Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 / FZ38 review
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 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?
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!
@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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
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.
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.
It was filmed in Queenstown, New Zealand... not sure Panasonic supplies it with the camera though!
But did you buy it through my link to Amazon?
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
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.
DOF means depth of field, or the range of distance which is in sharp focus.
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.
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!
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.
@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.
Er yes... it was in a public place, but I decided to keep the original audio rather than re-record it.
I really want this camera, but I was wondering, can you focus the image/video yourself, with like a focus wheel, or do you have to attach a lens if you want to do that? I'm not really a camera expert, so sorry if I sound stupid. Hopefully you understand what I mean :)
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.
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!
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...
Thank you Gordon! you just helped me take beautiful photos of the moon with my fz38!
You're welcome!
I'm thinking of getting the FZ38. I have the s5800 at the moment. For the money (£229) is it the FZ38 the best out there? I like the video on it and I like the idea of long zoom, also like doing macro. Is this the best for the money?
Hello Gordon, i have a little problem, i want a new camera, my previous one was still a panasonic (poket size) and it was very good. I have to choise between this panasonic (FZ 35/38) and Nikon P90...what do you recommend? I'm interested in only this 2 models, nothing else! Witch one is better in option, photo quality, etc? Sorry for the trouble, and hope to hear from you soon!
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!
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.
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
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?
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.
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
I can't speak for USA models, but the New Zealand FZ35 does not have a Czech menu option.
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
They're both very strong models - don't forget to check out my full review at cameralabs . com - I have lots of image comparisons between them - and video samples too!
I think I showed it in my review of the FZ28 - it's identical.
Great camera!
Love the colours and the manual mode.
Shame doesnt have remote shutter
The photos were taken around Queenstown New Zealand, but my accent is English.
Hey Gordon! Its a really good review!:D I'm currently using a JVC standard definition DV camcorder GZ-MS90AG but im not really happy with it so im looking for a HD DV camcorder however its quite expensive so im looking at this but i have a few concerns. Im not sure if this is better than a DV cam in terms of HD or whether i should get the canon SX20i? and what format does AVCHD Produce? now my DV cam produces MOD format?
@leomendoza123 It's still the latest version, but I would be surprised if there isn't a replacement sometime this year - I don't know when or what it'll do though.
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!
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
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.
No, it's just different names for different regions. Please read my review at cameralabs . com.
@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.
hey! nice preview!
I'd like to ask you something. Is that camera better than canon sx1 in what concerts to movie mode?
Thank you mr Gordon
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
@dianchik33 It's the same camera. The FZ35 is the North America version, and the FZ38 is for the rest of the world. Please read my review at cameralabs . com for full details.
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!
HI GORDON!! I would like to know that external flash unit do you recommend to start with this camera commercially, working with some flash photocelula thanks gordon, give me your opinion I want to start in professional photography and this panasonic I like.
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.
Hy guys...I have one question. Will the FZ35/38 have a 2010. successor? I'm really into this camera , and I', planning on buying it somewhere in July, so i thought that it would be better to wait, so i can see what the successor (FZ48??) will offer. But today I read that the FZ38 is discontinued. Do you anything about that?
Great rewiews guys!!!
Cheers!
You obviously haven't tested the P90.
i bought this camera last Friday, it should be here tomorrow!! i got from your link, good price, great review
Thanks! I have gone for it and it is to be delivered tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to a summer of fun.
Hi Gordon,
For a beginner, it is better to have a dslr or a superzoom camera?
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.
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 =)
Much appreciated Jeff, thanks! Do tell us what you think of it on the forum, and check out our monthly assignment section!
I just like it that you use the same zoom clips, its handy to compare video-clips
Nope, no plans to do the Olympus, sorry. But do also check out my review of the Canon SX20 IS.
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?
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!
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 UA-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?
wwhat is the lowest and highest apeture for the camera? last time i read reviews it said the highest it can go to is f5.6 but when you used the joystick it went f7.1. what is the largest and minimum range of apeture for this camera?
