Howard_Creech's Full Review: Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FZ30 Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ30 replaces the very popular FZ20. Panasonic's product development folks designed the FZ30 to include most of the improvements requested by users and all the best features of the FZ20.
What's New? How does the FZ30 differ from the FZ20?
The FZ30's 12x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit image stabilized zoom has been slightly redesigned. The bad news is that it no longer features a constant f2.8 aperture, it is now an f2.8-f3.7/35-420 mm (35 mm equivalent) variable aperture optic. The good news is that it now has a (mechanically linked) manual zoom ring in addition to its (electrically linked) manual focus ring.
The FZ30's 2.0" LCD screen now flips down and rotates (the FZ20’s LCD was fixed) and if that isn't impressive enough, LCD (and EVF) resolution has been increased by almost 200 per cent. Panasonic also boosted the FZ30's resolution to 8 megapixels (the FZ20 was a 5 megapixel camera) and punched up the operational speed of the LSI Venus II processor. The FZ30 has a more powerful battery and improved power management and that means more pictures between charges.
NUTS & BOLTS
Viewfinder/LCD
The FZ20's EVF (electronic viewfinder) was a bit dimmer than average, but that is not the case with the FZ30. The FZ30's eye level zooming EVF displays TTL images that are bright, sharp, color correct, and fluid. Resolution has been increased (according to Panasonic) by 180 per cent – I'm not sure about Panasonic’s math -- the resolution of the FZ20's EVF was 130,000 pixels and the resolution for the FZ30's EVF is 235,000 pixels, which according to my admittedly primitive calculations is an improvement of about 85 per cent. Regardless of the math, having used both cameras, the FZ30's EVF is exponentially better.
Lots of photographers don't like EVFs, because even the best electronic viewfinders can't compete (in terms of clarity and resolution) with an optical viewfinder. Point & Shoot style digital cameras with long zooms are universally reliant on EVFs because it is not economically feasible to manufacture a zooming optical viewfinder to match an 8X, 10X, or 12X zoom. What is great about EVFs is that they provide TTL (through the lens) composition with no parallax error, just like SLR cameras. The optical viewfinders and zoom lenses on P&S digicams are separate units so what the viewfinder sees is slightly different from what the lens sees. For close-up subjects this difference (called parallax error) is substantial.
The FZ30's EVF provides a diopter correction adjustment for those who wear eyeglasses.
The FZ20's LCD screen was fixed, but the FZ30's LCD screen flips down (from the back of the camera) up to 120 degrees and rotates up to 180 degrees. The LCD screen can also be used in the traditional position or reversed (facing the back of the camera) to protect it from scratches, smudges, dust, and moisture (when not in use). This new design provides more flexibility in composition by allowing photographers to easily shoot at a high angle (above the heads of a crowd), low angle (great for shooting macro), adjust the LCD angle to overcome glare in bright outdoor light, or as a waist level finder. The FZ30's 2" LCD screen is sharp, super bright, color correct, and fluid. There's a real-time (live) histogram display (a graphic pre-exposure depiction of the image that shows areas of over/under exposure) for fine-tuning exposure parameters before tripping the shutter.
LCD & EVF brightness can be adjusted +/- 3 steps in 1 step increments. Brightness levels can be adjusted separately between the LCD and the EVF. Both EVF and LCD show 100 per cent of the image frame.
Zoom Lens
One of the FZ20's major selling points was its constant f2.8 aperture 12X Leica DC Vario Elmarit zoom. That lens has been re-designed for the FZ30, it is now a variable aperture (the maximum aperture becomes smaller as the zoom moves toward the telephoto end of the optical range) f2.8-f3.7/35-420mm (35mm equivalent) IF (internal focus) optic. The re-designed zoom (13 elements in 8 groups with 3 aspherical surfaces to control optical distortion and one ED element to improve contrast and color) is slightly slower at the telephoto end than its predecessor, but it is also more compact. FZ20 users liked the (electrically linked) manual focus ring and complained that there was no matching manual zoom ring. The FZ30's re-designed lens retains the manual focus ring and adds a mechanically linked manual zoom ring. The new zoom ring is well damped and works just like the manual zoom ring on a 35mm SLR zoom. The FZ30's zoom is threaded for 55 mm accessories (there's no need for a separate lens adapter).
