Product Description

This camera is sort of like an SLR because its optical zoom covers a wide 12x range. It's not quite as compact as most compact cameras but it offers professional features. You've got up to 8 megapixel still resolution and up to VGA motion resolution plus sound capability. An optical image stabilizer helps steady the camera despite most hand tremors. The DMC-FZ30's LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens features 14 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens which helps to suppress the color bleeding that often occurs in telephoto shots, plus a 12x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 35 to 420mm). This combines with the large, 1/1.8" diagonal 8-megapixel CCD to give you enormous expressive power. The new Extended Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 19.1x power in 3-megapixel photos, and up to 15x power in 5-megapixel photos. The manual focus ring lets you focus on whatever part of your subject you wish, and the zoom ring lets you zoom in and out easily and accurately as you compose the perfect shot. They're both fast, so you can capture moving subjects in your composition. Regardless of the Mode Dial setting, you can take macro shots instantly by flicking the switch on the side of the lens to the AF Macro setting. This lets you get as close as 0.16 feet (5cm) from your subject (at the maximum wide-angle setting). Built-in Microphone and Speaker PictBridge Power Supply - Included - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 730 mAh) / Optional - Battery Charger/AC Adaptor (Input - 110-240V AC) Includes 32MB SD Card, USB and A/V cables - For practical memory at 8 Megapixel resolution, we suggest purchasing an optional 512MB SD memory card Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.37'' x 5.54'' x 5.44'' / Weight 1.63 lbs

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23502 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: DMC-FZ30S
• Dimensions: 7.00" h x 8.00" w x 8.00" l, 1.49 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• 8-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16-by-22-inch enlargements
• 12x optical zoom Mega Optical Image Stabilization; free-angle 2.0-inch LCD display
• Continuous AF keeps moving subjects in focus; AF Assist Lamp helps in dim lighting
• Unlimited Consecutive Shooting allows you to shoot 3 frames per second at full resolution until your memory card is full
• Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards (32 MB card included)

From the Manufacturer
The DMC-FZ30's Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens features 14 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens which helps to suppress the color bleeding that often occurs in telephoto shots, plus a 12x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 35 to 420mm). This combines with the large, 1/1.8-inch diagonal 8-megapixel CCD to give you enormous expressive power. The new Extended Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 19.1x power in 3-megapixel photos, and up to 15x power in 5-megapixel photos. Plus, the 12x optical zoom can be used together with the 4x digital zoom to produce a maximum of 48x zooming power.

Accurate, Flexible Focusing--Both Auto and Manual
In addition to five auto focus modes (1-point, 3-point high-speed, 9-point, spot AF, and 1-point high-speed AF with reduced focusing speed), the FZ30 features a ring that lets you manually adjust the focus from 0.98 feet (0.3 meters) to infinity. It also has Manual Focus Assist, a function that shows an enlarged image of the subject's center in the viewfinder. The One-Shot AF function in manual focus mode lets you focus automatically for a single shot by pressing the "FOCUS" button. The Continuous AF function keeps moving subjects in sharp focus, and the AF Assist Lamp helps in dim lighting. This all adds up to easy, accurate focusing.

Manual Focus and Zoom Rings with Intuitive Control
The manual focus ring lets you focus on whatever part of your subject you wish, and the zoom ring lets you zoom in and out easily and accurately as you compose the perfect shot. They're both fast, so you can capture moving subjects in your composition.

Free-Angle 2.0-Inch Diagonal High-Resolution LCD
Change the angle of the high-resolution 230,000-pixel 2.0-inch diagonal LCD monitor any way you like. You get the flexibility to catch a high-angle shot over a crowd, or a low-angle shot of flowers in a garden, all with a comfortable posture.

Lightning Response Whenever You Need It New with this model, the lens does not retract when not in use, so the camera is ready to shoot almost immediately. Also, the super-fast Venus Engine II has ultra-fast release and refresh times.

Mega Burst Consecutive Shooting
You can snap off consecutive shots at 3 frames per second with full resolution. In addition, the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function lets you continue shooting until the memory card is full.

Instant Close-ups with a Single Switch
Regardless of the Mode Dial setting, you can take macro shots instantly by flicking the switch on the side of the lens to the AF Macro setting. This lets you get as close as 0.16 feet (5 centimeters) from your subject (at the maximum wide-angle setting).

Flexible Shooting to Match the Scene
Take beautiful photos even if you're using a camera for the very first time. The camera does all the work, so you can just aim and press the shutter button.

