Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Ratings and Reviews
November 4th, 2009 • Filed Under•107 views
The FZ35 records HD movies with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution. It uses the AVCHD Lite format to achieve higher image quality while storing less data than the conventional Motion JPEG. Plus, the FZ35 is equipped with an HDMI output terminal for direct transmission of digital image and sound signals.
Index of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Expert Reviews
- CNET Asia—”With its wealth of features, the FZ35 is a good choice for enthusiasts especially those who want to experience how handling a dSLR is like. Features-wise, the Lumix’s rivals offer slightly higher specifications, though the tradeoff is that they are a tad more bulky and heavier. So do keep these factors in mind before making your decision.”
- ImagingResource—”There’s nothing quite like a long zoom that can capture a room without backing you into a wall or reach across a meadow to snap some shy wildlife. They will never be small but they are getting compact. The Panasonic FZ35 is one of the finer specimens I tested this summer.”
- DigitalTrends—”The Lumix DMC-FZ35 costs around $325 at legit online outlets. At this price, the camera is a good deal, especially for travelers and people who take their cameras with them everywhere. It takes solid photos, has a quality wide-angle mega-zoom, is easy to use, and records superior movie clips. Just don’t expect true DSLR performance.”
- DPExpert—”This camera certainly has the numbers. 12 megapixels. 18X zoom. All for $770, that has to be good, doesn’t it? So why does Panasonic charge $830 for the Lumix LX3 which sports a mere 10 megapixels, a 2.5X zoom and no eye-level viewfinder? And why is that camera so popular that the company cannot make enough to meet demand? Do the words “free” and “lunch” spring to mind?”
- Trusted Reviews—”My verdict on the FZ38 is pretty much the same as for its predecessor. If you’ve already got an FZ28 it’s probably not enough of an improvement to justify an upgrade. However for anyone else looking for a new super-zoom camera they really don’t come much better than this. Build quality, handling, features, performance, image quality and versatility are superior to any of its immediate rivals, and the excellent video quality is icing on the cake. To get anything better than this you’ll have to move up to a DSLR. “
- DCResource—”The manual situation has taken a turn for the worse on the Lumix DMC-FZ35. Panasonic no longer includes a full, printed manual in the box. Instead, you get a roughly 35 page “Basic Manual” which is, well, very basic. For more details, you’ll need to load up the full manual, which is on an included CD-ROM disc. That manual will answer all the questions you could possibly have, but I would much prefer a printed manual to a digital one. Neither of the manuals are what I’d call user friendly, with lots of fine print and confusing tables. Documentation for the included software is installed onto your computer.”
- CameraLabs—”It’s very important to carefully consider the pros and cons of the Canon against the Panasonic, and think about how they’ll relate to your photographic requirements. We’ve detailed the differences above, and the Canon certainly looks strong with its articulated screen and flash hotshoe, but you may find the RAW mode, manual exposures for movies, effective fringe-correction and slightly superior AF and stabilisation capabilities of the FZ38 / FZ35 more useful. It is however interesting to note now the Canon has 720p movies, the Panasonic fitted with stereo sound and both feature HDMI ports, these rival super-zooms are growing ever-closer. Ultimately one doesn’t take a decisive overall lead over the other, and it boils down to comparing feature-sets and handling for yourself. Suffice it to say both are great super-zoom cameras.”
- PhotoReview—“Buy this camera if: – You all the shooting modes and additional cool functions in a small, long-zoom camera – Image stabilization is important to you -You are into macro photography – You’d want to shoot video and stills – You would like good performance at relatively high ISO settings.”
- PhotographyBlog—”The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 builds on the proven design of its predecessor, the FZ28, making few handling changes but adding a number of significant new features that comprise a better overall package. We’re a little disappointed that Panasonic haven’t extended the reach of the 18x zoom lens to match its main rivals, but the 27-486mm focal length is still a very versatile one, especially given the addition of the slightly more effective Power OIS anti-shake system that reduces the overall number of blurry shots.”
