto mode, good grip, battery life
Superb lens
Superb lens, packed with features and looks cool
Wide angle lens (28mm equiv
Amazing lens capabilities
Amazing lens capabilities, great photos
I also purchased a UV filter to protect the lens and a 4GB card
I also purchased a UV filter to protect the lens and a 4GB card, and soft carry case
The Leica lens is excellent
An optional X2 lense (£130 ish
The zoom lens produces great quality images at full magnification
So this camera with it's x 18 zoom lens is an excellent compromise
Very good lens for the price starting at a wide 28mm
Excellent range of features plus impressive zoom lens range
Lens and zoom
Lens and zoom, ease of use, size and weight
Optically stabalisied 18x zoom lens
Fantastic lens
Ease of adjustment of Telephoto lens and quality of images 3 months internal battery date retention
Very good for those who want a good zoom, but can't afford an SLR + lens
good lense
Best zoom lens for the money
Phenomenal Leica Lens with 18x Zoom
Fantastic Leica glass
superb lense
lens
lens, stabilizers, zoom

show all

zoom

5

no zoom in movie capture
Digital zoom is soft
Softness near telephoto end of zoom
The only problem which has made me return it to China for repair is the zoom lever has become sloppy.Whilst on holiday recently the lever started to stick in various positions along the zoom range
The only problem which has made me return it to China for repair is the zoom lever has become sloppy.Whilst on holiday recently the lever started to stick in various positions along the zoom range,I do wish they could make it manual operation.Hope it returns fixed so I can carry on taking great shots

Huge zoom
Hugely versatile 18x zoom range covering true wideangle to long telephoto
almost stepless 2-speed zoom
Good, sharp results in optimal shooting conditions, Good, natural color and excellent exposure, Hugely versatile 18x zoom range covering true wideangle to long telephoto, Smooth, almost stepless 2-speed zoom, Effective image stabilization, Good build quality, Compact package, Very comprehensive range of controls, Very fast operation, Fast (and accurate
18x optical zoom

Neither optical zoom nor digital zoom during movies
Lacks the zoom in and lock funtion of Canon
lack of a usable digital zoom
If you really want a big zoom
it would be nice to have the Canon S5s variable speed zoom control
but the extra wide zoom range is worth the sacrifice
Other than that, it would be nice to have the Canon S5s variable speed zoom control, flip-out LCD, better video features, and heft, but the extra wide zoom range is worth the sacrifice
found problem with the zoom lever
found problem with the zoom lever, where in some warm conditions its gets stuck and does not move smoothly
we wonder cause the zoom lever would be back to normal and smooth
but once its packed and taken out another day, we wonder cause the zoom lever would be back to normal and smooth
Lens hood useless, and no zoom in movie mode stinks, but zoom first and then video is fine enough
recording so you have to fix it at the zoom you want
then cancel record to change the zoom
and record, then cancel record to change the zoom
NO ZOOM IN MOVIE MODE
Zoom feature is VERY fast
you gotta be quick or you zoom too much
Zoom feature is VERY fast, you gotta be quick or you zoom too much
Can't zoom in movie mode
no zoom control on camcorder mode
no zoom control on camcorder mode, not great in extreme lowlight
Anything over ISO 400 of very limited use due to noise and blurred detail Occasional highlight clipping and fringing in JPEGs Occasional focus hunting at long end of zoom in low light and in macro mode Some corner-softness Lens performance drops off slightly at long end of zoom range
The power zoom is twitchy and frustrating to set quickly - I would prefer a manual zoom ring
Seems a little slow refocusing when full zoom is used
Seems a little slow refocusing when full zoom is used, less robust than the FZ20
PLASTICY CHEAP FEEL,ZOOM FIDELY TO OPERATE,RUBBERISED GRIP TOO SLIPPY,NO HOT SHOE FOR MORE POWERFULL FLASH,NO ZOOM ON MOVIE
No zoom in movie mode, no tilt LCD, screen going blank in super zoom focus

