14 DAY TRIAL // LetsGoDigital managed to get their hands on the Panasonic Lumix FZ30. This brand new Panasonic flagship is a pro-consumer model with an 8 Megapixels CCD on board. The Panasonic FZ30 has a newly developed 12x optical zoom featuring a mechanically linked zoom ring, fully internal zoom and image stabilization. This powerful zoom lens also features a manual focus ring (electronic). Another key feature of the DMC FZ30 is the Optical Image Stabilizer, MEGA O.I.S. it is deservedly continued as Panasonic advanced the theory that it should be 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.
LetsGoDigital added: "Panasonic is getting more popular among camera enthusiasts and when we look at products like the new Panasonic DMC FZ30 we understand why. It is a mere fact that features like the Image Stabilization and a large optical zoom are features that a potential large group of consumers is looking for. Though the ergonomics and control are not directly similar to others, the Panasonic FZ30 digital camera has enough features that will attract new potential Panasonic users or at least make them curious."
Along with CCD size and total effective pixels, the Panasonic 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 about 180%, offering a sharp, clear view. All these complete the Panasonic Lumix FZ30 in the resulting picture quality and operationally.
LetsGoDigital continued with: "Although based on a pre-production model I find the Panasonic FZ30 camera easy to control. It has a lot to offer, although I feel as if the Panasonic is meant more for the amateur/hobbyist than for the serious hobbyist. It is just that it feels different compared to the competitor's range of digital cameras in this class. Here and there I am missing some quick buttons for functions that are now only accessible in the menu (e.g. image quality, white balance and ISO, etc.) But for the rest the Panasonic offers a lot of user-friendly features and of course the Optical Image Stabilizer... It's addictive!"
Visit LetsGoDigital for the full Panasonic Lumix FZ30 preview.
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