FZ30 PR, preview, and samples

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

From the press release:

"Panasonic is proud to introduce the 8-Megapixel, 12x optical zoom
(equivalent to 35mm to 420mm on a 35mm film camera) LUMIX DMC-FZ30
inheriting MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) as an up-and-comer
to its creative super zoom FZ double-digit line. The DMC-FZ20,
released in 2004, has been internationally acclaimed for meeting the
needs of the market by realizing the ideals of users.

The 12x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens, which has been
handed down since the first launch of the FZ series, underwent further
development to provide even more superb picture rendering. The other
key feature, the Optical Image Stabilizer, MEGA O.I.S. 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, to achieve 15.3x for 5-Megapixel and 19.1x for
3-Megapixel images with minimal deterioration.

Along with CCD size and total effective pixels, the 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 FZ30 in the resulting picture quality and operationality.
The newly developed 8-Megapixel CCD is compatible with the 9-pixel
mixed readout method, so now moving pictures with dramatically
increased brightness can be recorded at 30 fps in VGA size, previously
only recordable in QVGA. This technology is used for the LCD
monitoring to provide a bright and clear view so subjects can be seen
easily, even in low-light situations.

Taking advantage of these outstanding features, the LX1 incorporates
the high speed, high quality image processing LSI the Venus Engine
II. It boasts quick responsiveness that realizes the best-in-class
level release time lag of 0.01 sec. Adopting a non-collapsible lens
has substantially reduced startup time from about 5 sec to 0.97
sec. AF time in 1-point high-speed AF has been dramatically reduced to
a quarter the level* of that of the previous DMC-FZ20.

Furthermore, by adopting a newly developed lithium-ion battery with a
capacity increased from 680 mAh to 730 mAh, the FZ30 realizes the
shooting of approx. 280** images for one charging. The LUMIX DMC-FZ30
has the flawless basic specifications to fuel the spark of imagination
in high-end users and is destined to join the Panasonic LUMIX high-end
model lineup."

Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

Thanks for posting that, Dave. With the manual zoom and manual focus
controls, VGA movies, and swivel viewfinder it looks like a true
photographer's camera!

Cheers,
David

On Wed, 20 Jul 2005 14:09:39 GMT, "David J Taylor"

wrote:

Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

Thanks for posting that, Dave. With the manual zoom and manual focus
controls, VGA movies, and swivel viewfinder it looks like a true
photographer's camera!

Cheers,
David

Any idea on noise compared to the FZ20?

wrote:
On Wed, 20 Jul 2005 14:09:39 GMT, "David J Taylor"

wrote:

Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

Thanks for posting that, Dave. With the manual zoom and manual focus
controls, VGA movies, and swivel viewfinder it looks like a true
photographer's camera!

Cheers,
David

Any idea on noise compared to the FZ20?

Good question. What is the size of the pixel (in absolute units!)? A
bigger sensor would mean a bigger lens and a much bigger and heavier
camera (volume being proportional to linear size cubed). I did notice
that the weight had crept up from the FZ20 and the maximum lens aperture
at full zoom had crept down a little.

I looked at the sample images and there was some noise present in the
darker areas, as you would expect from an 8MP sensor of that physical
size. Whether it would be a problem an 8 x 10 print I don't know, you'd
need to print the samples out for yourself. My guess is not, providing
you stick with the lower ISO settings.

I was impressed with the lens quality on the couple of sample images I
downloaded at full resolution.

Cheers,
David

Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

From the press release:


Blimey, it looks like a stunning camera. Does seem to be a little
noticeable noise in some of the shots, which makes me think they might've
been better going to 6MP than 8... but 8 is what the market demands I
guess - and at least it isn't an 8mp-in-the-space-of-5mp sensor... they
have enlarged it somewhat. I wonder how much of a gimmick the "extra
optical zoom" is (again, none of the sample gallery shots exploit it), but
anything that keeps you out of the realms of digital zoom is a Good Thing.

Caveat - the sample gallery also has no evening/night shots, I get rather
variable results at night with my FZ10 and I would've liked to have seen
what the 30 can do in poor light.