18x optical zoom!, 28mm wide angle, Program modes, Good handling, Photographic features easy to access, Good viewfinders
responsive zoom
Ginormous, responsive zoom
Strong 18X zoom
18x optical zoom with OIS and little fringing
8MP digicam with 18x wide angle zoom
Zoom 18x with optical stabilization
The 18x zoom doesn't sacrifice detail
Extreme wide-angle 18X optical zoom
amazing optical zoom
Huge zoom range 28mm - 504mm
Huge zoom range
the zoom is just awesome
Leica 18x optical zoom
but most importantly the Zoom
18x zoom is very nice
Like the wide to tele zoom
18x zoom
Nice zoom
powerful zoom
This is one of three 18x zoom cameras and after reading all the reviews I chose this one
Light weight, powerful zoom, many features, This is one of three 18x zoom cameras and after reading all the reviews I chose this one
Optical Zoom
Super zoom
Zoom
Great Zoom
ZOOM, Feature Set & Size
Great Zoom Range/Composition Flexibility
The 18X zoom
Zoom Range + smaller the FZ 30-50
Zoom and Light weght
Excellent zoom and macro functions
The zoom
The zoom, duh
18X zoom is phenomenal
Large zoom
Great zoom range (28mm-504mm 35mm equivalent
18X Optical Zoom (23.5X at 3MP
High Zoom Capabilities
At the far end of zoom range (optical + digi zoom
If you are prepared to trade picture quality for optical zoom this little camera can give you X25 optical zoom with a 3 megapixel photograph else you can take 8 megapixel photographs up to X18 optical zoom
Of the current 3 compact cameras in this X18 zoom this is the one to go for
Good, sharp results in optimal shooting conditions Good, natural color and excellent exposure Hugely versatile 18x zoom range covering true wideangle to long telephoto Smooth, almost stepless 2-speed zoom Effective image stabilization Good build quality Compact package Very comprehensive range of controls Very fast operation Fast (and accurate
fantastic zoom
The zoom is great
Impressed with image stabilisation - clear pictures even on full zoom
X18 optical zoom
wide angular and a good zoom range
Extremely versatile, wide angular and a good zoom range, easy to work with
Excellent wide angle to zoom range
Excellent wide angle to zoom range, amazing number of features to adjust the photgraph
OIS produces amazing results even at full zoom
Great zoom and ability to take shots without tripod
zoom range
Excellent zoom range
18 x zoom useful
great zoom range
Good quality zoom lens with an astonishingly long zoom range
Small size considering the zoom range
and the optical zoom fantastic
fantastic zoom length
the zoom was perfect
great zoom range and image stabilisation
great zoom range and image stabilisation, all the controls you could hope for
EXCELENT ZOOM RANGE
LIGHTWEIGHT,VERT GOOD IMAGE STABILIZER ,EXCELENT ZOOM RANGE,FAST RESPONSE
best optical zoom in a hybrid on the market - very quick start up time
Large digital zoom
Large digital zoom, facial identification
Excellent compact with virtual SLR quality Outstanding zoom range
Great Zoom, fast autofocus even at extreme range Good wide angle
On a rocking boat taking pictures of Whales at full zoom
Fantastic zoom range
Good build quality and the 18 times optical zoom
LONG zoom with nice wide angle
Amazing and quick zoom
super long zoom
18x zoom and powerful range of features

show all

LCD

2

No flip-out screen
No hotshoe, No flip-out screen
sluggish LCD/EVF update
No rotating LCD screen
You can't use the zoom option when playing back video with audio on the LCD screen

sharp 2.5" LCD display
Large, sharp 2.5" LCD display
screen visible outdoors and in low light
high resolution LCD screen
Decent quality 2.5in screen

You can't use the zoom option when playing back video with audio on the LCD screen, which caused us to miss the loud 18X version of a seal chomping on a companion's nose
2.5 LCD - could be 2.7 or 3.0 instead
No rotating LCD
flip-out LCD
Fixed LCD Display (see comment
screen doesn't rotate
The EVF and LCD can take a bit to autofocus
low res screen
non flip LCD screen
although it could be improved with a folding LCD screen which I suppose may occur in a subsequent model
None specifically yet, although it could be improved with a folding LCD screen which I suppose may occur in a subsequent model
high shots are OK though because of LCD high angle setting -it would have been good if there was a low angle setting too
Back LCD screen needs a plastic cover
Difficulty seeing LCD screen in bright conditions, 4gb hdsc cards can't be read by some card readers
LCD screen doesn't tilt
no tilt LCD

