Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8, 7.2 Megapixel, 12x Optical/4x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera (Silver)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera incorporates 7.2-megapixel resolution with a 12x optical zoom (36mm - 432mm equivalent) LEICA DC lens with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the hand-shake. The camera incorporates a joystick which allows easy manual control of focusing in addition to exposure settings, making the camera more compact and easy to carry while preserving all of the powerful zoom capability and manual controllability of more expensive Digital SLRs.
The DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera also has a large, 2.5-inch LCD which uses a pixel-mixed readout method, improving brightness over typical LCD displays, and allows you to enjoy comfortable shooting even in low-lit situations. The display is also extremely easy to view from a low angle (e.g. when taking photos raising a hand upward to shoot the subject over the crowd) with the High Angle LCD function. The Power LCD function also supports clear view even in sunny outdoor by offering a brightness boost of up to 40%. The DMC-FZ8 is powered by a high capacity Lithium-ion battery; combined with the efficient power usage of the Venus Engine III processor, you'll get an impressive 380 shots on a full charge.
- Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens with a 12x Optical Zoom
- The DMC-FZ8 features a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens with a remarkable 12x optical zoom, equivalent to a 36 to 432mm lens on a 35mm film camera. A film camera with an optical zoom this powerful would be so big and heavy, you couldn't handle it with one hand. The DMC-FZ8, on the other hand, is small, lightweight and easy to handle. It also has Panasonic's Extended Optical Zoom. While causing minimal deterioration by using the center part of the high-resolution CCD, this function magnifies the image to give you total zoom power of up to 18x.
- Reduce Blur with MEGA OIS and Intelligent ISO
- Image blur is commonly caused by either movement of the camera or movement of the subject. Camera movement is corrected with the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) feature which uses built-in gyro-sensors to detect the smallest camera movement and instantaneously shifts a lens element in the opposite direction to compensate, giving you sharp, clear images without deterioration. Motion blur - caused when a subject moves as the shot is being taken - is minimized with Intelligent ISO Control. This system actually detects whether the subject is moving and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to minimize the motion blur effect while maintaining good exposure.
- High-Sensitivity Mode
- This mode helps suppress motion blur by automatically setting the ISO sensitivity to 3200, which increases the shutter speed. It also lets you take clearer, sharper shots in dim lighting without using a flash.
- Super-Fast Shutter Response and Consecutive Shooting
- The DMC-FZ8 is fast and responsive - thanks to the Venus Engine III processor. The camera has an extremely fast shutter lag, so you won't miss that "perfect" moment, and it enables high ISO to minimize motion blur and take pictures under low lighting without the need for a mood-killing flash. Furthermore, the advanced processor enables fast and unlimited continuous shooting at a rate of 3 frames per second - a superbly useful feature when shooting sports or other fast paced events.
- Wide VGA Motion Image Recording
- The pixel-mixed readout method performed at the CCD makes it possible to record beautiful full-size movies in Wide VGA (848x480) size at 30 fps especially good for viewing on wide-screen TV in addition to the normal VGA (640x480). Much higher luminous signals are provided by the pixel-mixed readout method, so the video quality is enhanced not only in size but also in the brightness level as well.
- Fast Consecutive Shooting
- Snap off up to 14 consecutive shots at a swift 3 frames per second in Standard mode. The DMC-FZ8 also has Unlimited Consecutive Shooting, so you can keep on shooting until the SD Memory Card is full.
- Joystick-operated Intuitive Manual Control
- The DMC-FZ8 offers manual focus and manual exposure; and both are adjustable with an independent omni directional joystick. Users can quickly shortcut to frequently used variables containing white balance adjustment, ISO setting, image size setting and compression format just by pressing and holding down the joystick, even while monitoring a subject on the LCD. There's no need to switch to the menu screen. When you focus in the Manual Focus mode, not only the focus distance but also the depth of field (according to the zoom range and aperture) is displayed. There is also a MF assist function that enlarges the center of the image to make focusing easier.
