Digital Camera News and Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75

CNET UK has tested a new digital camera from Panasonic. The Panasonic camera is called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 (Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX75 in some markets) and has over 14 megapixels combined with a nice Leica branded wide angle zoom lens that starts at F2.2.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (24-120mm, F2.2-5.9)
-Optical image stabilization
-AVCHD Lite 720p video
-3″ LCD touchscreen

CNET UK ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 a total score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side we find a useful zoom range, good build quality and the touchscreen works well. On the negative side the reviewer find aspects such as expensive price tag, sensor limitations and the new technologies are confusing. The Panasonic camera is good, but it is not excellent so it does not really justify the high price. The so called “intelligent technologies” also seem a bit redundant.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX70 / FX75 digital camera here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 / ZS5

Camera Labs has reviewed a budget compact digital camera from Panasonic. The camera is called Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 (and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 in some markets) and has 12 megapixels, 12x optical zoom and the ability to record video.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 / ZS5:
-12.1 megapixel image sensor
-12x optical zoom lens (25-300mm)
-Optical image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Sonic Speed AF system

Camera Labs ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 a “Highly Recommended” rating with an overall score at 85%. The Panasonic camera scores highest on specifications and build quality, a little lower on value for your money and lowest on image quality and handling. The reviewer likes aspects of the camera such as manual controls, very good image stabilization, quiet video zooming and good battery life. On the negative side we find that the video microphone is susceptible for wind noise, no video button and limited continuous shooting. Overall the TZ8 seems like a good budget compact from Panasonic.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8 / ZS5 digital camera here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30

Photography Blog has reviewed a budget travel camera from Panasonic. The camera is called Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 and contains impressive features such as 14 megapixels and a nice image stabilized lens with 8x optical zoom. Panasonic cameras has a reputation of being good so let us hear what the reviewer has to say about this new camera.

Some key features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-8x optical zoom lens (28-224mm)
-Image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-Able to record HD videos in 1280 x 720p at 30fps
-Intelligent Auto mode

Photography Blog ends up giving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 a pretty good review with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The FS30 gets a top score on value for your money and 4 out of 5 on image quality, features, design and ease of use. The Panasonic seems to be a very good travel camera especially if you look at what you get for the price. This might not be a camera for a professional photographers, but if you are looking for a good and cheap snapshot camera the FS30 might be your choice.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS30 digital camera here.

Panasonic HDC-SDT750

Camcorder Info has put out a hands-on review of the worlds first consumer 3D camcorder. The Panasonic camcorder is called Panasonic HDC-SDT750 and comes with a 3D conversion lens that lets you, you guessed it, record 3D movies.

Some key features for the Panasonic HDC-SDT750:
-Fulls HD 1080/60p Progressive Movie Recording
-12x optical zoom lens (35-420mm)
-3D conversion lens
-Optical image stabilization
-Uses SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards

Camcorder Info ends up giving the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 a mixed review, but they do not have a final result until they get the camcorder into their labs for proper testing. The website thinks that consumers will find it a bit challenging to record in 3D as it requires some adjustments, but as a 2D camcorder the SDT750 is excellent as it based on the top-notch HD camcorder called Panasonic HDC-TM700.
Read the full hands-on review of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder here.