Good LCD and EVF coverage
Very good 2.5" screen
2.5" LCD screen
Crystal Clear Pictures
The viewfinder and LCD screen are excellent for someone of my age (70
Bright LCD screen backed up with an EVF which is especially helpful in bright conditions
Still pictures with audio, large and well-lit LCD

show all

video

0.5

no zooming during video recording
Curious design choices, no zooming during video recording, customization options can be confusing
Zoom doesn't work while capturing video
No zoom when recording video
Mediocre video quality

high-quality video mode
Good video mode - 16:9
Good video mode - 16:9, VGA, 30fps, Sound
16:9 video
video and sound is great

Slow to startup and recording
No zoom when recording video, - No rotating LCD screen, - Mediocre video quality, - Imprecise viewfinder, - Slow to startup and recording
Zoom disabled in video mode
the auto zoom in video mode (the video quality is much better and focus is good so I can live with this)
better video features
video is okay but you can't operate zoom when
If video is important
If video is important, look elsewhere (had I known, I
can not zoom during video recording
cant zoom while taking video and thats it
Video capabilities a little sub-par
No zoom in video mode
Video capture not great
no zoom in video
image noise at high ISO , scratchable, no zoom in video
Can't zoom whilst taking a video
An online video or included DVD would have been helpful

surprising video
Loaded with options, surprising video
good video

show all

design

5

Design not stylish
Made from plastic, Design not stylish, Noise performance, Burst mode poor
Curious design choices
Still looking
slightly cheap looking

Stylish
Design
Great stylish body
aesthetically beautiful
packed with features and looks cool

feels flimsy in your hands, slightly cheap looking

Sleek Design
Its just what i was looking for
lightweight design
Good looking

show all

menu

3

I would like to be able to get to the menu choices for any shooting mode w/o having to remove the lense cap

Well designed menu system
intuitive menu
Great build quality, intuitive menu, quick startup time

control panel

5

and Panasonic won't honor a warranty on what they admit is a faulty PCB board
Can't tell ya, it's busted, and Panasonic won't honor a warranty on what they admit is a faulty PCB board

shutter

4

so you have to rely on the shutter timer to minimise
Would have been nice to have a cable shutter option
No 'B' bulb shutter speed for long exposures

Minimal prefocus shutter lag
ISO setting and Aperture / Shutter setting shown in photo and playback
hand held at a shutter speed of 1\10th of a second
short delay between pressing shutter and taking picture
though the shutter button is not ergonomically positioned for my fat fingers

The powerful lens, size/weight, shutter speed, and image stabilisation features will be ideal for outdoors / activity shots, which was my main reason for buying it

show all

battery

4

Battery life is disappointing
My second complaint is the battery life indicator
It shows you a battery with three bars
It shows you a battery with three bars, and does not tell you the time remaining
proprietary battery

Excellent battery life
Very good battery life
long battery life
Good battery life
battery life is great

At least since it's a LIon pack the battery is clipped into place so it won't fall out
battery door will not open if on a tripod mount
cost of extra battery
Cost of second battery
Only one battery supplied, when this goes flat you have to wait for it to charge
Proprietary batteries

battery life
The battery life is really good and can easily take over 200 photos on one charge
Decent battery life with cheap compatible batteries available
great battery
Intuitive menu.Good macro.Long battery life
battery included
Great Battery life
long rechargeable battery life
Good clear pictures, long rechargeable battery life

show all

usability

5

To get the best from the FZ18 be prepared to work at low ISO speeds and to experiment with the fine tuning controls
Manual could be a lot more user friendly
I do wish they could make it manual operation.Hope it returns fixed so I can carry on taking great shots
I continue to use the Canon Zoombrowser EX in its latest version to download pictures from the LUMIX
Try to use ISO 100 if possible

Full manual controls
Full manual controls, including white balance fine-tuning
Very comprehensive range of controls
Photographic features easy to access
SLR-style controls

