Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 / FZ38 review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- Full review at www.cameralabs.... . A 9.5 minute HD tour around Panasonic's latest super-zoom digital camera, the Lumix FZ35 / FZ38. For my full review of the FZ35 / FZ38 with comparisons, sample images, results and current pricing, please click the link at the start of this text or visit cameralabs . com. If you have any questions regarding this review, feel free to post on the Cameralabs forum!
Was getting ready to list my fz35 on ebay, took it out to get a few shots and Wow! Easy to use, sharp pictures, nice zoom range, evf. Evf/lcd switch a pain, limited video but images are so much better than I remembered. I'll be keeping it. Thanks for the review. November 2022
It has plenty of features and is great as a Travel Camera, even in 2023
is fz47 any better?
I read and watch reviews of digital cameras big and small from all over the web and Gordon's are the best hands down. I keep coming back to these videos time and time again for their thoroughness and consistency. I'm a big fan of Ricoh cameras, he doesn't review them either, if they're too foolish to send him review models, it's their (and our) loss. Keep up the great work cameralabs!
Sadly there isn't a fix for this. The vertical blue lines are because your camera has a CCD sensor. To fix this you'd need a newer camera with a CMOS sensor. The green dots are caused by lens flare, and are because there's bright lights shining directly into the lens.
Do you mean the little wheel next to the viewfinder? If so, that's to focus the viewfinder for your eyes, you just adjust it until the text (ignore the actual picture) is in sharp focus. If you mean something else, I'd recommend checking your manual!
Thank you Gordon! you just helped me take beautiful photos of the moon with my fz38!
You're welcome!
@PrinceGerman that's what image stabilisation is for. PS - try holding a camera out at arm's length for about one hour, then hold it about 20cm from a camcorder and see if you have a shaky hand.
Yep, check out the '18-200mm lens problems' article in the reviews section at cameralabs - it applies to any super-zoom range.
That's one of the best and most comprehensive review I have ever seen .... the information was concise and very relevant... Excellent job and well done.
If you were close-ish to your subject, this is normal for a super-zoom. You'll only experience the full range when the lens is focused at a subject far away.
Great camera!
Love the colours and the manual mode.
Shame doesnt have remote shutter
I just like it that you use the same zoom clips, its handy to compare video-clips
@milimltn it does have a flash, its located on the top of the camera and it pops up when taking a photo.
google pictures of the camera and you'll be able to see what it looks like with the flash up.
If you have an HDTV, it should lock onto the HD output from this model with an HDMI cable. And most software I know of will work fine with 50 or 60Hz files... feel free to discuss this further in the Panasonic section on the cameralabs forums...
Because I'm holding the camera out at arms length for about an hour as I do multiple takes - and also holding it very close to the camcorder too. You try it and see how steady you are after a while!
Regarding the film length mentioned several times here. I guess the limitations is if you want to record a whole clip which only can be recorded for X min with the FZ38 - model. Of course you must be able to record longer (as much as the card could take) streching over several movieclips. Who wants to make really long takes? Well, not many. Just tell me if I have understood this correctly. Regards, Fredrik
The mode dial offers "Schnelle Serie", the image size is reduced to two/three MP, but you can take at least 10 fps.
Bought one today, can't wait for it to be delivered!!!
note. Lots of websites charging only £259
You can't use an external flash with the FZ35 / FZ38 - you're thinking of the Canon SX20 IS. But if you're doing commercial work, I'd recommend using a DSLR instead.
Yep, there is that purple line when taking pictures/videos with the sun/light directely in front of the camera. I experienced this with every camera I have used before. (The FZ38/35 IS a fantastic camera!)
Caused by the CCD Sensor, not an error, just a characteristic.
Great all around camera then and still is. I use it as my all purpose travel camera and for street photography.
I took mine recently to Cornwall and got good results.
A lot of the rewards come with working out how to use the controls.
12mp is perfect for good quality and low noise.
Try the high speed scene preset - it shoots much quicker, but reduces the quality a lot - that's the compromise. See your manual for details.
That's because they have different types of sensors and actual focal lengths. Using f4 on a compact is similar to using f8 on a DSLR. Using f8 on a compact is liek using f22 on a DSLR, and as such, you'll lose quality due to optical diffraction. You can see examples of this on the results page of my FZ38 / FZ35 review at cameralabs.
