1. 7.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints
2. 3.6x image-stabilized optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) reduces image blur from subject movement and low light
4. Records full-size movies in wide-aspect VGA (848 x 480) at 30 frames per second
5. Stores images on SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards; 27MB internal memory

Editorial Review :

Featuring five aspherical lenses with six aspherical surfaces including an extra-high refractive index aspherical lens, this system features a 28mm wide-angle lens with a 3.6x optical zoom that's compact enough to fit in a camera with a super-slim 22mm profile. And Panasonic added the Extended Optical Zoom feature, which boosts zoom power to as high as 5.3x.The FX30 features MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), which automatically detects and compensates for handshake. You get clear, beautiful shots even when shooting in dim lighting, shooting macro close-ups, or taking self-portraits.With its 2.5" diagonal size and 207,000 pixels, this high-resolution LCD monitor makes it easy to see text and small thumbnail images. The pixel-mixed readout method performed by the CCD increases the brightness level of the live image on the LCD, which greatly facilitates shooting in low lighting. If it's difficult to see the display on a sunny day, simply press the Power LCD button and the display becomes about 40 percent brighter

Customer Review :

Lumix

This is a great camera, that takes great pictures. I got one for Christmas, and decided we needed 2. The pictures are great, and the videos that it can take are good quality. I would not rely on it as a video camera, but it's handy when you need one.

Rating :

lumix camera

great deal at $166. not as intuitive to use until you get used to wheel to set modes. i cannot see small symbols on wheel without glasses. screen is nice and big, but lack of viewfinder makes it harder for outdoor shots in sunlight. excellent battery life. fabulous quality pictures with no blur. excellent auto fill in flash for backlit outdoor shots. very pleased with it.

Rating :

LUMIX DMC-FX30T 7.2MP

Super good purchase. Compact camera with tons and TONS of functions. Very intuitive operating system (had no need for user guide reference). Very good quality photos and unexpectedly for videos also. I liked the inteli-ISO function for low lighting conditions. Best of all, it felt like it had the best price in the market for what I got. I'd definitely recommend this item.

Rating :

greatest little camera EVER!!!!

I knew how this camera worked. My boyfriend had one just like it a few years back, so I was obsessed in getting it myself. But in the meantime, the great little camera I knew turned into an even greater camera. Now it makes movies and has a lot of little features that help you take amazing pictures. In three words: I Love It! Always keep it in my purse handy. It's just the greatest little cam I ever had, and people just love my pictures.

Rating :

Superb build quality, responsive camera, great lens.

Build quality on the FX30 is exemplary. This camera is dense, feels hefty for its size when picked up, unlike many similar cameras that feel like a piece of plastic. This is a fine example of Japanese craftsmanship. It is fast and very responsive in operation. The lens is simply fantastic, 28mm (effective) wide angle is rare among such cameras. The lens is sharp edge to edge with very little, if any, in the way of distortion and chromatic aberration. Certainly, the lens is better than the sensor (and processing). The wide aperture (f/2.8) at the wide angle is great for low light [The lenses on the TZ3 and TZ4 are not as fast].
The flash is weak [all manufacturers are sadly underpowering the flash in order to gain on the "shots per battery charge" scale.]. Some hints: In low light, including indoor shots with flash, use the wide angle (zoom out) to make use of the f/2.8 aperture, and you'll get less dark underexposed pictures. Stick with ISO 100 and 200. Keep ISO 400 for emergencies, but never go beyond 400. In auto-ISO mode, you can limit the max ISO. You probably read a lot about image noise. Yes, it is there, but you will not see it in 4x6 or 8x10 prints. You won't see it on a typical 20" monitor (12"x16") unless you view 1:1 which amounts to viewing a 24"x36" print.

Optical image stabilization is very effective indeed. Video is very good.

I gave it 4/5 stars for: 1) Lack of full manual controls, 2) sensor noise and processing could be better.

Newer models like the FX33 and FX35 are essentially the same camera.

The more expensive TZ3 and TZ4 lack the f/2.8 aperture (they max at f/3.3).