Shoot raw when you use this settings
Fun to use :
auto mode limits ISO to 100-200 range altho manual adjustment goes 100-1600 and w/hi-ISO to 6400
too many things to learn how to use it
Whoever designed the instruction manual should be shot
Sometimes you have to use the "Force"
manual controls dilemma at times
could have gone a little further with the manual controls
Video capture not great, could have gone a little further with the manual controls
completed ONE simple offer and met the requirements to receive one for FREE 3 weeks later in the post
I checked out the website, completed ONE simple offer and met the requirements to receive one for FREE 3 weeks later in the post
Instruction manual not desperately clear
but thats easy to solve
Don't expect to be able to use the features without reading the manual several times
A bit plasticy Fiddly to set aperture etc in manual modes
I felt the handbook would benefit from flow charts of the controls to make some aspects clearer and easier to refer to
manual difficult to get through to use other modes
its so easy to use
at this moment I have found nothing to dislike about this product, its so easy to use
It does so much it takes a while to read the manual
just takes a while to gain the knowledge to use to its full extent
Can be difficult to understand some of the manual modes

full manual-mode
Simple design with good controls
Very easy to use
and easy to use
Stylish, well designed, and easy to use
clear and easy to use
Very good 2.5" screen, clear and easy to use, with brightness, and high-angle mode
Superb range of controls
manual mode
Manual
Numerous "Auto", "Manual", "Mode" settings
but easy manual override
very good "auto" system for point-and-shoot, but easy manual override
Easy to Use
Nice Features and Settings, Easy to Use, Great Zoom
Great AWB and simple operation
Easy to switch from one mode of shooting to the other
Lightweight and comfortable to use
Ability to use manual settings
Has a manual mode
Can be fully automatic or manual
Can be fully automatic or manual, produces great images
Ease of use
Ease of use, iA idiot mode
Easy to operate
Manual setting
yet simple point-and-shoot for the beginner
Flexible for the serious amateur, yet simple point-and-shoot for the beginner
quick and easy to use
Excellent viewfinder, quick and easy to use, light, comfortable
Very easy to use, The best quality camera in this price range
good range of manual controls but also very good as an automatic
Easy to use ....I upgraded from an old Canon Ixus and has no problems despite not reading the manual yet
The camera is simple to use if selected to Intelligent Auto and takes great photos
It's easy to use
It's easy to use, picture quality is really good
Nice feel to the FZ18 - small and light to use
easy to work with
Useful scene modes plus full manual modes
"AI" mode makes DMC-FZ18EB-K as easy to use as a point and shoot camera with better results
Most of the controls are easy to access and to use
Most of the controls are easy to access and to use , though the shutter button is not ergonomically positioned for my fat fingers
Easy to use and navigate
Its light to carry and easy to use
Its light to carry and easy to use, the beach pictures are superb
I also have a smaller FX9 so the features / controls are familiar
easy to use good images
Handles well and most of the controls are intuitive
MODE = EASY TO USE
Raw Image available Full auto or manual available Easy to use
Good looking camera lightweight for the size good quality pictures, easy to use, but could do with a course or a CD explaining all the features
light easy to use
light easy to use, fantastic range of focal length, great battery, clear sharp images
Very easy to produce great pictures
Operating Instruction Manual
all the controls you could hope for
Light and easy to use
Easy to use, with a range of features to enable you to take basic photography to the next level
easy to use and excellent lense
Good quality photo's, easy to use and excellent lense
Weight & ease of use
this product has every feature that I require and with the easy to use instructions I have had no problems in using the camera and producing excellent photographs
Lot of features, good lense, easy to use, image stabilizer, raw mode, good video
Easy to use as point and click
Easy to use as point and click, but completely flexible for the more serious photographer
great pictures easy to use no delay when taking pictures like with digital camaras so you dont miss the shot
still enables some manual input if desired
Simple Mode
Excellent quality, easy to use, superb lense
Easy to use and long rechargeable battery life

show all

flash

1.5

Flash not equal to telephoto settings (not a big surprise at 18x
Flash not equal to telephoto settings (not a big surprise at 18x, however
It's too "neat" and light for a large attached flash but a hotshoe would be a benefit
No hot connection for the flash
Not up to the mark with flash on

Powerful flash
Fast flash recycle
Good flash range at wide angle
strong flash
Nice zoom, sharp pictures, strong flash

does not have hot shoe or external sync for flash
Lack of shoe for an external flash
no outside flash
too many things to learn how to use it, no outside flash
Must turn on flash manually
no auxiliary flash shoe
It does have a built in flash but there is no hot shoe fitting
No external flash provision
Don't buy if you want to take pictures indoors without using flash
(Photos indoors with flash are fine though)
Spot metering would be nice as its sometimes difficult to get the exposure right in condtions of bright sun and shade Performance in low light not as good so indoor shots without flash can be disapointing
I keep forgetting that I need to manually raise the flash
No Hotshoe or PC flash socket
no external flash
The manual flash
Camera lacks external flash connection, internal flash is adequate but tends to overexpose subjects