The mode dial offers "Schnelle Serie", the image size is reduced to two/three MP, but you can take at least 10 fps.
hi, I have a question, how are the settings for to do the image of the " 7:50 - 8:05" I can do the unfocus but with the zoom at 6x or more, with the MF and using the jostic, but is impossible to get a image like this one, please help me, I live in colombia here there aren`t experts with cams... thanks
excuse my englis i talk spanish
@MikeMessiah I've fully compared the TZ7 against the TZ10 in my review at cameralabs . com. Doing these videos doesn't earn any money and this is my full time job, so unless people buy more things through my site, I can't continue doing them.
@kennymatheson Glad to be of service! Don't forget you can support me by shopping for anything at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com!
Gordon,how can I use the little thing behind the microphone,i mean...behind the flash?
YA ....Dear gordon , the specification of canon 20is and fz35 are very closely , why the price are far away between this 2 model?
The P90 is Nikon's super-zoom - I reviewed it at cameralabs . com.
I love this camera...I use it on all my Videos... the fine picture when filming is awesome...I have no complains whatsoever
hello
the most thing i like on the fz18 is the big efv.
is the vf on the fz28/38 really much smaller?
the camera for me is that one with a big/good quality evf. should i buy this camera, or is the fz18 a better option?
regards
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 think its great but i have a question ,will this camera handle 4-8.000 pics and 600 gig worth of vids a year , and why should i buy the fz35 or 38 what is the reson for the two cameras
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.
Bought this camera, its great.
does this camera have additional accessories, (Lens adapter, telephoto lens, closeup lens or filter lens) that are compatible to this camera? I just wanted to make sure, cause on the panasonic site, under this model camera, they have lens for it, but says selected cameras, is it for the fz35/38?
Great review man, very comprehensive, I had a Lumix TZ5 and was stolen from my place not too long ago, so i need to get back a camera and this model Lumix looks very good. I loved my TZ5 but i had a couple nit pickings with it 1) lack of a manual focus for getting macro shots 2) the placement of the mic when recording video my thumb always ended up on the mic which resulted in very bad audio quality of the video does this have any manual focus for macro shots? LOVE the video DOF
Hi,
I really want to buy this camera, but I heard that it is not compatible with window vista. Is it true? I have a computer which has a window vista system. thanks. Ray in CA.
Hi! I whas vandering if you can help me.
I nead a cam that taks good pictures and has hd recording, for a lo price. i whas thinking of this cam but does it taka good pictures? Like compared to a cheap SLR? SLR or Compact? I guies is the question... because I know canon has a SLR with hd recording. but its not cheap.
Thanks!
I have a question sir.. Does this camera have a panorama shooting/stitching? thx.
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?
You're welcome! Don't forget if you buy it through one of the shops at cameralabs . com, you'll help me produce more reviews!
thanks Gordon
is this the best quality picture in all super zoom cameras under $600??
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!
I have just got a 2nd had fz35 for my son who is special needs. Will i be able to take moon photos please. New to this
Great review on this impressive camera Gordon.
Cheers
Zeno
Hy guys...I have one question. Will the FZ35/38 have a 2010. successor? I'm really into this camera , and I'm planning on buying it somewhere in July, so i thought that it would be better to wait, so i can see what the successor (FZ48??) will offer. But today I read that the FZ38 is discontinued. Do you know anything about that?
@StingRayINC Because they take a long time to make and don't generate any money - this is my full time job, so I have to concentrate on what pays the bills. I hope to do more videos in the future, but you'll need to go to cameralabs . com to see them...
Does this camera have the ability to take pictures while filming video? thanks.
Great Review! but what's the difference between the z35 and the z38?
Yep, it's still good, but it can't match the low noise of a DSLR at high ISOs and you also can't change the lenses. But then no DSLR is this small, cheap or has an 18x zoom. pros and cons to both.
Great review. You cover a lot of details and give an unbiased opinion. Extra info on your website is also very helpful.
Hello, thank you for the excellent reviews and the sample videos. I am still not convinced by the colours though. Comparing this with that of the Canon SX200 IS, the images of the FZ38/35 look very saturated and "unnaturally" blueish/purplish.
The AVCHDlite video looks maybe sharper but the colours in the video of the Canon SX20IS look much more natural.
Is this accidental or systematic, and if so could it be corrected?
Thank you
Hi Gordon, what mode did you use to do the background defocus with the magazine ? Thanks
Can it be you got the cam set on 16:9? You got borders then, of course. This cam is awesome, but it takes some time to understand it...