Another unique feature of this lens is the extended optical zoom option. When EOZ is enabled the FZ30 uses a smaller area of the CCD sensor, which creates a narrower angle of view. A narrower angle of view makes the FZ30's 12X zoom grow magically longer (but at lower resolutions). Users can choose either 5 megapixel (15X) resolution (the lens becomes a 44-535mm zoom) or 3 megapixel (19X) resolution (the lens becomes a 55-668mm zoom) with no loss of lens speed. This is not the same as digital zoom, the center of the image frame is not magnified (which causes image quality to deteriorate) the size of the active CCD sensor is reduced, which narrows the angle of view and effectively makes the zoom longer. The final result is the same (extended reach) but while maximum resolution is reduced, image quality is not. Consider it from this perspective, the 5 megapixel image captured at 535mm (35mm equivalent) is based on optical magnification (not digital enlargement) so it has sharper resolution, better color, more balanced contrast, and less noise than an 8 megapixel image with the center portion doubled or tripled in size digitally.
Leica has been making legendary optics since just after World War I and the FZ30's re-designed DC Vario Elmarit zoom continues that tradition. The FZ30's zoom consistently measures up. Corners are noticeably sharper than average (although corner softness is unavoidable in an optic this complex) and I didn't notice any vignetting (darkened corners) which is absolutely amazing optical performance for a 12X wide-angle to telephoto zoom. Contrast and color are also very good, but there is some noticeable barrel distortion at the wide-angle end of the zoom and some visible (but minor) pincushion distortion at the telephoto end of the range. Even more amazing is how well chromatic aberration is controlled, even in high contrast color transition zones. A very slight violet fringing is visible occasionally around the edges of very bright and very dark image elements at the telephoto end of the zoom.
Panasonic includes a really classy lens cap and a very useful (petal style) lens hood, but the lens hood must be removed when using the built-in flash (it partially blocks coverage) or when the AF assist beam is enabled.
Image Stabilization
Leica and Panasonic joined forces to develop a gyroscopic balance system that shifts lens elements to compensate for camera shake/motion. In practice the FZ30's image stabilization allows users to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 f-stops slower than would have been possible without image stabilization. For example, if a shutter speed of 1/500th of a second is required to avoid the effects of camera shake (without image stabilization) the FZ30 (with IS enabled) can capture a sharp image of the same subject (everything else being equal) at 1/60th of a second -- a great feature for photographers who like to shoot action/sports/wildlife and lowlight subjects. The FZ30's Image Stabilizer can be left turned off, or the lens can be stabilized continuously so the LCD screen can be used for confirmation (which uses a lot of battery power), or the lens can be stabilized just prior to exposure – (which uses much less battery power). Having used both cameras (in my subjective opinion) the FZ30's image stabilization seems a bit more effective than the FZ20's. I suspect that this is due to the shorter profile IF (the lens doesn’t extend) of the re-designed Leica Vario Elmarit zoom.
Does IS work? Yes, but Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer) technology isn't black magic and it can't accomplish miracles. The IS system can only counteract for minor movement/camera shake; it won't neutralize sharp or violent shifts or reduce blur caused by moving subjects or rapid panning. Potential purchasers should also keep in mind that IS shortens battery life exponentially and factor in the cost of a back-up battery as a consequence. Photographers who want/need sharp handheld 8 megapixel action/sports/low light images and a monster zoom are pretty much limited to the FZ30 or K-M's A2 & A200, or to a dSLR.