- Digital Photography School—”I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FZ35. It’s compact, easy to use and, with its 18x zoom, a powerful image capture tool. The camera handled flare particularly well, snaring bright, well-coloured and sharp shots. The exposure systems were noticeably accurate. A perfect camera for the traveler.”
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(4.50 out of 5)
Fantastic and superbly versatile compact digital camera. The lens is really great (although it has easily noticeable barrel distortion at ...
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If you think 4x is weak, why not just go back to the SX-20? See, there are no good 20x ...
Comment by
Jody Lynn Nye on 4 November 2009:
I had a Lumix DMC-FZ class camera before, so I had high expectations. They have been met. A few gripes, none serious: It took a little while to learn the new system (on-off switch is on the top of the camera now, not at the top right edge of the back — my thumb keeps reaching for it there). I missed being able to focus manually by twisting the lens, but someone who never had a film SLR won’t have that problem. I hate the tweet the camera emits when it autofocuses, but that can be turned off (sacrificing the shutter sound, too, sadly). The amber light that the camera projects when I use autofocus scares off wildlife. Hate that. The default shutter seems not quite as quick as the old camera’s.
On the good side, it takes very good pictures. It’s quite a bit lighter and smaller than my other Lumix, so it’s easier to carry. The battery lasts ages, and when it has to be topped up, I love the new battery charger. Such an intelligent design with fold-out tines in the back of the cube; no need for wires. Thank you, Panasonic, for the cable that attaches to the lens cap. Previously had to improvise my own. The camera takes good pictures without flash in less light than before. The longer lens is a joy. I like the shoot/review thumb switch instead of the old system of turning the wheel to the green arrow. I like that I can adjust the length of auto-review time. In fact, so many more of the functions can be customized that I’ve barely begun to explore their extent. I’m looking forward to experimenting.
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Comment by
Jody Lynn Nye on 4 November 2009:
This camera is an excellent digital superzoom camera. I am amazed by the quality of the photos; they have great color and are visually stunning. The video clips are also of good quality. This camera is easy to use, and is lightweight, making it easy to carry. I have owned and used a number of Canon digital cameras,including the Rebel XT and the Rebel XSi. Based on my experience with the Canon dSLR’s, I initially purchased a Canon SX20 IS digital superzoom camera. However, I was not impressed with the photo quality; the images seemed to be a bit soft and did not have the quality that I have experienced with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. I am recommending the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 to all friends and family.
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Comment by
Mr. Peter Biddlecombe "peterbiddlecombe" (Bucks, UK) on 4 November 2009:
This is an initial review after one day of ownership, which I’ll revise. My previous experience of digital cameras is limited to a Nikon Coolpix compact, now about 7 years old, and this camera is intended to replace the Nikon film SLR and three lenses which I’ve lugged around on holidays for 10-15 years. So some things that are amazing me will be just what you expect if you’re used to similar cameras.
From that standpoint, the first thing to amaze me is the weight. Complete with battery, SDHC card, lens cap, lens hood and shoulder strap, it’s 1lb 1oz on the kitchen scales. And there’s very little to add in the accessory line – a clear and polarising filter (unlike some ‘bridge’ cameras, this one has a filter screw thread), spare battery, blower brush and mini-tripod from old stock and a new bag, and we’re done. This probably means the full kit weighing less than the SLR with mid-range zoom.
One reason for persevering with the SLR was being able to use an 18-35 mm lens for wide-angle shots. As the wide end of this camera is only equivalent to 27mm, I was pleased to see the panorama assist facility, and will be testing out the “stitching” software supplied with it to see whether I can still get a picture of a cathedral from the square in front of it. (An initial experiment suggests that given a level tripod, some good results should be available). At the narrow end, you don’t get the same power as the 24x or 26x alternatives, but with my previous range of 18-300mm, I used the 300 end less often than the 18, so probably not a big issue unless you’re snapping birds or cricketers. (You can have 32x if you reduce image size to 3Gb, but a very quick comparison suggests that unless stuck for memory space you may as well use 18x/12Mb and crop the picture later.)