Program AE Mode
This mode determines the optimal aperture and shutter speed settings for you.

Aperture Priority AE Mode
You can set the aperture between f2.8 and f8.0 to create a softer focus.

Shutter Priority AE Mode
Set the shutter speed between 60 seconds and 1/2,000 second to freeze or express movement.

Manual Exposure Mode
You can manually set both the aperture and shutter speed using the command dial as you hold the camera. Simply press the shutter button halfway down and the Manual Exposure Assist screen in the viewfinder or LCD monitor will show you how much your exposure setting varies from the setting the camera considers optimal.

Moving-Image Mode
Enjoy smooth moving pictures complete with sound. Even in dimly lit situations, a new 9-pixel mixed readout method produces bright VGA-size (640 x 480-pixel) moving images at 30 frames per second on large-screen TVs.

Playback Mode
Select two of the following 14 modes according to the shooting conditions. Pressing the left of the cursor button opens a help screen that explains what each mode is for.

• Starry Sky Mode
• Candle Mode
• Portrait Mode
• Night Portrait Mode
• Night Scenery Mode
• Party Mode
• Sports Mode
• Scenery Mode
• Fireworks Mode
• Snow Mode
• Panning Mode
• Baby Mode
• Soft Skin Mode
• Food Mode

More Functions, More Shots

• Auto Angle Detection rotates vertical shots 90 degrees for easier viewing when connecting with an AV cable. This function may not work on some TV/LCD monitors.
• TIFF compatible for saving images without compressing data
• RAW format for saving images as unprocessed CCD data
• PictBridge-compatible for direct printer connection

Options to Broaden Your Creative Possibilities
Two new optional conversion lenses have been developed to enhance the performance of the FZ30: the 1.7x tele-conversion lens (35mm equivalent: 714mm), and the 0.7x wide-conversion lens (35mm equivalent: 24.5mm). Conversion lenses are optional accessories and must be purchased separately.

Wide-Conversion lens
DMW-LW55 (0.7x)

Tele-Conversion lens
DMW-LT55 (1.7x)

What's in the Box
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30S 8MP digital camera, battery charger, battery pack, SD memory card (32MB), lens cap, lens hood, lens hood adaptor, AV cable, USB connection cable, strap, CD-ROM

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Customer Reviews

DMC-FZ30S Lumix
This is a very nice camera for taking on my bike rides. Though it is not a pocket sized Point and shoot camera, it weight much less than my Nikon D-200. I love the 12X optical zoom. I was able to photograph a nest of Sandhill Cranes every day, as I biked the trail next to the nesting pond. True to the reviews I had read about it, this camera has some noise issues at anything higher than 80 Iso. At max optical telephoto it also produces softer photos than I would get with the Nikon, but closer range it takes tack sharp photos with great, true color rendition. The vibration reduction is great. I have shot some cose-ups in the shade at a 30th of a second and got sharp results. I found the rotating LCD screen helpful with low angle and some higher angle photos. The transfer time is a bit slow, but when you use a faster memory card, I have found it satisfactory. I use a high speed 1 GB SD card and shoot at the raw setting with acceptable results. I haven't tried all the possibilities with this camera, since I've only had it for a short time, but, even with it's noise shortcomings, I would recommend this camera to friends.

Shopped for New - Came Back to My Own!
A Retired professional, I have had medium format and numerous pro 35mm's. This is my choice camera. I have prints on my wall up to 24x30 (and larger which I gave as gifts) from this camera. They were printed by non-pro, online order labs and they receive great unsolicited compliments. This camera has top capabilities and came with a leica 35-420 lens! It is easy to operate and the battery long-lived. I was comparing it to newer cameras since I'm used to having to upgrade frequently, and realized there is no need to spend more. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K 8MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom (Black)

The best non SLR out there
It might even compete with the SLR's but I don't have a digital SLR so I can't really make that statement. My FZ-30 served me well for 2 years until it quit working due to getting wet. (Thank you American Airlines)

I primarily use my camera for well lit out door shots. I do a lot of sports photography and the telephoto is always on max. I did use it for indoors as well and never saw the noise problem that some people comment about. It has a great balance and feel, focused accurately and took crisp clear pictures with accurate colors.

I decided to replace it with a Canon S3 IS (very good reviews)since the FZ-30 was out of production, and the Canon was about $150 less. That was a mistake. There is no comparison, The Panasonic took so much clearer pictures. The Canon is quite a bit smaller and lighter, it does not have the quality feel of the Panasonic. I am returning the Canon and ordering an FZ-50.