Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Review: After a year of popularity, Panasonic decided to release an updated version of its ultra zoom camera called the DMC-FZ7. With additional and better features than the DMC-FZ7, Panasonic’s latest offering in their range of cameras was named DMC-FZ8. With its release, Panasonic is able to prove that each of their releases and upgrades are meaningful and something to look forward to.
One of the upgrades in this new version is a better battery life. Compared to the FZ7, the FZ8 is capable of capturing more photos hence, having more battery life. In fact, Panasonic claims that FZ8 is capable of having around 380 shots compared to the 320 shots of FZ7, which is around twenty per cent increase! In fact, FZ8 has the best battery life in Panasonic’s lineup of cameras. Replacing the battery was not the key for the battery life’s improvement. As a matter of fact, Panasonic still used the CGR-S006 lithium-ion rechargeable battery for the FZ8. What they did is that they incorporated a new image processor for this camera.
Another important upgrade in this camera is the upgrade of the image processor. In the FZ8, it comes with a Venus III image processor. They say that this upgrade was the reason that this camera had a better battery life than the FZ7. Aside from that, this image-processing engine is also used to produce great quality photos. This engine claims to have the capacity to improve noise reduction in a setting as high as ISO 1250. However, on several tests conducted, it is very visible that the quality of the photos is declining as the ISO setting increases. You will notice that the output seems smudged. Having said this, it is an area wherein Panasonic could work on in their future camera releases.
Another great feature on the DMC-FZ8 is the optical image stabilization (OIS). This feature allows you to have unshaken photos. A few tests were conducted using the same shutter speed having the OIS on and off and it really makes a difference. It allows a user to produce clear photos even if there was a slight motion or shake during the process. This feature has been well appreciated and because of that, Panasonic is now using this as a standard on every Lumix digital cameras.
The DMC-FZ8 comes with the same 2.5-inch LCD at the back of the camera for display purposes. What makes it different from the FZ7 is that the number of pixels on the display almost doubled than the previous one. The FZ8 is now available with 207, 000 pixels compared to the FZ7’s 114, 000 pixels. The image appears sharp and crisp on display. You will have a decent viewing as well when using outdoor and low light visibility. You will be impressed that the screen brightness adjusts automatically whenever you are in a low visibility situation.
These are some of the major upgrades in the new Panasonic DMC-FZ8. Generally speaking, this is a great camera and the best in the lineup of Panasonic’s cameras. However, there are still a lot of things to work on especially on noise reduction and battery life.