Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The 7.2 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 is the latest ultra zoom point and shoot camera to be added to Panasonic's range. It comes with a 12x Optical Zoom (equivalent of 36-432mm) with Panasonic's new 'extra optical zoom function' that provides addition

Review summary: Panasonic has today announced the Lumix DMC-FZ8, a new 7.2 megapixel digital camera, featuring a powerful 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432mm on a 35mm film camera). See full story...

Pros: 12X optical zoom. Full manual capabilities. Intelligent ISO mode. Variety of flash settings.

Cons: Lacks wide-angle view. Nonarticulating LCD.

Verdict: Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 offers a powerful 12X optical zoom lens, manual modes, and a wealth of helpful features, its lack of a true wide-angle view prevents it from stripping the older Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3 of its Editors' Choice crown.

Review summary: A fast, long 12x optical zoom lens and easy-to-use controls help make up a little for the DMC-FZ8's image-quality issues.

Pros: Fast 12x optical zoom lens; convenient joystick control; manual exposure controls; optical image stabilization; raw image capture.

Cons: Noisy images; so-so image quality; ISO 3,200 hidden away in a scene mode.

Verdict: Almost identical in body design to last year's DMC-FZ7, Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FZ8 carries the torch as the smaller of the company's superzooms, not counting the even smaller DMC-TZ3, which doesn't include manual exposure controls and is targeted at a

Review summary: The 7.2 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ8 may not have the longest zoom on the block, but its 12x image-stabilized optical zoom has more than enough range to meet most photographers’ needs. And while the telephoto lens may be the driving force behind

Pros: Compact and lightweight, Easy to use for beginners, Advanced feature set for enthusiasts, 12x image-stabilized optical zoom lens, RAW mode, White Balance can be fine-tuned, Good speed, Selectable AF points, Exposure bracketing, Live Histogram and pattern/

Cons: Noise and noise suppression visible even at low ISO, High ISO image noise and noise reduction degrades image quality, Significant chromatic aberration at telephoto, Digital zoom is soft due to noise suppression, Moderate barrel distortion at wide angle, G