Auto Focus
The FZ30 utilizes an enhanced version of the contrast-detection auto focus system used in the FZ20. The FZ30 has two high-speed AF modes (Panasonic says the FZ30's AF speed in the high speed modes is three times as fast as the FZ20's AF). Users can select 9 area AF, 3 area high speed AF, 1 area high speed AF, 1 area AF, or Continuous AF. AF is consistently smooth, fast, and precise even in the normal speed modes. AF is nothing short of amazing (essentially real time) in the high-speed modes (1/10 to 1/3 of a second)- according to Panasonic. Low light AF is much improved over the FZ20, too. The LCD screen does black out (briefly) when the shutter is tripped in the high-speed AF modes, but this shouldn't be a problem for most users. AF is quite accurate, but it does tend to occasionally lock on higher contrast objects in the background when shooting low contrast foreground subjects. Minimum focusing distance (in macro mode) is just shy of 2 inches.
Manual Focus
In manual focus mode the FZ30's Leica zoom functions just like a traditional camera lens, just flip the MF switch and adjust focus by turning the focus ring on the lens barrel. In MF mode FZ30 users can opt to enlarge only the center of the frame or they can enlarge the entire image frame for more precise focusing. If the center of the frame is enlarged, users can shift the magnified area around the frame with the 4-way compass switch. The FZ30's MF is quick, accurate, and noticeably simpler to use than the cumbersome "rocker switch" MF systems found on most digicams. My one complaint with the MF system of the FZ30 is the lack of a distance scale readout on the LCD.
Flash
The built-in pop-up speedlight offers a relatively standard array of flash options, including: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow-synch, Fill, and Off. The FZ30 also provides Flash compensation (+/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments) so flash output to be adjusted. The FZ30's built-in flash is quite powerful, but (based on my limited use) Pansonic's claim that the maximum range is 23 feet, seems a bit optimistic. The FZ30 also provides a standard hot-shoe for mounting external flash units. The FZ30 is compatible with Panasonic's DMW-FL28 external flash and most 3rd party flash units, but the FZ30, like the FZ20, doesn't support TTL flash operation.
Memory Media
The FZ30 saves images to SD/MMC memory media (a 32MB “starter” SD card is included).
Image File Formats
The FZ30 supports JPEG, TIFF, and RAW formats.
Connectivity
USB 2.0, A/V out, Remote in (for optional wired remote control), and DC in (for optional AC adapter).
Power
Power management was one area where the FZ20 really fell down on the job, but the FZ30 has a new more powerful battery that's (according to Panasonic) good for 280 exposures. The FZ20's CGA-S002E lithium-ion rechargeable battery was good for 200-250 exposures, so the new battery really isn't that much of an improvement. The FZ30 and the FZ20 are both underpowered. A back-up CGR-S006A lithium-ion rechargeable battery (about $50.00) is not an option, it is a necessity for a power hungry beast like the FZ30. Panasonic camera batteries are usually sold only in camera stores that sell Panasonic cameras or by large volume on-line Electronics merchants, so wise shoppers will buy the back-up battery when they buy the camera. The included charger needs about 90 minutes to punch the CGR-S006A lithium-ion rechargeable battery back up to full power. Panasonic also offers an optional AC adapter to power the camera from a standard electrical outlet.
EXPOSURE
The Panasonic DMC FZ30 provides a very useful range of exposure options including: Auto, Program AE, Scene modes, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and full Manual modes. In Program AE mode the FZ30 selects the aperture and shutter speed, but the user is free to choose most other exposure parameters. Users can also select one of the FZ30's Scene modes -- Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Panning, Night Portrait, Food, Baby, Baby, Soft Skin, Starry Sky, and Candle-light -- and the camera automatically optimizes all exposure parameters for the specific type of scene selected. In Aperture Priority mode, shooters select the lens aperture and the FZ30 selects the appropriate shutter speed. In Shutter Priority mode users select the shutter speed and the FZ30 selects the appropriate aperture. In Manual mode users have complete control and select all exposure parameters.
Movie Mode
The FZ30's Movie mode captures video clips at 640X480 @ 30 fps (with mono audio) and movie duration is limited only by the capacity of the SD card. Unlike most digicams the FZ30's monster zoom can be used during filming (the manual zoom ring doesn't generate any motor noise). Just select the Continuous AF option (which will keep everything in focus while zooming in and out) and enable Image Stabilization for sharply focused and shake free video clips.