Nice Pop-Up Flash
Like having a manual flash button to open flash rather than automatic.Good LCD screen
good flash-great zoom-great options-perfect size

show all

build quality

5

build lets it down
Plasticky build
but the construction could be more solid and could accept AA alka batts like Fuji e Oly concurrents
Plastic construction
BUILD QUALITY = NOT BUILT TO TAKE PUNISHMENT

Solid build
Intelligent Auto mode was spot on most of the time, Solid build, Good overall performance
Good build quality
Solid body with good build quality
sturdy body

Great build quality
Very durable
build quality
and durability

show all

exposure

3.5

Movie mode requires a lot of ambient light to expose properly
slight lag with picture blackout after exposure

natural color and excellent exposure
Full feature set (manual exposure modes
Full feature set (manual exposure modes, etc
natural color and excellent exposure Hugely versatile 18x zoom range covering true wideangle to long telephoto Smooth
accuracy of exposure

zoom range, handling, accuracy of exposure, RAW shooting option,build quality
Good exposure

show all

interface

0.5

SilkyPix has terrible user interface
Horrible user manual

Other modes enable user to be creative

energy efficiency

5

useful Power LCD and High Angle features
high power zoom

viewfinder

3.5

Imprecise viewfinder
Quality of view finder image
Viewfinder is digital

Excellent viewfinder
It is easy to use and compact for a SLR type camera.It islso not too heavy and has a view finder as well as a lcd screen
The viewfinder is good when you want to compose a picture

glare

0.5

The colours just do not look so brilliant and saturated as with the Canon G2
Build not brilliant - it doesn't feel reasuringly 'solid'

contrast

0.5

by reducing sharpness and contrast by one notch and dialling in one step of noise reduction we got clean images at ISO200
However, by reducing sharpness and contrast by one notch and dialling in one step of noise reduction we got clean images at ISO200
Default contrast is too high to handle both shadow and highlight detail in harsh sunlight
slight adjustments to contrast and sharpness settings required to improve image quality
High contrast images lose detail if you are not careful with your selection

resolution

3

EVF resolution could be better
Low resolution EVF
Image details destroyed from ISO 400 onwards, Useless at high ISO, Poor dynamic range, Softness near telephoto end of zoom, Low resolution EVF

Excellent optical zoom (can be extended even further optically by reducing resolution down from 8 to 5 or 3 megapixels
on full resolution but will go to 23x if you set the picture size to 5MP
Able to store large number of high resolution images using SDHC Cards Good battery life

appearance

5

some just plain old NR)
look elsewhere (had I known
some just plain old NR
Occasional odd artefacts at lower ISO settings (some moiré related, some just plain old NR

RAW image format supported
RAW image format supported, good (but clunky
Nice movie mode records in widescreen format (848 x 480
18x zoom, Intelligent Auto, image stability, face detection, 16:9 video, sturdy body, Leica lens
It can also take RAW format shots for those photoshop buffs

face recognition is novel

show all

sensor

4

Not as robust as my old (metal bodied
Eye piece surround made from hard plastic
Eye piece surround made from hard plastic, hard enough to scatch glasses, may be an soft cover as an add on?

Very little red-eye in photos
Automatic setting takes good pictures and I haven't seen any red eye yet
any one can take good photos with this box of magic

reception

5

Face detection may fail under low light conditions

face detection
Face Detection technology
Great face detection

portability

3.5

May be too small and light for some
Indoor images above ISO 400 are very soft (especially under incandescent light
i can't put in my pocket
I'm talking about photos taken outdoors in good light
Does underexpose movies in low light

Very good low light focusing
Compact package
Lightweight
Compact size
MEGA Optical Image Stabilisation helps get more blur free photos in low light etc

light is enough and Fz18 with it´s 18x does a superb job
For concerts though, light is enough and Fz18 with it´s 18x does a superb job
lightweight and it's easy to carry it around your neck
But if you take lots of pictures indoors or in low light conditions
and heavy NR smearing at high sensitivities
very light for travel and backpacking
It is a teeny bit bulkier than the FZ5 - enough that I can't carry it in a pocket and will need a bigger padded pouch for my belt
indoor shots especially tungsten light ones = red photos
As mentioned by quite a few others, indoor shots especially tungsten light ones = red photos
low light pictures
Zooming into pictures during playback, low light pictures
and low light photography not the best
Could have performed a bit better in low light
Doesn't fit in your pocket
Average Low Light Sensitivity
Very light, almost too light as it feels a bit flimsy
Purple vertical band show up when there's too much light
Slightly lightweight feel of plastic body
Feels a litle lightweight
Heavy and large

