Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 Digital Camera
Panasonic is proud to introduce the 8-Megapixel, 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 420 mm on a 35 mm film camera) Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) as an up-and-comer to its creative super zoom FZ double-digit line. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30, released in 2004, has already been internationally acclaimed for meeting the needs of the market by realizing the needs of users.
The 12x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens, underwent further development to provide even more superb picture rendering. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30’s other key feature, the Optical Image Stabilizer, MEGA O.I.S. is deservedly continued and is now standard in all digital still cameras. The newly incorporated Extra Optical Zoom extends the zoom ratio by using the center part of the high resolution CCD, to achieve 15.3x for 5-Megapixel and 19.1x for 3-Megapixel images with minimal deterioration.
Along with CCD size and pixels, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 also has enhanced its excellence in other features: addition of a manual zoom ring to the manual focus ring, which was very popular in the FZ20; easy-to-see free-angle LCD; and adjustable dials for the aperture and shutter speed controls. Both the LCD and EVF have had their resolution increased by approximately 180 %, offering a sharp, clear view. All these complete the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 in the resulting picture quality and operationality.
The newly developed 8-Megapixel CCD is compatible with the 9-pixel mixed readout method, so now moving pictures with dramatically increased brightness can be recorded at 30 fps in VGA size, previously only recordable in QVGA. This technology is used for the LCD monitoring to provide a bright and clear view so subjects can be seen easily, even in low-light situations.
Taking advantage of these outstanding features, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 incorporates the high speed, high quality image processing LSI Venus Engine II. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 boasts quick responsiveness that realizes the best-in-class release time lag of 0.01 sec. Adopting a non-collapsible lens has substantially reduced startup time from approximately 5 sec to 0.97 sec. AF time in 1-point high-speed AF has been dramatically reduced to a quarter the level* of that of the previous DMC-FZ20.
Furthermore, by adopting a newly developed lithium-ion battery with a capacity increased from 680 mAh to 730 mAh, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 realizes the shooting of approx. 280** images in one charge.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 has the flawless basic specifications to fuel the spark of imagination in high-end users and is destined to join the Panasonic LUMIX high-end model lineup.
* Panasonic in-house comparison with DMC-FZ20 at the tele-end. ** Based on the CIPA standard.
Panasonic Lumix FZ30 Reviews
‘imaging-resource’ have written a review for the Panasonic Lumix FZ30, heres a summary.
Though Panasonic was late offering a wide array of digital cameras, they’ve produced some excellent and very popular digicams in the last few years; particularly in the long zoom category. The Panasonic Lumix FZ30 combines a 12x optically stabilized zoom lens with an 8.0-megapixel sensor, a host of features, and a new burly look designed to entice novice and enthusiast in a market that’s swinging toward the SLR. (Panasonic Lumix FZ30 is very similar to the FZ20 model, the biggest difference being its 8.0-megapixel CCD vs. the 5.0-megapixel chip on the FZ20, and a handful of minor control updates. It is not an SLR.) True to its Leica heritage, the Panasonic Lumix FZ30’s long zoom shows very good optical quality, and the rest of the camera happily measures up as well. Read on for all the details, but if you’re in the market for a long-zoom digicam with optical image stabilization, the Panasonic Lumix FZ30 looks like a good bet.