- 19 Easy-to-use Scene Modes
- The DMC-FZ8 contains a total of nineteen scene modes to assist your shooting according to the wide-ranging situations. The unique "Baby" mode allows easy growth recording in which the baby's age according to the preset birthday would be automatically recorded onto the image. "Starry sky" mode helps you capture the beautiful star-filled night sky by securing shutter speeds as slow as 60 seconds. Plus, the Tele-Macro function allows shooting the subject in the Macro mode as close as 100cm at the tele end, giving a soft-focused background to make the subject stands out.
- Mode Dial with Mode Position Display
- The Mode Dial is combined with a unique Mode Position Display, and as you operate the dial, large animated icons are displayed on the LCD Screen, making it easy to find the mode you want and switch between shooting, viewing, and printing.
- Auto Angle Detection
- Auto angle detection records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your Lumix Digital Camera with an A/V cable, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.
- Built-in and Expandable Memory
- The camera includes 27MB of built-in memory, and the memory capacity can be expanded dramatically with Secure digital (SD) or Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards. You can also copy images from a memory card or PC to the built-in memory, and view them on the LCD anytime you like.
- 2.5" LCD and High-Resolution EVF
- The DMC-FZ8 features a large, 2.5" diagonal LCD and the Power LCD function. Simply touch the Power LCD button and the display becomes about 40% brighter for easier viewing on sunny days. The DMC-FZ8 also has a High-Angle LCD feature, which makes it easier to check the LCD when you're holding the camera high to shoot over a crowd. The large LCD lets you check the focus, frame the shot, and use functions like 25-thumbnail display and Calendar View in comfort, with no eye strain. Also, the electronic viewfinder and LCD are aligned along the same line of sight to minimize differences in the images you see when framing shots.
- Print Directly From Your Camera
- You can send images directly to print, right from the DMC-LZ7 camera without the need of a PC. Simply connect the camera to a PictBridge compatible printer by using the included USB cable, and then simply select the pictures you want to print.
Go To
| Camera Type | Ultra-zoom Point-and-shoot Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/2.5" 7.38 Megapixel CCD with Primary Color Filter |
| Effective Resolution | 7.2 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 24-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Cool, Warm, Black & White, Sepia |
| Image File Formats |
RAW JPEG (Fine, Standard) Exif, DCF & DPOF compliant |
| Recorded Resolution |
4:3 Aspect Ratio 3072 x 2304 2560 x 1920 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 1280 x 960 640 x 480 3:2 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Video Recording |
QuickTime Motion JPEG with Audio 16:9 Aspect Ratio 848 x 480 @ 30 fps 848 x 480 @ 10 fps 4:3 Aspect Ratio 640 x 480 @ 30 fps 640 x 480 @ 10 fps 320 x 240 @ 30 fps 320 x 240 @ 10 fps Clip length limited only by available memory |
| Audio Recording |
QuickTime Audio Still Image with Audio up to 5 seconds record Audio Dubbing up to 10 seconds record |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens (11 Elements in 8 Groups with 3 Aspherical Lenses/Surfaces) |
| Optical Zoom | 12x (Extended Optical Zoom up to 18x) |
| Lens Focal Length | 6.0mm - 72mm (36mm - 432mm equivalent) |
| Digital Zoom | 4x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.0" (5cm) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8-3.1 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (Mega O.I.S.) |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | Yes (52mm with included lens hood) |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | AF Metering with AF Assist Lamp |
| Focus Modes | Auto Focus (1 point, 1 point high speed, 3 points high speed, 9 points, Spot), Manual Focus (Joystick), Macro, Continuous AF, AF Lock |
| Focus Range |
P / A / S / M / Normal: 12" (30cm) - infinity Macro / Simple: 2.0" (5cm) - infinity wide Tele Macro: 39.3" (100cm) - infinity |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO Selectable ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1250) High Sensitivity Mode (3200) |
| Shutter Type | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Speed |
Program AE: 1 - 1/2000 seconds Aperture/Shutter Priority AE: 8 - 1/2000 seconds Manual: 60 - 1/2000 seconds Starry Sky Mode: 15, 30, or 60 seconds |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8-3.1 - f/8.0 |
| Exposure Metering | Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Program Shift (P mode), Exposure Compensation (+/2 EV in 1/3 EV Steps), Auto Bracketing AE (+/- 1/3 EV - 1EV Step, 3 Frames), Backlight Compensation, AE Lock |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Halogen, Flash, White Set 1/2, White Balance Adjustment (2-axis adjustable, ÿ¿ÿ± 9 steps each, Blue / Amber and Magenta / Green bias) |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Panning, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial Photo |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync. Forced On, Forced Off) |