I purchased the FZ35. I am EXTREMELY IMPRESSED. I mean, literally, with it, you can do almost everything that a DSLR can do. Except you've only got f-stops of 2.8 - 8.0
Where as on a Lens on a DSLR, you can go from 1.8 - 22.0 in some cases. But this Camera. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I LOVE IT, PICTURES ARE AMAZING. VIDEOS are AMAZING QUALITY!
It was filmed in Queenstown, New Zealand... not sure Panasonic supplies it with the camera though!
If you need a large DOF, then shoot at big f-numbers, but otherwise avoid them because they will soften the picture overall. On compacts, the sharpest results are at quite small f-numbers like f4.
It does have stabilisation - in fact it's very good! You can see it working at 4 minutes into the video. Maybe you didn't have it activated, or you had a broken model. But it does have it, and it works great as you can see in my review at cameralabs.
DOF means depth of field, or the range of distance which is in sharp focus.
I love this camera...I use it on all my Videos... the fine picture when filming is awesome...I have no complains whatsoever
Hi there! I'm from Panama so I would like to know if is ok to buy this camera? There's better options today? By the way, awesome review! Keep it up guys!
i cant manage to import my filmed videos to my computer can anyone help me please?
@cameralabs You can find the FZ35 quite easily in NZ. Found at Camera&Camera and Noel Leeming Auckland. Cheers!
No worries, but please do consider shopping via my link in the future - remember it works for anything you buy from places like Amazon and itunes. Thanks!
Thanks! I have gone for it and it is to be delivered tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to a summer of fun.
Dude! You're in New Zealand!!
(Embarrassingly, though, I didn't figure that out from the scenery; it was the Whitcoulls stickers on the magazines that gave it away!)
I got one of these cameras a couple of weeks ago. LOVING IT!!!!
Man, Queenstown seems to be PHOTOGRAPHY HEAVEN!!!
so i was super set on getting a dsc-wx1, went to best buy and went around looking at the cameras, saw this and a few other cameras, researched it, and now i've decided on this one haha
Er yes... it was in a public place, but I decided to keep the original audio rather than re-record it.
Yes.
Most (if not all) megazooms allow you to change the shutter speed.
Hi,
I bought the camera on the strength of this review. It made the technical parts understandable and clear. I've only had it a day and I am getting quite comfortable with it. So thanks.
Gordon,how can I use the little thing behind the microphone,i mean...behind the flash?
Most FZ35's will be American, but it's also the version you'll get in Australia and NZ - that's why I'm demoing an FZ35 in the video.
Just a little suggestion to cameralabs for the future in the next movies try to explore more the time of shooting and the continuous shooting.
Tks for the videos
Keep it up the good work .
You'd have to ask UK customs and excise, but I think if a device can record for more than xx minutes, it's classed as a video camera, which has a different (and probably more expensive) tax rate. So companies restrict the maximum recording time to comply with a different tax level.
Can't wait for the new super nice lumix FZ100 review
That's New Zealand indeed, Queentown with lake Wakatipy and the Remarkables mountain range. The sort of island you see is a golf course, can't wait to go play there some time!
Another great video review Gordon, keep 'em coming!
Some of the best in camera microphones I've heard. Not bad video either.
Don't worry, that's for an optional AC adapter. To charge the battery, you put it in the separate charger, and that works on any voltage. You'll obviously need an adapter for the mains plug though. PS - I hope you ordered through one of the partner shops at cameralabs . com, otherwise I don't get paid! This works for anything you buy...
Thanks a lot ...
New Zealand might be on my list for next year, but Borneo will be the first main test for my new camera :)
You're welcome! Did you click through to Aamzon via Cameralabs? If so, thanks for supoporting us! If not, please click-through next time when shopping there!
I watched the CNet review, then this review, and based on this review I was so impressed with the camera that I bought one. I absolutely LOVE it. The 18X zoom is incredible, and the Image Stabilization feature is a godsend. I have done some awesome macro close-ups, as well as some dance videos. I like being able to adjust the Color contrast as well, as I have found that many digital cams do not do a good job of reds and purples. Thanks for a thorough review; I have NO REGRETS on my purchase.
i bought this camera last Friday, it should be here tomorrow!! i got from your link, good price, great review
Try searching the web for video converters that convert in HD to be sure to keep the best quality possible.
