July 2009
sees the release of an upgrade for Panasonic's excellent DMC-FZ28
. The Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
(DMC-FZ35
outside Europe) is a 12 Megapixel camera with a massive 18x optical zoom
and an impressive specification. Among other things it offers HD movie
mode; quick start-up (just over a second); face recognition plus; ultra
high speed autofocus; and full manual operation. Optical image stabilisation
is an improved version of the already excellent FZ28's. While the ultra
high speed autofocus, doubling the speed of the DMC-FZ28
, now works in the dark as well.
Although
the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
is a lightweight camera it feels nicely solid and comfortable in the hand,
and like all good cameras, it has a viewfinder, albeit an electronic one.
On top of the body is a pop-up flash, but, alas, no accessory shoe. The
stereo microphones, clearly needing to go somewhere, have been located
on top of the flash housing.
The lens is
a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit producing images with a fine level of detail, good
colour depth and dynamic range. The focal length, in 35mm terms, ranges
from a respectably wide 27mm (f2.8), to a substantial telephoto 486mm (f4.4).
Noise in the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
is well controlled for a camera of this type with almost noise-free images
at ISO400, though even at the maximum ISO of 1600 the results are good enough
for small prints, though fine detail suffers. AT ISO 80 images are sharp
and clean with good edge definition.
The Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
has an improved image stabilisation system POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image
Stabiliser) and offers twice the stabilisation of the DMC-FZ28
. This means that longer zoom settings can be used hand held. Also indoor
photography, where flash would destroy the ambience, (church interiors
for instance) becomes more accessible. Makes me wonder how long it will
be before tripods become obsolete.
The mode wheel on the top plate, alongside the flash housing, has 14 shooting
options (mode wheels are definitely going to have to get bigger) to cover
every photographic possibility, so whatever your skill level, the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
has a setting to suit. For the absolute beginner there is even Intelligent
Auto Mode - just set the Mode dial to IA. This is the 'Photography for
Dummies' option that lets you concentrate on the picture you want to create
and let the camera worry about all those complicated aperture, shutter
speed, and ISO settings. I am totally in favour of anything that makes
it easy for novices to take great pictures. While on the subject of Intelligence
(Panasonic seems to like that word): Intelligent Auto Exposure sorts out
high contrast problems; and with the Intelligent ISO of the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
'The camera automatically sets the optimum ISO sensitivity and shutter
speed to suit the movement of the subject and brightness of the scene
to minimise the jitter of the subject.' That's straight from the manual.
Great stuff. It won't be long before the camera takes itself for a day
out and comes back with the pictures you would like to have taken.
The innovation
and enterprise of camera software designers never ceases to impress me.
The Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
has face recognition with a difference. The camera will remember up to
six different faces and whenever any of these particular faces are present
in the viewfinder the camera's focus system locks on to them in preference
to any other faces!!! And the best bit is the camera notices when you
have photographed the same person several times and prompts you to register
them. Registered faces, when recognised, have the focus and exposure optimised
for them, over and above whatever else is in the frame.
Movie mode,
something of which I'm not a fan in still cameras, is a one button feature.
One button starts the movie, press it again and it stops recording. Doesn't
matter what the other settings are. So in that sense it is truly useful
and can capture easily those spontaneous moments. With the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
Movies can be recorded in HD (1280 x 720) and at smaller sizes too. HD
is great if you want to watch it on your tv at home. The jpeg options
are better for emailing and web use.
The monitor
is 2.7", clear and bright and the camera has a useful rechargeable
Li-on battery and SD card housed under the same door in the bottom of
the camera. Finally there is a tripod screw socket too for when your long
exposures outfox the image stabilisation system.
The Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
is a camera you won't be ashamed to be seen holding, and if you don't
want the hassle and expense of interchangeable lenses and a very heavy
equipment bag to carry them all then the Panasonic
Lumix DMC-FZ38
should definitely be on your short list. Probably not worth upgrading
if you already own the DMC-FZ28
but otherwise highly recommended. You really need to be considering DSLRs
if you want to significantly improve on this camera. If you want a good
quality camera for holidays, family moments, and the occasional Youtube
video then this is worthy of serious consideration. For more serious photographers
wanting to produce larger sized prints then I recommend that you look
at entry level DSLRs.
Build quality 9/10
Features 9/10
Image Quality 9/10
Handling 7/10
Value for Money 8/10
Overall 8/10
Its Rivals.
Fujifilm FinePix S1500
Kodak Easyshare Z980
Nikon Coolpix P90
Olympus SP-590UZ
Sony Cybershot DSC-H20
