EmailBest Reviewed
Digital Cameras (Ultra-Zoom)
- Budget ultra-zoom digital camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 *Est. $275
- Best 20x ultra-zoom digital camera Canon PowerShot SX10 IS *Est. $380
- Simplest to use, compact size Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 *Est. $390
- Best ultra-zoom camera for fast action Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 *Est. $1000
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- Great image quality
- RAW support
- Easy to use
- Full manual options
- Long 18x zoom lens
- Images not great in low light
- No zoom in movie mode
The 18x Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 was the reviewers' darling as the best ultra-zoom digital camera, but the newer Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (*Est. $300) has inherited that title. The new model offers higher resolution (10.1 megapixels compared with 8.1) and some upgrades such as high-definition video output. Still, reviews say the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 offers good image quality overall (especially in RAW mode) and not-so-good quality in low light (as is typical of digital cameras). The combination of fully automatic and fully manual options makes it easy enough for novices and adaptable enough for more experienced shooters, reviews say. And they say the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is fast enough to satisfy most amateurs. However, you can't zoom in while shooting video.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 receives heavy coverage, and at this writing still places in CNET's list of top ultra-zoom digicams. PCMag.com also has a helpful rankings list. The most detailed reviews are at enthusiast websites that specialize in digital photography. Those include Image-Resource.com, DCResource.com, DPReview.com and Steves-Digicams.com. ConsumerReports.org has dropped the FZ-18 from its rankings in favor of the FZ-28. There are lots of user reviews online, including about 180 at Amazon.com.
Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET performs thorough testing and then ranks nine ultra-zooms (all getting the same 3.5 out of five stars). The problem is that newer models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 aren't reviewed. The FZ-18 ranks fifth here, one negative being no zoom while shooting video.
Review: Best Megazoom Digital Cameras, Lori Grunin, Jan. 28, 2009
PCMag.com tests five ultra-zooms in the lab and field and gives the Editors' Choice to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, with a note that it's a good value for the price. Image quality is "above average," and the menu system is helpful, but there's some optical noise in low light.
Review: How to Buy a Superzoom Camera, Molly K. McLaughlin, Aug. 12, 2008
Imaging-Resource.com offers extremely credible professional reviews, and the 18x Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is one of its top ultra-zoom digital camera picks. Theano Nikitas and Shawn Barnett offer pros and cons. Overall, the outstanding lens overrides concerns like a sensor that's not the best, as well as some image-quality issues.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, Theano Nikitas and Shawn Barnett, Dec. 7, 2007
Jeff Keller packs his reviews with information and analysis. Like other reviewers, he has some image-quality issues related to noise and noise reduction, but in the end the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 earns his recommendation because of its great features and all-around performance.
Review: DCRP Review: Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Jeff Keller, Feb. 4, 2008
5. DPReview.com
Image quality keeps the DMC-FZ18 out of the top ranks, but the authors add it is "certainly the best of the 'really big' zoom cameras we've tried so far."
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Review, Simon Joinson and Lars Rehm, Nov. 2007
6. Amazon.com
Most of the approximately 180 owner reviews give the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 the highest possible score. The few complaints posted describe noisy, blurry images in less than optimal light, but that's par for the course with ultra-zooms.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of June 2009
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