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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

Discontinued

Reviewed

January 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Fast start-up
Shoots in RAW format
Long battery life
Some manual settings

Cons

Lackluster image quality in high ISO ranges
Somewhat bulky
LCD display does not articulate from the camera body
Cannot take still pictures while shooting video

Where to Buy

for $429.00

Our Analysis
Specs
237 Amazon Reviews

The feature-packed Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 has plenty of auto and manual options and owners say it is well designed and fairly easy to use. While the 14.1-megapixel FZ40 boasts a higher resolution than its predecessor, the 12-megapixel FZ35, reviewers say image quality is about the same on both models but on higher ISO settings and in low light, some experts say image quality on the FZ40 drops off. Cliff Smith at TrustedReviews.com says, "It is very disappointing that Panasonic has chosen to sacrifice the outstanding image quality of one of its most popular cameras for the sake of a pointless increase in image resolution." The FZ40 shoots video in 720p AVCHD Lite format, which InfoSyncWorld.com reviewer Mike Perlman praises.

Comprehensive reviews including hands-on testing and sample images and video are found on CameraLabs.com, InfoSyncWorld.com and TrustedReviews.com. CameraLabs.com compares the FZ40 to the Lumix FZ100 and Canon SX30IS. Many users post opinions about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 on Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black

(237 reviews)
Buy new: $399.95 19 Used & new from $189.99

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Camera Labs.com

CameraLabs.com gives a detailed review and rates the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40's performance in various categories and provides sample images. Editors compare the FZ40 to the Canon SX30 IS and the Panasonic Lumix FZ100, concluding that it "delivers a very compelling package for the price."

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 / FZ40 Super-Zoom Review, Editors at CameraLabs.com, Oct. 29, 2010

2. InfoSyncWorld.com

Reviewer Mike Perlman says the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 has plenty of features to satisfy the most avid photo enthusiast, but he calls image quality from this super-zoom camera only "slightly better than average." Perlman says he prefers the FZ40's video quality to its still images.

Review: Panasonic DMC-FZ40 Review, Mike Perlman, Oct. 1, 2010

3. TrustedReviews.com

Cliff Smith rates the Panasonic Lumix DMX-FZ45 (the European version of the FZ40) a 9 out of 10. He says "it has comfortable handling, excellent performance in all lighting conditions, and is a real pleasure to use." He adds that image quality is generally very good, but performance in high ISO ranges is disappointing.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 Review, Cliff Smith, Sept. 1, 2010

4. About.com

Kyle Shuman, About.com's guide to digital cameras, says the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is one of his "favorite fixed lens cameras currently on the market." He strongly recommends using the camera with a tripod to avoid image blurriness from camera shake, especially when the zoom lens is fully extended. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Review, Kyle Shuman

5. Amazon.com

Several dozen consumers weigh in on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 on Amazon.com, resulting in an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users are generally pleased with image quality and say the camera is relatively easy to use, although some say they do not use many of the available features.

Review: Customer Reviews: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black), Contributors to Amazon.com

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