Panasonic DMC-FZ8 - DigitalVersus

Panasonic DMC-FZ8

Specifications
Sensor	CCD 7 mégapixels (1/2.5'')
Zoom	12x (36 - 432 mm (F2.8 - F3.1))
Optical stabilization	Oui
Internal/external memory	27 Mo / SD
Sensitivity	100 - 1250 (3200 en mode hignt) ISO
Video mode	848 x 480 pixels / 0
Power source	Batterie lithium-ion
Dimensions/Weight	113 x 72 x 79 mm / 340 g

Find the best price

[ Antonin Leeno | Test date: 2007-02-27 ]

Send to a friend

An entry level bridge for Panasonic, the Lumix FZ8 is for photographers who want a versatile camera (12x zoom, macro mode at 5 cm) that is relatively compact and for a reasonable price. In the bridge market, Panasonic does very well thanks to its high performance optical stabilization and well thought out ergonomics. So what does this new version add?

Ergonomics

In hand, the FZ8 is a bit surprising...in a bad way. The body is very light and its plastic design is not too reassuring. After this first rather unpleasant impression, we easily find our marks on this little Panasonic bridge, which isn’t too different from its predecessor, the FZ7. Menus are clear and the different shortcuts on the body make use very pleasant. In terms of new additions, we find an excellent 2.5'' screen that is fluid with good detail, and there is an electronic viewfinder with better performances. You will only want to use this when absolutely necessary, because its comfort is far behind that of the LCD screen. To find the real changes, you have to go back to the technical sheet. The FZ8 now proposes photographs in RAW format (the appropriate software included is called, Silkpix) and has advanced numeric processing with the Venus Engine III processor, as well as the original Intelligent ISO Control that serves as a motion detector (see box on the FX30‘s tests).

Quality of images

The zoom signed by Leica which equips the FZ8, once again produces good results and images have a largely superior sharpness superior to the competition’s like the FZ7. With a greater sensitivity, the FZ8’s shots retain more detail. However, the Venus Engine III doesn’t make any miracles and beyond 400 ISO as images are significantly degraded. Because the sensor is relatively small (1/2,5''), you can see pixels spilling into areas of strong contrast.

Even if we can honestly say that this wasn’t « true love » for us, Panasonic succeeded in its aim of offering the best large zoom in its price range. If you are in a hurry, opt for this good FZ8. However, if you have the time, wait to see the tests of the upcoming Olympus SP-550 UltraZoom. With its stabilized 18x optical zoom, it could be worth the wait.

- Reminder : our test procedure changed a little between old and newer cameras, so you may notice changes in light and framing.

Compare its test results with those of the competition's in the Product Face-off section

Return to the Introduction

Pluses	Minuses
12x stabilized zoom	Start-up time rather long
Quite reactive	Degradation of images beyond 400 ISO
Compact body	The casing looks « low quality »
Good quality of images in low sensitivities

Rather small, stabilized, and producing good shots in low sensitivities, the FZ8 will attract photographers that are looking for a versatile camera. However, you may find some weaknesses for photos indoors.

The efficiency of its optical stabilization

Even with the progress in the numeric processing of images, the presence of a stabilization system is of real benefit to users, especially on bridge cameras with long focal lengths. Stabilization limits the use of high sensitivities (which degrades the quality of images) and allows the use of telephoto lenses in a number of situations.

Thus, on the FZ8, it’s possible to shoot with the zoom indoors. We made a series of shots in our offices and obtained sharp images at 1/30 s (here the real size of image). Indispensable.