Great review. Gordon, what do you think about the pic and video quality compared to the fz28. Also, did you receive an hdmi cable with the camera or is that extra? How many more minutes more do you get with avchd compared to the older version? I have the fz28, but I'm not sure if it's worth the upgrade. Thanks
it's got a different compression called AVCHD. You need to find a codec to decompress it.
The photos were taken around Queenstown New Zealand, but my accent is English.
Yes,it takes sd cards. Fairly complex camera as it has tons of options. I've got great pictures and videos and prefer it to my dslr. Can't go wrong with this camera.
I just bought one of these ..yay....can't wait to get it
Dude, I make pennies from these videos, no more. But this is my full time job, and the only way I can do this is by people visiting my site and shopping through the stores there. I spend weeks testing each camera and writing these reviews, so please do me the service of at least looking at them, and supporting me if you find any of it useful. All the information you need is there, it just means you have to read it rather than having someone read it out to you in a video.
Thanks for that review!
I spent days and days comparing SX 1 IS and Lumix FZ 38. I purchased the FZ 38... RAW format! Power O.I.S.! (Noiseless zooming when taking videos!) And this cam looks just great!
Believe me after 18 years testing multiple products as a professional journalist, bias is not an issue. I review Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic, so cover most of the major brands. The reason I don't review Fuji or Pentax anymore? They don't send them in for review. If they don't send them I can't test them.
One of the best channels on camera reviews!! I even watch videos about cams I'm totally not interested in just because they're so great.
(...erm, the FZ 38 is a fantastic thing!)
Why nobody shoots with the cameras on reviews? I find it usefull to check on af and shutter speed, noise, etc.
Looks like Panasonic took your recommendations word for word when they upgraded to the FZ100
If you have the money go for the GF1 - you wont be disappointed! Much closer to a dslr. A good camera is like an investment - pays off in time if you put it to good use.
@dicey100 Check your manual. You can focus by half pressing shutter button but be sure that your at Auto Focus mode not Manual focus (small button on top of the camera). Also change auto focus mode in main menu or quick menu to desired focus type like spot, high speed, 11 point etc...
This looks like a really powerful and feature filled camera and this reveiw has given me some key insight about it. I'm looking for a new camera for the occasional picture (which I know would be spectacular on this camera) and and to record my TH-cam videos. I currently use a cheap JVC hd pocket cam and that is only good in day and the mic is rusty, does this camera work efficiently say at night but in well lit room without grain?
Ok interesting. I tried this again. I notice that the little range measurement on the bottom starts at .99ft-00. Then as you go out the first number gets bigger, at 5x, it gets to 6.57 ft-00, then stays there for the rest of the zoom range. And at that point, the range is small. Any reason for that? Is there an article at cameralabs perhaps that goes over the whole zoom measurements?
YA ....Dear gordon , the specification of canon 20is and fz35 are very closely , why the price are far away between this 2 model?
I think I showed it in my review of the FZ28 - it's identical.
I can't speak for USA models, but the New Zealand FZ35 does not have a Czech menu option.
Hi Gordon, your reviews are exellent!
A question: do you think it is worth to change my panasonic FZ28 with this FZ38?
Or will I be better to wait the next model?
thanks, greetings form Italy!
chiara
Thanks for a very nice review. I'm yet in a quandary about video on a still cam, something about the motion doesn't seem quite right. Price is tempting though.
Hello again. Another question. The Canon SX20 model seems to have manual recordlevel control. Is the same feature found in the Panasonic FZ38?
Well, I really can't decide which one of these two cameras to buy. I'm not sure about the AA-batteries of the Canon, I also guess the will put some weight on. But, what I do like is the flash hotshoe and the naviwheel (i guess i would prefer to spin a wheel instead of tapping a joystick to for, ex. set the manual focus).
Regards from Sweden =)
Hi Gordon, thank you for the review. which memory card would you recommend for this camera? do i need a high speed card? Thanks a lot
@bogdantudoryt Didn't I mention that in the review? That the European FZ38 is restricted, like all Eropean cameras, to shorter clips? BTW, the Australia / NZ FZ38 is not restricted.