If you like the size and build-quality of the FX30, but want a much better picture-taking machine look at the LX3. It has a larger sensor, manual controls, RAW, and a 24-60mm (equiv) f/2-2.8 lens. The LX3 is destined to be a big hit.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 5-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. 2.5-inch high-angle LCD display with Power LCD function; 10x image-stabilized optical zoom
3. High-sensitivity mode (up to ISO 1600) reduces motion blur; Unlimited Consecutive Shooting at 3 frames per second
4. The Venus Engine III reduces release time lag to as little as 0.006 seconds
5. Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards

Customer Review :

I should have upgraded far sooner!

I love this camera! I had an old Sony Cybershot before, and it can't even hold a candle to Lumix's image stability, clarity, LOVELY Leica lens, and well, just about EVERYTHING this camera has to offer. Incredibly quick picture response, variety of modes to choose from, and just amazing! Hah, even the USB cable from my old Sony fits into the same slot as my Lumix :) And, I don't have to buy some rip-off "special" memory card that only fits Panasonic (I spent 50 dollars on a 1GB card for my Sony... So convenient that the 'special' Sony memory card cost 3x as much as regular 1GB memory cards...) I LOVE this camera! :)


Rating :

Amazing

I have had this camera for almost 3 years now and I have put it through hell. I am in the military, I take it snow boarding, have dropped it repeatedly, taken it camping, you name it. It really is the most amazing camera on earth. I have had 3 other digital camera's and have used many more and this one is the best. I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this camera. Incredible picture quality, decent zoom, large picture display, extremely fast start up time, and the rechargeable battery lasts "FOREVER" on one charge, and even the most electronic illiterate person will have no problem using it.

Rating :

Sync problem between flash and shutter

I own this camera since september2 2006, works just fine until less than a year after I got it starts to work all wrong when flash is used.
At outdoors is exceptional, great pictures when the light is good.
Bad really dark and black pictures at indoors when the place has low light. The flash forced on, and still the pictures came dark, because the flash shut way before the lens, a syncronization problem. And it's a pity because I was really pleased with it. But now I'm very dissapointed and I want to buy another camera because I can't trust the DMC-TZ1 anymore at nights or indoor situations, and I don't want to have a camera I can use just in some situations when daylight or good light is on.

Rating :

Got LIGHT?

This Camera is Certaintly not the "Low Light KIng of Compact Digit Cameras. HOwever, relating back to my title, Got Light? Well if you have Light shinning on your Subject or Background, then you can get Pretty good shoots out of this Revelutionary Camera. The OIS system and Extra long Zoom should be your Main reason and deciding factor for purchasing this Outstanding Camera. I do not recommend purchasing this Camera for Outstanding picture qualty. I myself won't be too "fussy" with the Image Qualty for the simple fact that I purchased this gem at Ritz Camera on Clearance for[...]. This camera could have better audio but having mono tone audio is better then no audio at all on a Camera. Digital Cameras have come a Long way since thier First release on the market. This Panasonic Camera definatly proves that.

Rating :

Great simple camera

Bought this camera a couple of years ago and it is still working well. Great picture quality and so very easy to use. Will have an occasional slightly blurry pic, but for a simple to use camera I would def recommend.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 8-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16-by-22-inch enlargements
2. 4x optical zoom Mega Optical Image Stabilization; 2.5-inch LCD display
3. Power LCD function termporarily boosts backlighting by about 40% for ease of use in sunny conditions
4. Unlimited Consecutive Shooting allows you to shoot 3 frames per second at full resolution until your memory card is full
5. Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards (16 MB card included)

Editorial Review :

