Panasonic DMC-FZ30EG-K

usability, performance, image quality, portability, zoom

storage, sensor

95% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Very high resolution and detail capture throughout the zoom range Sharp results Good, natural color Superb 12x optical zoom Effective image stabilization Excellent handling - much improved over the FZ20 Comprehensive range of controls and improved...

Noise is even an issue at ISO 80, a real problem at ISO 400 or in very low light Very occasional exposure problems Max aperture at long end of zoom only F3.7 Limited dynamic range, highlight clipping in JPEGs Pointless RAW converter produces worse...

In many ways the FZ30 is everything the FZ20 could (and maybe should) have been, and Panasonic must be applauded for implementing a huge raft of handling and control improvements, as well as speeding up overall performance. On the other hand you cannot...

Fast, 12X zoom lens. High resolution. Faster startup than previous models. Very comfortable D-SLR-like feel. Mechanical zoom ring lets you change focal length during videos.

Noise in images. Expensive. Bulky.

If we could only have one camera for all our photo and video needs, this would be on our short list. But the FZ-30's price is getting up into the price range of D-SLRs.

Excellent optics, 12x zoom is tack-sharp, with low distortion, very low aberration, Available tele/wide adapters and filters, Loads of detail, a worthwhile step up from the FZ20, Excellent image stabilization system, Better than average shutter...

Image noise is higher than many competing models, particularly at ISO 200 and 400. Some users may find this a show-stopper, others may be less bothered by it, Color may be too bright for some users, particularly strong reds and greens, While good,...

GUT (1,9)

Very solid SLR-style body, 12X optical zoom lens (though a little slower than on the FZ20), Optical image stabilization, Robust performance, especially with a high speed SD card; new focus modes are awesome, Full manual controls plus the ability to...

Images are too noisy, especially at high ISOs (see workarounds earlier), No RAW image manipulation software included, No focus distance shown in manual focus mode, No USB 2.0 High Speed support, Would've preferred an LCD that flips to the side

Great design, full set of features, big zoom

Image noise is a problem, pricey considering the cost of SLRs

Long zoom with effective image stabilisation ; Manual focus ring ; Broad feature set with extras ; Solid performance

Image noise ; No raw-processing software provided ; Oddly placed rear dial

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30's images looked good, and sometimes very good, with accurate colours and exposure. But more often than not, we ran into problems. For instance, when using the spot meter, we experienced erratic colour accuracy and exposure,...