The next big surprise was the quality of the results from “Intelligent Auto” mode. As soon as the battery was charged, I went outside and snapped away without worrying about where the sun was, or anything else I’d have pondered with the SLR. Results were very good, so you can do some very lazy photography, and if one or all users of the camera have never cared about shutter speeds and exposure compensation, it barely matters – Intelligent Auto and some other top-wheel choices like the scene mode will do most of the work.
I haven’t yet tried the movie-making side, though that’s not of great interest to me.
Various minor points:
The supplied Photofun Studio 4 software says that it doesn’t support 64-bit Windows Vista, but does install and seems to work OK.
You do NOT get a printed copy of the full manual, just a short ‘Getting started’ guide. The full manual in PDF is supplied on CD and you can find it and read it on the Panasonic website before buying, but I would have liked to have to whole thing – spare time on holidays is an ideal time for reading it. As and when we have a netbook PC for keeping and editing pictures, this issue will disappear!
The lens hood is easy enough to fit but its guide mark is unhelpfully placed on the bottom of the camera and common-sense fitting by eye without inverting the camera works just as well. The lens cap fits on the screw-in ring to which you attach the hood, though I’ve not yet checked whether you can stick this whole lot in front of a lens-protecting filter without vignetting or other trouble.
The square “+/-” symbol on the display may cause mild panic if you’re used to an old SLR’s top-panel display, where the symbol itself indicates under/overexposure. On the FZ38, it doesn’t unless there is a number next to it. The display options are worth exploring – the guidelines option is a boon for lining up, and when displaying pictures, you can optionally show a lot of information like shutter speed and aperture. Another user interface issue is that some selections are made without the equivalent of an “OK” button and some with, so at first you may find yourself pressing the “Menu/Set” button too often, despite the camera’s efforts to guide you.
One problem with the user interface is more significant – some lists of option choices use graphical symbols whose meaning may not be obvious. In some cases (like the ones shown when you select portrait with the mode wheel) these have explanatory captions (my favourite is “Smooth skin – shoot potrait’s skin more smoothly” – misspelled and a bit repetitious, but they tried). In others, there’s no help – try Setup – LCD mode, where your choices are “Off”, “A*” and “*” with no help about what LCD mode is or what these settings mean. You have to go to the full manual in PDF to find out. Depending on your experience, other symbols may be obvious, and explanation might be irritating, so there’s probably scope for some kind of “expert/beginner” setting which determines how much is explained. This is the one that stops me upping the rating to five stars.
The electronic viewfinder works well as an alternative to the screen, once adjusted with the diopter wheel. The display is exactly the same – you can even look at your stored pics with the viewfinder.
The battery is good for 470 shots based on the CIPA standard, but the manual warns you that this is based on a particular usage pattern – “e.g. when recording once every 2 minutes, the number [...] decreases to about 117. So a spare battery is probably worth buying. The charger is good for voltages 110-240, so for foreign trips you only need the kind of adaptor that makes the plug fit.
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Comment by
Vogman on 4 November 2009:
Let’s just say that I’m not what you’d call an ‘early adopter’.
But the FZ35 was something I just could not resist ! I’d been eyeing the FZ28 for a while,
but stalled, when I heard about video shooting capabilities.
I’m not disappointed. I’ve not given put it a thorough test yet, but the few shots that
).
I’ve taken, appear crystal clear. The Video option is a snap ! I was worried if the recording
to the media would be an issue – Panasonic has done a neat job – there is very little lag
recording the recording onto an SDHC. ( There won’t be an issue, I think, when recording your
child’s violin school concert – you could break it into individual pieces and upload to Youtube,
for the world to enjoy
The Macro features are great. The Zoom — Ah. true and the best feature of all is closing in
in video recording mode. Sweeet !
All in all, I’m a happy camper. Panasonic has a winner here.
Last of all, Thanks Amazon (via it’s trusted sellers) for a very quick order fulfillment.
My trust has been rewarded.
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