Panasonic's Lumix Digital Camera automatically starts with an edge. A LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens delivers superior optics and an astouning 28mm (equivalent) focal length for a wider visual angle than most other digital-camera models offer. The DMC-LX1 features a 4x optical zoom with a 28 to 112mm capability (35mm equivalent). This and a 1/1.65" diagonal CCD with 8.4 million effective pixels give you superb image quality over a wide shooting range. The Extended Optical Zoom, which minimizes the image degradation that normally occurs with digital zooming, gives you up to 5x zooming power. Normal hand jitter is a common cause for blurred results. The DMC-LX1 has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working--all you'll see are the outstanding results. Multiple aspect ratios result in different still picture resolutions - 4 - 3 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 2880 x 2160; 3 - 2 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 3248 x 2160; 16 - 9 Aspect Ratio (Still Image) up to 3840 x 2160 Video movie capture up to 640x480 2.5 Bright TFT LCD screen with easy to follow menu operation 2 Self-timer modes PictBridge mode allows printing images without a computer Audio with movie and still capture modes (up to 5 seconds per still picture) Uses SD Memory Storage (32MB included) (J&R suggest purchasing an optional SD memory card of 256MB or higher for practical use) Includes Rechargeable Battery - Up to 240 pictures per charge (CIPA Standard) and AC Charger, Data Transfer Software, USB and AV Cables, Lens Cap, Strap Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) 2.20'' x 4.16'' x 1.01'' / Weighs about 8 ounces

Customer Review :

A terrific digital camera.

This camera is very useful and practical it basicely has alot of functions some which I haven't used yet but I'm getting there. If you are a regular customer looking for the highest quality photos with amazing clarity and thats entirely versatile for landscapes, people and everything else then I highly recomend this Panasonic Lumix LX1 Digital Camera, based on a recomendation from the electronics store and a friend and the fact that it was cost efficient I didn't regret buying this pocket sized camera. It has an Optical image stabilizer which means that the images do not appeare blurry even if your not an expert and the 28mm wide angle lens has an aspect ratio of 16:9 with 8.4 Megapixel LEICA DC VARIO Lens, this camera also has 4x optical zoom with a wide 28mm field of view (35mm) when shooting in the 16:9 aspect ratio at 8 megapixel resolution you also have a quick choice of three aspect modes that you can use this from a switch at the top of the lens barrel you can switch from a normal 4:3,wide 16:9 or the 3:2 used in film cameras.
The manual exposure and manual focus can be used from the small joystick thingy on top of the camera, you'll have a menu system that sets the aperture, shutter speed and focus with your thumb while viewing the LCD monitor. The 2.5 LCD monitor has a high resolution 207,000 pixel and is also good for night time shots you can see everything with the brightness veiwing.
There is a function used in the flexible single switch focusing which includes five modes, there is another function which I thought was pretty awsome The Mega Burst consecutive shooting, you can get 3 frames per second with 5 images in fine mode and 9 images in standard mode.
When I played the images back on the PC I didn't see any faults with the pictures which I thought was amazing since I'm not the best at photographing but I have improved with this camera, it makes things a whole lot easier. I cannot recomend this camera highly enough it is absolutely brilliant and good for traveling or taking pictures indoors its allways going to be usefull. These are some of the contents in the box when you purchase this item you get a battery pack, battery charger, SD Memory card, USB driver, USB connection cable, a cd-rom Lumix simple viewer ect.

Rating :

Panasonic Lumix LX1

I love this camera as an alternative to my Nikon D200 whenever weight or space is an issue. It is one of the few pocket-size cameras on the market that can give you the option to shoot in RAW and offers extensive manual control. The Leica lens is superb and so is the picture quality. Manual control is available for most features I would like to have control over. The controls are easily accessible and intuitive despite the small size of the camera. The 16:9 picture format is great for landscape shots. I use this format most of the time. Image stabilization works very well. Noise is not really an issue if one shots in manual mode with a low ISO. The price is a bit heavy. However, I could not find a comparable camera (RAW format, manual controls, small size etc) at a more competitive price.


I wholeheartedly recommend this camera to any photographer who is looking for a pocket-size camera with extensive manual control and the possibility to shoot in RAW.


