Panasonic Lumix DMCFZ30BB

...additional lenses, flash, and tripod). Panasonic electronics and Leica optics work well together. Can it be improved upon? They'll certainly try. However, in my view it's near perfect and any later model will only offer marginal improvements that most people won't notice in day-to-day use. You could hang on and buy a later version, but my advise to you is buy the FZ30 now and enjoy your photography.   ... more

I'm newcomer to digital photography.

So, you may ask for my credentials in writing this review. That's easy. I don't have any. Other than the fact that I do have an FZ30. I've owned and used the camera for just 2 months, and am still learning about it. That's yet another reason for writing this review. Writing about it will allow me to address what I like about the camera, what I dislike, and it will encourage me to focus on how to get the best from it in years to come.

For years I have maintained that digital cameras couldn't match the performance of my old Nikon SLR. Then the FZ30 came along, and I had to take a closer look. I was initially attracted by:

* it's stunning good looks. The camera looks best in black.

* that lens. The Leica lens made me sit up and take note.

* it's versatility. I wanted something that I could set to 'auto', and I'd be sure of good results, whilst I spent some time learning it's full capabilities.

Some two months down the line I can report that it more than matches my expectations. It is a serious piece of kit. To date it's travelled with me to Ireland, and to the Yorkshire Dales & Moors. It's been used to photograph landscapes, townscapes (not always in good light), birds, fauna, and flora (making use of it's excellent macro capabilities).

The FZ30 is a touch lighter than my old Nikon FE, but it is SLR sized. So it's not 'pocketable'. Unless you are serious about your photography, and willing to tote it around, you will need to look elsewhere. I carry mine in a bum-bag, which is capacious enough to carry a few accessories, sun glasses, etc.

The only other negative is the size of the SD Card supplied. Ditch it, and buy yourself a 1GB card.

Elsewhere, I've seen it critisised on just 2 issues:

* Software. It comes bundled with stuff on a CD ROM which is said to be of limited use. I guess that's true if you are into image processing. So, buy software that will allow you to make full use of the camera's RAW capability if you need it. But don't let it put you off buying the Panasonic.

* Noise. I hear that in low light there is unacceptable picture 'noise' to contend with. For the vast majority of users (me included) it's not an issue, and if you are compelled to take shots in poor light/nightscapes I suggest you also buy a used SLR, set it to manual, use a tripod, and bracket your exposures to get some excellent photos. Now for the good stuff. I'll keep my comments short, and to the point:

• The 'auto' mode works well.
• Try the 'P' mode. It's programme shift - and allows you to set your idea of the perfect combination of aperture and shutter speed. My favourite.
• It has both aperture and shutter priority settings, if that's what you are used to or need for any given situation. It also has 'M' manual, and 'SCN' scene modes designed to optimise camera settings for a range of subjects.
• 'Macro' is excellent. I take around 25% of my shots in macro mode, and the results are stunning. Get to within 5cm of your subject for impact, but watch your depth of field.
• Leica optics first attracted me to this camera, and it is a great lens. The range from wide angle through to 12x telephoto is coupled with an impressive image stabilisation (anti-shake) facility that makes it perfectly possible to use it hand held in most situations.
• Movies. Your only limit is the size of SD Card. A 1GB memory card gets you around 12 minutes of good quality video, with sound. Good for those candid/party shots, and highly entertaining.
• Good battery life and neat charger.
• The flash works well; though I don't use it much.
• Excellent viewfinder and LCD. The LCD scores highly when taking macro. I no longer have to contort myself to get the right viewpoint. One minor criticism is the dioptre adjustment - all too easy to move the dial inadvertently. Then you have to re-set it; but it only takes a few seconds.
• Superb handling. It feels perfectly balanced, and is a joy to hold. All the controls come to hand, and are (in the main) just where you would expect them to be.

To sum up. It's not cheap, but it is a fine camera and an impressive creative tool. It offers versatility without the bulk of an SLR (with additional lenses, flash, and tripod). Panasonic electronics and Leica optics work well together. Can it be improved upon? They'll certainly try. However, in my view it's near perfect and any later model will only offer marginal improvements that most people won't notice in day-to-day use. You could hang on and buy a later version, but my advise to you is buy the FZ30 now and enjoy your photography.  

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