Light weight slr type digital still camera
Light weight
weight
Easy to handle, almost no shutter lag, my lens sample seems to have a sweet spot at 5.6 and the images are excitingly vibrant at all focal lengths, OIS, rather compact size and weight
Good weight
Light
Portable
I have had a series of small point /shoot compact digi cameras including Fuji and Sony and Canon etc
I have found the FZ18 : very very compact : very lightweight: very user friendly
in failing light is the only time it struggles a bit
in failing light is the only time it struggles a bit , which almost any kit will unless you spend a couple of grand
or carry the weight
but pretty lightweight
Nice chunky feel in your hand, but pretty lightweight
The camera is quite light and compact compared to DSLR equivalents
Compact & light
Very light to carry around
size and weight
This camera is also light in weight compared to digital SLRs
Compact
lightweight and very attractive
Compact, lightweight and very attractive
It's light and easy to carry
lightweight enough to carry abot
light to handle
Lightweight, highly versatile

show all

size

1

Size: 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches
bulky size
even if it increased the cost a little
Panasonic really should have put real rubber around the EVF, even if it increased the cost a little
althoe the 46mm filter size sucks

Large
Size
Good Size
small size
Large zoom, small size, extensive ISO rating and Leica lens

Auto WB seems to have a little more trouble than other cameras under tungsten
Auto WB seems to have a little more trouble than other cameras under tungsten, adding a very very pronounced red to everything
SilkyPix is a little cumbersome for me
Also, SilkyPix is a little cumbersome for me, so far
and I'm finding the whole process of dealing with converting and manipulating RAW images a little less intuitive than I'd like in this program
and ultimately paid a little more through Amazon
And BEWARE when purchasing cameras online...I found there are MANY scam businesses, and ultimately paid a little more through Amazon, just to make sure I would get the actual product I wanted, without hassle
I've read that's the mount is a non-conventional size
It is large so not useful for just carrying out with friends
It is large so not useful for just carrying out with friends, but great for things with the children
a little fragile
This seems to be a problem with the size of the CCD
It can be a little large and heavy for everyday use
A little bulky

This is a great little camera at a very reasonable price if your primary requirement is long distance photography (say wild birds
fantastic range of focal length

show all

connectivity

0.5

And the audio coming out of the speaker was a bit tinny
choosed USB 1

Takes still pictures with audio

product quality

0.5

Compared with my Canon S3 this one could take some improvement in plastic finish and quality feel

screen

0.5

Display: 2.6 inches (114
Noisy photos at ISO 800 and higher, Zoom doesn't work while capturing video, Display: 2.6 inches (114,960 pixels), Size: 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches, , , , , , , , , , With this fantastic wide-angle camera, you no longer need a digital SLR to capture beautiful photos., , Hands-On With Panasonic's 70X SDR-S26, Mobile Innovation Awards - Cameras & Camcorders, Panasonic Toughbook F8: Full Review

remote control

2.5

Highlight control
No standard way to fix a remote shutter release cable
No remote shutter release
No remote shutter release, facility, no auxiliary flash shoe, a little fragile
No facility for electronic remote / cable release Images lack biting crispness

Good manual control and RAW facility
Broad diopter control
Joy Stick" control
plenty of manual control

remote control not provided
No remote shutter release socket for tripod work
No shutter remote control option
No remote shutter

show all

sound

0.5

Noisy photos at ISO 800 and higher
Noisy at ISO 400 and above
Shadows are noisy in outdoor shots
the biggest concern are the noisy pictures
After shooting 2500 pics in 5 months, the biggest concern are the noisy pictures

Sound
Two nine out of ten scores Don't really mean that it's just that I can't give all Tens as it would sound daft

Rather have a focusing ring instead of joy stick
A little noisy at high ISO's (800+
High ISOs will horrify if you don't like noisy pictures
bit noisy at higher iso

show all

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Reviews Analysis

What people think about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18: (BETA!)

Add reviews to your site