Rating :

Unique camera

Not to sound redundant from the other reviews, I'll highlight my pros and cons:

Pros:
-TRUE 16:9 videos (848x480 pixel MOVs, not the cropped kind. Product description was wrong stating that it can capture only up to 640x480).
-Lengthy 20min video captures if you have a 2GB SD card.
-16:9 photos
-28mm wideangle focal length
-LEICA lens
-Excellent outdoor photos

Cons:
-Indoor video/photo is grainy
-Video captures have less than stellar audio.
-Cap Lens cover

Overall: Despite is downfalls, its uniqueness compensate for it and sets it apart from many cameras.




Rating :

So So! Very bad video! Sorry Panasonic!

I have had just about every digital camera you can mention - but this is the first review I've written. I really wanted to like (actually love) this camera - could not wait to get it! Wow - I.S., 8MP, Leica lens - what else could you want! Well - I also bought a Canon SD700 a few weeks ago too (both cameras still within return dates) so I put them to the test. Bottom line - the Canon won hands down! By the way, I also have a Sony P200 - the Canon is still much better. Back to the Panasonic review - pictures were OK - actually not bad, nothing really special - the 16:9 is nice but the pictures appear smaller so you need to zoom in a bit. However the Canon was just as good even at only 6 MP! I use the video option a lot and don't even bother with my old Video Camera anymore. Over the last two week I went to two weddings and produced very nice little videos for the couples only using the Canon SD700 (no shakes to make people sea sick). Clear and sharp video with that little SD700 (you can even zoom in although it gets pixilated a bit). Unfortunately, the Panasonic is pretty very bad at video, no zooming, blurry, and jumpy - and you also must use .mov format to view vs. the more common .avi for the Canon. On the outside - the Panasonic is larger than the Canon and the lens sticks out and use an old fashioned lens cap - now that would be acceptable if the other functions of the camera we good. All in all - I've returned the Panasonic and will keep the Canon - just one man's (I mean person's) opinion!

Rating :

Best in class.

I've worked for many years in the photo/video business as a camera operator for some of the top news shows on television and can honestly say this camera is current technology at its best.

It is small, solid and able to take stunning photographs and save as data - raw - for the best in image preservation. Having raw data is to digital what having the original negative is to film.

After using this camera for about a year now I can't report one negative... it is the best point and shoot camera.

It does have small chips and all the attentive drawbacks like low dynamic range, noise at higher iso, blooming highlights, etc.. All digital still cameras under $2000 use small chips.

Use your photography skills to work around the limits and you'll be rewarded with technically outstanding photos... I know a National Geo photog who regularly uses one on assignment. Another friend shot Katrina with one for AP.

It is a very sturdy camera, highly portable, well designed with intuitive controls, and capable to taking fine art quality photos. The wide end of the excellent leica lens is comparable to 28mm in the 35mm format and very clean. In the end analysis, it is a very well engineered piece. In fact, Leica is selling basically the very same camera, but with a titanium body, as the D-lux2... the electronics and glass are the same.... for quite a few more $$$.

One of my all time favorite cameras (and I regularly shoot with cameras that approach six figures - Pro HD video and have worked with stills from hasselblad, nikon, mamiya, contax, leica... )

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 8-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 16-by-22-inch enlargements
2. 12x optical zoom Mega Optical Image Stabilization; free-angle 2.0-inch LCD display
3. Continuous AF keeps moving subjects in focus; AF Assist Lamp helps in dim lighting
4. Unlimited Consecutive Shooting allows you to shoot 3 frames per second at full resolution until your memory card is full
5. Powered by Lithium-ion battery pack (included); stores images on SD memory cards (32 MB card included)

Editorial Review :

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

Customer Review :

Why go manual when auto is fine

For my purposes, I do not need a digital SLR and all the work that goes i9nto one- I'll never be that good a photographer. Really don't need all this has to offer either, but it's fun to play with and see how it can make impossible shots come out.
Earlier this summer I decided to get an upgraded point nad shoot, so I'm comparing this camera to a Nikon Coolpix P80 that I like a lot. But in some ways this just seems to take better pictures. The one feature I like most is the ring focus instead of the motorized zoom (don't even know if I'm using the right term for this).
The one thing I like better on the Nikon is the memory card capability- have an 8GB in that, the DMC supposedly only takes a 2GB, so I have to live with 500 pictures.
So, I'm happy taking MUCH better pictures with both and comparing them and getting to know which does what best.
Finally, I'll say once again I don't do specs, leave it on auto most of the time and take the memory cards to Shoprite for instant developing, don 'tu s e the computer, don't leave film in 35mm for a year anymore, so I now have photo albums filled with excellent pictures

Rating :

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.