It looks like they've been listening to the FZ buyers, putting more
dSLR-like features into the camera - manual zoom ring, RAW mode,
higher-resolution EVF... and even a pop-out rear LCD.

Would *love* to get my hands on one just to see what it can do -- my '10
is still capable of amazing me...

pete
--
"There's no room for enigmas in built-up areas" - HMHB

Pete Fenelon wrote:
Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

From the press release:


Blimey, it looks like a stunning camera. Does seem to be a little
noticeable noise in some of the shots, which makes me think they might've
been better going to 6MP than 8... but 8 is what the market demands I
guess - and at least it isn't an 8mp-in-the-space-of-5mp sensor... they
have enlarged it somewhat. I wonder how much of a gimmick the "extra
optical zoom" is (again, none of the sample gallery shots exploit it), but
anything that keeps you out of the realms of digital zoom is a Good Thing.

Caveat - the sample gallery also has no evening/night shots, I get rather
variable results at night with my FZ10 and I would've liked to have seen
what the 30 can do in poor light.

It looks like they've been listening to the FZ buyers, putting more
dSLR-like features into the camera - manual zoom ring, RAW mode,
higher-resolution EVF... and even a pop-out rear LCD.

Would *love* to get my hands on one just to see what it can do -- my '10
is still capable of amazing me...

pete
--
"There's no room for enigmas in built-up areas" - HMHB

Looks like a stonging camera and a step forward from the FX20 which I
love to bits. Anyone have any idea of price?

On 20 Jul 2005 09:44:21 -0700, "Bulldog" wrote:


Pete Fenelon wrote:
Dave Sill wrote:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05...sonic_fz30.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/panasonicfz30/

From the press release:


Blimey, it looks like a stunning camera. Does seem to be a little
noticeable noise in some of the shots, which makes me think they might've
been better going to 6MP than 8... but 8 is what the market demands I
guess - and at least it isn't an 8mp-in-the-space-of-5mp sensor... they
have enlarged it somewhat. I wonder how much of a gimmick the "extra
optical zoom" is (again, none of the sample gallery shots exploit it), but
anything that keeps you out of the realms of digital zoom is a Good Thing.

Caveat - the sample gallery also has no evening/night shots, I get rather
variable results at night with my FZ10 and I would've liked to have seen
what the 30 can do in poor light.

It looks like they've been listening to the FZ buyers, putting more
dSLR-like features into the camera - manual zoom ring, RAW mode,
higher-resolution EVF... and even a pop-out rear LCD.

Would *love* to get my hands on one just to see what it can do -- my '10
is still capable of amazing me...

pete
--
"There's no room for enigmas in built-up areas" - HMHB

Looks like a stonging camera and a step forward from the FX20 which I
love to bits. Anyone have any idea of price?

Most likely a stonging price!

Fred

"David J Taylor"
wrote in
. uk...

Any idea on noise compared to the FZ20?


More samples can be seen at the Lumix global site:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/l...dels/fz30.html

Some noise is apparent on most pics there.
Skin tones are much improved though, as seen both from dpreviews samples and
Panasonics samples.
/per

I like the FZ5 better than the FZ20 because I thought the FZ20 was too
heavy for a PS. The FZ30 is even heavier and according to the samples I
previewed I am not sure how better the results would be than the FZ5.

I would guess that the difference would begin to be noticeable at around
11x14

Bill Spanger wrote:

On 20 Jul 2005 09:44:21 -0700, "Bulldog" wrote:


Looks like a stonging camera and a step forward from the FX20 which I
love to bits. Anyone have any idea of price?



The pre-order price at one site is $699, way too high IMO.

From the panasonic site samples, I don't think they have made any great
leap forward in the noise area.. However, the pixel-level sharpness is
very impressive.. grudgingly I'll admit it looks a tiny bit sharper
than my C8080's 8Mp sensor..

Panasonic's photographer seems unafraid to blow the odd highlight, I
notice..

Looks promising, but let's wait for the real reviews..