Metering
The FZ30's default metering system divides the image frame into segments (multiple-segment light measurement system) and then evaluates the brightness and contrast in each of these segments to determine the optimum exposure. More advanced users can choose Spot or Center-Weighted metering modes for more control in tricky lighting. The Spot mode also allows users to align the center of the frame with the most important compositional element (like the eyes in a portrait) and bias the exposure on that very small area and then re-compose. Center-Weighted metering is useful for re-creating the retro look of "classic" golden age photography or ensuring that the exposure is biased toward subjects in the center area of the image frame.
White Balance
The FZ30's White Balance system provides TTL Auto and pre-sets for Auto, daylight, cloudy, halogen, flash, and white set. The FZ30 also provides a Manual setting that allows users to set and retrieve 2 WB settings and White Set mode (for adjusting the color balance manually with a white card, ceiling, or wall). The FZ30's White Balance compensation mode permits users to bias hue toward cooler (blue) or warmer (red) colors in +/-5 incremental steps.
Sensitivity
The FZ30's sensitivity is automatically set for TTL Auto or users can select ISO (35mm equivalent) values of 80, 100, 200, and 400. The FZ30's Sensitivity options are not as broad as one would expect with a camera this complex. A digicam with the FZ30's capabilities should provide a low-end setting of ISO 50 or ISO 64 -- the ISO 80 and ISO 100 settings are so close there is no discernible difference between the two.
In-Camera Image Adjustment
In camera image adjustment is an often overlooked but very important tool for overcoming minor exposure problems. The FZ30 provides shooters with a useful range of incremental color, contrast, and sharpening tweaks that will help demanding photographers achieve precisely the sort of image they want.
The FZ30's Exposure Compensation mode allows users to subtly modify exposure because very bright or very dark subjects can trick light metering systems into underexposing or overexposing images. The FZ30's base exposure can be adjusted from +/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments to compensate for difficult lighting and subject/background reflectance/non-reflectance problems or to compensate for environmental exposure variables.
Very minor exposure differences can affect the overall tone and dramatic appeal of an image. FZ30 users can ensure that they'll get very close to the perfect exposure with the camera's auto bracketing function. The FZ30 captures 3 exposures in rapid sequence (with one press of the shutter button) varying the exposure between the three images by +/-1EV in 1/3 EV increments.
The FZ20 also allows flash output to be adjusted +/-2 EV in 1/3 EV increments. Other tweaks include -- Saturation (Low, standard, high), Contrast (Low, standard, high), Sharpness (Low, standard, high), and Noise reduction (Low, standard, high)
CONTROLS, DESIGN, ENGINEERING, & ERGONOMICS
The FZ30 looks, feels, and handles like a compact 35mm or digital SLR and seems more than tough enough (Polycarbonate shell over metal alloy frame) for most non-professional uses. The big ergonomic handgrip is comfortable to hold (and it provides a nice balance point for the big zoom). The FZ30's controls are logically laid out and come intuitively to hand. The menus are easy to understand and well organized for quick navigation. The new zoom ring (in conjunction with the manual focus ring) really improves camera usability.
The FZ30 (available in either black or silver) is fairly large, definitely too bulky to carry in anything smaller than a large fanny pack or a medium sized purse. Experienced digicam users should be able to use the camera right out of the box -- neophytes, technophobes, and first time digicam users will need no more than a brief familiarization scan of the owner's manual before they can start shooting. The FZ30's street price range is $649.00 - $699.00, but that will drop as we get closer to the holiday buying season.
Technical Specifications
Resolution: 8 megapixels (3264 x 2448)
Viewfinders: EVF (electronic viewfinder) and 2.0" color LCD
Lens: f2.8-f3.7/35-420mm (35mm equivalent) IF Leica DC Vario Elmarit zoom
Auto Focus: 9/3/1 AF point Contrast Detection
Exposure Modes: Auto, Program, Scene modes, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, and full Manual modes.