Rating :

Power-packed high quality camera

I'm a camera dummy but I get really great pictures with this camera. One of my friends thought I had an expensive SLR camera when he saw some of my pictures and looked really puzzled over how I got such such great pictures when I told him it was "just" a Panasonic, not a Nikon.

I've had this camera for around a year and use it almost every day. It's a workhorse and it's been flawless. Be sure to get a 1 gig high speed SD memory card to go with it. Also, get a tripod for those zoom shots.

Rating :

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)

Rating :

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.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. The 3.6x optical zoom ratio can be extended up to 7x in 3-megapixel resolution mode with minimal deterioration thanks to the Extra Optical Zoom. The FX100 has an Easy Zoom feature that, at the touch of a button, shifts the lens instantly to full 3.6x zoom power. A second touch of the button activates the Extra Optical Zoom function and extends zoom all the way to 7x
2. 16 - 9 wide high-definition motion images (1280x720 pixels at 15 fps) - We recommend purchasing a 4GB SD Memory Card for video usage
3. Enhanced High-Sensitivity mode up to ISO 6400 with flash from up to 16m away
4. Category Playback sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes and events
5. Quick settings without taking your eyes off the subject

Editorial Review :

The Lumix DMC-FX100K has an advanced 28mm wide-angle, 3.6 optical zoom Leica DC lens system featuring four aspherical lenses. It includes an EA lens with five aspherical surfaces. A large 1/1.72-inch CCD with an effective 12.1 Megapixels is the highest resolution in its class. The Lumix DMC-FX100K also features an Extended Optical Zoom, which extends zooming up to 7.0x (at 3 megapixel mode) with a simple press of the Easy Zoom button. Intelligent ISO Control makes it easier to take clear, crisp shots even if your subject moves. This innovative feature detects any movement and automatically raises both the ISO setting and the shutter speed accordingly, preventing motion blur. Hand-shake is not a problem with the Lumix DMC-FX100. MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) automatically compensates for hand-shake. Mega Burst Shooting lets you take consecutive shots at a swift two shots per second. The High-Speed Burst Mode goes a step further, letting you snap off consecutive shots eight shots per second. This makes it easier to catch the perfect action shot of a fast-moving subject. Easy picture taking with your choice of 20 scene modes to provide the best overall image quality for shooting situations, such as Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery, and others Optical Image Stabilization Hand-shake is a problem with most small cameras, but not with the FX100. Mega Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) automatically compensates for hand-shake

Customer Review :

pretty good

Bought this for my wife. Like the wide angle. Hate the shutter lag. Video is very good. I use a Nikon d200 w/ half a dozen great lenses so I am pretty picky. This ain't no D200, but for $250 and a compact size it works for casual snapshot photos. Shutterlag however is killer (bad).

Rating :

Nice little camera

I like this camera because its small. maybe have not the same quality of the canon cameras but it is good enough for holiday pictures..

Rating :

Great camera

I really like this camera, it is sturdy, and easy to carry. I'm not a professional, but it appears to take great pictures.

Rating :

nice pictures... and strong?

I bought FX100 and took almost thousand pictures. I got nice quality pictures... I like this cam. But I made a terrible mistake that my camera was fallen from my belt cam wallet on the cement ground. Shhhhhhhit~ But this is still ok now... I could take pictures and motions as same as before...

Rating :

Panasonic Lumix FX100K 12.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

A solid, great little camera doing a big job. Excellent picture quality, great skin tones and flash operation.

Rating :

More reviews...