Hi there
I bought this camera after seeing your great review and photos comparisum website.
I have a question. It takes 10mins to copy 8g data from camera to my mac via USB or sdcard reader. Can I speed up by buying a FireWire cable or higher class sd?
Thanks
Like always it was another great review...but still i can't decide between fz35 and sx20 picture quality !!!
tanks so much Gordon
@Regetor2 Hi, don't know if this is too late... but I have this camera, and yes it has flash, and yes macro is ace!
@cameralabs
I've read, very interesting and complete.
But addressing these points in the video would be very instructive for all potential buyers.
You refer the main competitor, the Canon SX20 IS, I read that it takes much longer to take pictures and even more when using flash because of the use of batteries.
With video would be interesting to compare this two points.
Best regards
Andrew
What a fantastic well informed review.
Excellent review Gordon, I was wondering is the fz 35 NTC only & the fz38 PAL only?This might make quite a difference if you want to review your snaps on a PAL tv only or vice versa.(a few fz 35 are now on ebay)
Regards
Mark
@TheLiLD95 720p HD, but can experiment with video by using manual settings like colour settings, aperture, shutter speed etc...
I purchased the FZ35 (thanks fully to your reviews) and have been recording video using the AVCHD Lite codec. However, I've had trouble finding software to edit the footage on my Mac. I have I-movie 08 and Final Cut Express, and neither of them recognize the video. Any Suggestions?
Fantastic reviews (not just this one). Your side by side with similar cameras makes these reviews quite useful. I'm trying to determine if the FZ35, like the SX20 IS, is capable of simultaneous still pictures while recording video. That feature is pretty attractive for me.
Thanks again!
I have FZ38 and its really great camera. Well one thing I don't like about it is Auto mode. Sometimes it tends to calculate scene wrongly and you have to set aperture higher or lower. But you can get great results if using Manual mode. I compared it with my older sony V3 which has bigger sensor and smaller number of pixels and it almost always get better pictures outside when using auto mode than fz38. Also sony has more realistic colours that panasonic.
your vids are fantastic , have been a great help to me , been trying to decide what camera to get , and with my last panasonic being fab, this one if looking like the one ill be getting
The P90 is Nikon's super-zoom - I reviewed it at cameralabs . com.
please help me !!! what button do i press on the camera to focus. the focus button doesnt do it properly and i dont get the green squares !!!! thanks
hey i just got the lumix DMC FZ 35, and i just wondering if you can make a video showing the steps to make the pictures very nice
thanks!
I really like the technology and photography too
help me to choose please between the panasonic fz35, the samsung st1000 and the samsung st550?
@Juanod09 Sorry, Powershot sx20IS has only 12x optical zoom, not 20x .
Really, I think you need to educate yourself before criticising someone who's been testing cameras for over 17 years. A compact camera like the FZ35 / FZ38 is completely different from a DSLR. f4 on a compact is like f8 on a DSLR. f8 on a compact is like f22 on a DSLR, at which point diffraction destroys detail. Don't take my word for it, look at the results page of my FZ35 / FZ38 review at cameralabs . com and scroll down to the diffraction section. I think you'll learn something there.
Great review Gordon...I was thinking about purchasing the Casio EX-FH20, 20x optical zoom as well as up to 1000 FPS for slow mo recording. However Now i'm torn between the two. As well as HD recording I also want decent photos. Are you likely to review the Casio in the near future?
Great Review!
These do share quite a few similarities with DSLR Cameras.
Great review! I just bought my FZ35 yesterday. Watching your review, I know I made the right decision :)
Camera raw 5.5 reads the rw2 format. However I noticed that the zoom really slows down after 13x and barely gets any closer from 13 to 18. Did anyone else ever experience this?
This video definately persuaded me to go for this camera/ never looked back (absolutely love it!) thanks man, ur Awesome*
Hi Ian, have alook at my FZ38 and SX20 IS reviews at cameralabs . com, especially the results and verdict pages - I compare them there. And we have some glossaries in the cameralabs forum!
Great review. You cover a lot of details and give an unbiased opinion. Extra info on your website is also very helpful.
Good review. I use the FZ18 and will be looking to get one of these in the near future (hopefully in Asia where the silly tax rule isn't in place).
Consider using the annotation displays with youtube to enhance your presentation a bit.