| Effective Flash Range | 1.0' (0.3m) - 18.0' (5.4m) wide |
| External Flash Connection | No |
| External Flash Control | Not Applicable |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Lag | 0.005 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | 0.6 seconds |
| Burst Capability | 3 or 2 fps Up to 13 images (Standard mode) or up to 7 images (Fine mode) |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds, 2 seconds, 3-image (3 frames after 10 second delay) |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 27MB |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) MultiMediaCard (MMC) |
| Recording Capacity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | CGR-S006 Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 710 mAh) |
| Power Adapter | AC Adaptor (110-240V)(Optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | No |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| Web-Cam Capable | No |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.1 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | 0.44" Color EVF (188,000 pixels) |
| LCD Display | 2.5" Polycrystalline Transflective Type TFT Color LCD Display (207,000 pixels) |
| Language Options | English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese |
| Playback Options | Image Playback, Zoom Playback (16x max), Thumbnail (25 or 9-up), Auto Review (1 sec/3 sec/zoom), Review (1x/4x/8x), Calendar Display, Image Rotation, Slide Show, Favorite Pictures, Resizing, Trimming, Protection, DPOF Print Setting, Picture Adjustment (Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Noise Reduction), Histogram display |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 2.9" x 4.5" x 3.1" (73 x 113 x 79mm) |
| Weight | 10.9 oz (310g) without battery |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to setup (4)
- Simple controls (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Fun (4)
- Travel (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (5)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 8 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Short Lag Time
Cons
Best Uses
- Documentary
- Fun
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
I've had a couple of photography classes back in the day, so I was looking for a camera that had an automatic setting as well as manual settings, and the Lumix DMC-FZ8 fits the bill. Shortly after getting it, we took a trip to NYC and everyone has commented on how clear the pictures came out. This is a very easy camera to operate and understand, and comes with everything you need to start shooting right out of the box (after charging the battery, of course).
What would I change about this camera? First, I would have liked it in black, but that was out of stock when I purchased mine. Second, I'd have liked a second battery, so I can always have a fully charged one with me. Lastly, the LCD screen is a bit difficult to see in the sun (while on LCD, I'd have liked an optical viewfinder instead of the LCD one). I don't think I could come up with anything else this camera is lacking.
Pros
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Strong Construction
- very good optic
Cons
- Battery load duration
Best Uses
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
Coming from Panasonic compact product, this one will be easy to handle (same interface and operation principles).
I found it very light and easy to use (especially thanks to the magical grip).
The images quality is impressive for such a price (and please do not say it is because I am so talentuous !). Without saying a word about the stabilization tool (even with x12 zoom)and the operation in low light conditions that are impressive !
Up to now I do not regret my choice.
Pros
- Overall great semipro cam
Cons
- Haven't found any yet
Best Uses
- Very diverse
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
I did a lot of research before I bought this cam. It had awesome reviews all over the web and now that I own it I see why. This camera takes a more professional looking photo with ease. It is a little bigger than and has more feature options than your typical point and click camera; however the instructions are laid out excellent, easy to read, and are somewhat educational as well. If you just want a better looking photo with point and click ease it has a mode for that too...... I'm definitely satisfied with this camera. I recommend it to anyone who wants professional looking photos without the huge price. Obviously this camera isn't top of the line either, so your expectations should also remain realistic.
- Recommended:
- You'll need an SD card. Onboard memory is only 27 MB.
Pros
- Bright LCD
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Keep Clean
Cons
Best Uses
- Fun
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
If you are looking for a easy point and shoot camera with the ability to manually adjust for those special photos, this camera offers it all. Good price too!