Flash: Built-in Multi Mode
Hot Shoe: Yes
Metering: Multi-Segment Evaluative, Center-Weighted, and Spot
Exposure Compensation: Yes +/-2EV in 1/3EV increments
Image Formats: RAW, TIFF, and JPEG
Sensitivity: TTL Auto, 80, 100, 200, & 400 ISO equivalents
White Balance: TTL auto, Pre-sets (Auto, daylight, cloudy, halogen, flash) plus a retrievable prior WB setting and a Manual WB setting
Image Storage: SD/MMC
Connectivity: USB 2.0, A/V out, DC in, Audio in
Power: Panasonic CGR-S006A lithium-ion rechargeable battery
One of my oldest friends sells new and used digital and analog camera equipment and photographic accessories. He and I often get together to check out new cameras. He turned up on a recent Friday morning with a brand new Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ30 and asked if I wanted to help him put the camera through its paces. I liked the FZ20, but it had a couple of idiosyncrasies so I was interested in assessing the performance of its successor. Our first test was to shoot some color tests using a homemade macro stage and a selection of brightly colored (red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and purple) plastic children's beach toys arranged on a sheet of white background paper. This test allows us to check color accuracy and Auto White Balance (and provides us with the ability to compare results from camera to camera). The FZ30 performed like a champ---colors were bright, well saturated, and accurate. The FZ20's auto White Balance produced a very minor, but consistent pinkish/yellowish cast -- that niggling irritant has been fixed in the FZ30.
Saturday afternoon we made a bee-line for the second annual World Fest at the Belvedere (Louisville's downtown riverfront plaza). The temperature was in the mid eighties and the sky was blue with wispy white clouds. The Belvedere was packed with revelers out enjoying the beautiful Labor Day weekend, diverse foods from more than twenty countries, music and dancers from around the world, and tiny tent shops selling ethnic groceries, unique jewelry, colorful clothing, and exotic souvenirs. We wandered around shooting the kids playing in the Belvedere's fountains and pools, "street" style shots of young folks dancing to some pretty decent Reggae music (in the tiny area in front of the stage), and the colorful native costumes of some of the vendors. In the middle of a huge crowd, the FZ30 had the ability to reach out and isolate anybody or anything that caught our interest. The FZ30's Image Stabilization (position 2 - exposure) and the bright late afternoon lighting consistently produced tack sharp images, even at 12X.
Exposures (in Auto and Program modes) were consistently accurate and the FZ30's Auto White Balance setting produced dependably true highly saturated (but not garish) colors. There were dozens of photographers at the event, many carrying top tier Nikon and Canon dSLRs with Pro telephoto zooms (and monopods) -- the relatively compact FZ30 provided us with the same level of reach, comparably fast maximum apertures, and eight megapixel resolution (without attracting all the attention). We stayed until the sun went down (and an excellent local Jazz group finished their set) and then called it a day.
Sunday morning was absolutely beautiful with blue skies, cottony white clouds, and cooler temperatures in the low seventies, so we headed for Cave Hill Cemetery to look for exotic blooming plants, native limestone grave markers from the 19th century, ornate mausoleums, and the rustic old groundskeeper's cottage. We also spent some time shooting pictures of folks feeding the ducks, geese, and swans at the small lake near the center of Louisville's oldest cemetery. After we ran out of things to shoot at Cave Hill we headed for nearby Cherokee Park to shoot some intimate landscapes along the banks of Beargrass Creek. The weather had gotten warmer and more humid with pale blue skies and nothing but a few wispy white clouds. The scenic loop road in Cherokee Park rolls along beside Beargrass Creek for a couple of miles with old growth trees marching up the rolling hillsides. There are also sloping open meadows and small wildflower rimmed creek-side clearings. On a nice day it's easy to get away from the crowds and shoot great outdoor scenics just a few yards from the road. When it's hot and humid the layered shade under the old growth trees offers a welcome respite. The snazzy little FZ30 delivered sharp nicely saturated images with detail in the shadows and color nuances in the highlight areas. When the light started to fade we called it a day and headed for home.
PERFORMANCE
Image Quality
The FZ30's Images are consistently sharp with very good color, excellent shadow/highlight detail, and balanced contrast (due in large part to the superb Leica zoom). Image noise is slightly above average at the FZ30's Auto ISO setting. Noise is visible, but not objectionable at ISO 80 and 100 (there's no discernible difference between the ISO 80 and ISO 100 settings). Noise is above average and noticeable at ISO 200, and unacceptably high at ISO 400. Minor Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is visible in high contrast color transition areas at the wide end of the Leica monster zoom, but essentially invisible at the telephoto end of the range. Overall, image quality is very good, but image noise is above average across the board. For users who plan to print enlargements in the 8x10 to 11x14 range, stick to the ISO 80 or 100 sensitivity settings and set noise reduction to "high".
Timing/Shutter Lag
The FZ30 is very quick, easily the fastest camera in it's class (which consists of the FZ20, K-M A2, and K-M A200). The FZ30's boot up cycle is five times faster than the FZ20 (about 1 second compared to 5 seconds). Shutter lag is essentially real time and AF lag (with pre-focus) is basically non-existent. Write to card times are substantially faster than average and shot to shot times are noticeably better than average. Overall, the FZ30 is fast enough to compete nicely with just about everything up to the dSLR level.
A Few Concerns
My only concerns with the FZ30 are the high noise levels, especially at ISO 200 and ISO 400, and its underpowered battery. Users who limit themselves to ISO 80 and ISO 100 (with noise reduction at the high setting) will be OK in most situations, for those who are bothered by a slightly grainy look some post exposure processing will be required. Those who like photojournalistic realism (and the immediacy conveyed by small tight grain patterns) will love the "look" of the FZ30's images. Power management is noticeably improved over the FZ20, however the claimed ability to shoot 280 exposures on a single charge refers to ideal circumstances and that is a bit deceptive. Most FZ30 users will utilize the image stabilization and with IS enabled power reserves will drop precipitously (especially in the full time IS mode). FZ30 purchasers should plan to rely mostly on the exposure IS mode and factor in the cost of at least one back up battery.
Conclusion
The FZ30 will appeal to serious photographers, part-time pros, advanced amateur shooters, gadget lovers, and those seeking the ultimate prosumer digicam. Aside from a couple of minor faults the FZ30 comes very close to being the perfect ultra zoom camera. Panasonic's flagship model really has very little in the way of competition, in fact its only true competitors are the Konica-Minolta A2 and its slightly less feature rich sibling (the K-M A200).
Should FZ20 owners turn to ebay to partially finance their switch to the FZ30? In most cases I would say no, but the FZ30 is a really a revolutionary product. The sixty per cent increase in resolution, first-rate image stabilization, and the brighter (and more useful) LCD nicely over balance the minor loss of the constant f2.8 maximum aperture. For those who want/need 8 megapixels and a 12X image stabilized zoom, bite the bullet and spring for the FZ30. I doubt very seriously that you’ll regret your decision.
Links
If you would like to see a selection of images that are very similar to and typical of the sort of test pictures I shoot for my epinions digital camera reviews, click on the first link under Favorite Links on my profile page (to get to my EPS profile page from this review, just click on my name under about the author). The Favorite Links link will take you to my forum page at DCR. Click on the “find all posts by Howard Creech" (under Forum Info). My DCR reviews each feature a selection of my images.
The observations, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions provided in my digital camera reviews are based on more than 30 years experience as a photographer and extensive hands on testing of each of the cameras reviewed. I receive no compensation from DCR.com for your visit or any subsequent purchase you may make. You can return to epinions at any time (either open the link in a new window or hit your back button). The Canon Powershot SD500 and the Canon Powershot A520 posts were submitted as text only reviews and the images that illustrate those two posts were shot by a DCR.com staffer.
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