Pros
- 12x zoom
- Bright LCD
- Comfortable Controls
- Easy Setup
- Easy to Keep Clean
- LEICA LENS
- Stores in RAW files
- Strong Construction
Cons
- LCD is battery sucker
Best Uses
- Art
- Documentary
- Fun
- Photo Class
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
Great camera for the price. Ive had a lot of comments on how lucky I am to own such a camera, and it is very true. [...]. I have had this camera for about 6 months and have had no problems. I am slightly dissapointed that there is no solution to the fact that you have to change the battery pack after about 5-7 hours. This is a problem for me, since I will shoot every day or every other day. Noise is a problem sometimes, but not the majority of the time. It is also nice to shoot on RAW files. When I compared it SIDE-BY-SIDE with the Canon S3-IS the Panasonic was by far the best choice. The canon had bad image resolution, uncomfortable to hold, and the LCD was pretty dim while it had full battery on the brightest setting.
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
I bought the camera on recommendation for a trip to South Africa to take pictures of wildlife. This is my first digital camera.After years of logging heavy and bulky equipment this is a great alternative and it takes very good pictures with the greatest ease. If you set it on P it pretty much does everything for you and you can fine tune later with editing soft ware. Ideal for taking fast pictures without much worry or preparation.It is not very sturdy, though, especially under safari conditions: I dropped the camera three times: after the first time the left top cracked but it still worked, the second drop had no impact, after the third drop part of the settings did not work anymore. I actually bought a replacement in S.A. (either that or no more pictures) at about twice the price of B&H but at least I could continue to take pictures.Highly recommended if you are not quite ready for a much more expensive digital SLR and still want to take great pictures.
Expertise: Semi professional, wildlife photography and videography
Problems Encountered: The plastic housing is not sturdy: never drop the camera more than a foot or it may crack.A second battery is certainly a good idea if you are out shooting for a whole day.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Minolta Maxxum 800si
Items I Recommend: Second battery, maybe polarizing filter
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
I have owned a few camera's over the years and find a lot of functionality in this one for the money. You can do it in simple mode or do everything yourself. Light and easy to use for my wife but I can do all the little things that I want for special affects.
Expertise: Novice - above Novice
Problems Encountered: I would recommend a second battery for those of you who wish to take a lot of pictures and don't have a place for recharging the battery supplied. AA's would be nice for replacement.
Items I Recommend: 2nd Battery
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Digital Camera (Silver):
This camera was a very good buy. It takes some really great pictures. I do however feel that the MEGA OIS is a bit over hyped. I watched all of the videos on Panasonic's sight and it had me believing I almost COULDN'T take a blurry shot. That's not the case. It only helps when your trying your very best not to move it, and then some shots are still blurry. But, to be fair, there in low light. And I can tell that it is better with it, than w/o. I don't know how well its supposed to work vs. other cameras so I don't know what I should expect. Mode 2 is supposed to be better than 1, but I find one works better up close, and 2 is better in tele. Colors are fantastic, and it has lots and lots of options. I do wish the date stamp would work like other cameras though. I resized them down to 3M to stamp, if there taken at 7 or 5M.
Expertise: Novice
Problems Encountered: Date stamping is all but worthless. Wish the OIS was better, like the website makes it seem.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Kodak 7535
Displaying reviews 1-8
Memory Cards
Sufficient memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $6.00
- GBP 3.83
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $42.24
- GBP 26.97
Bags & Straps
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or a strap.
- Price: $14.49
- GBP 9.25
Card Readers
Download your pictures faster and save battery life.
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.35
Filters & Adapters
Get the desired effect with a filter and the appropriate adapter.
- Price: $6.00
- GBP 3.83
Tripod & Support
Place your camera on a tripod for the support and stability you need.
- Price: $19.95
- GBP 12.74
Books & Tutorials
Learn all that your new camera can do.
- Price: $13.65
- GBP 8.72
What's in the Box
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- Battery Charger
- USB Cable
- A/V Cable
- Lens Cap
- Lens Hood & Adaptor
- Neck Strap
- Software CD-ROM (Lumix Simple Viewer, PhotofunStudio, SILKYPIX Developer Studio, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft PanoramaMaker USB Driver)
- User Guide
- 90-Days Labor; 1-Year Parts U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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