Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Panasonic FZ18 has a superb Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens and it shows in the quality of the images. The effective optical image stabilization allows hand holding shots at the long focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The wide-angle makes this a ...

Review summary: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is the latest camera to enter the 18x optical zoom race.

Pros: Nice lens with 18x optical zoom ; Full feature set (manual exposure modes, etc.) ; Quick speed of operation ; Excellent battery life

Cons: Significant digital noise over ISO 400 ; Small dynamic range produces shots with over-exposed highlights and under-exposed shadows

Verdict: If you're in the market for an ultra-zoom, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 deserves a place on your short list.  While poor noise performance and a small dynamic range detract from some images, overall image quality is good with nice color reproduction ...

Review summary: Successor to the successful FZ8 model, Panasonic's latest long-zoom digicam, the DMC-FZ18 sports an 8-megapixel imager and a massive 18x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens that covers an equivalent focal length range from 28mm to 504mm. Otherwise the two ...

Verdict: One of the most noticeable features of the test camera was how fast its AF system was when shooting with the P, A or S modes, especially in the two high-speed modes. Focusing was also very accurate and we were surprised at how little the lens hunted. ...

Review summary: Digital SLRs may be making all the headlines but rumours of the death of the compact camera have been greatly exaggerated. Panasonic's latest super-zoom revitalises the category with a mighty 18x optical zoom

Pros: Excellent telephoto lens, Good all-round image quality

Cons: Not the fastest

Verdict: This Panasonic is as much about quality as it is raw power. Images from the 8MP chip are simply superb, making this a safe choice for anyone looking for a competent, all-in-one back-up

Review summary: Panasonic takes the optical arms race to another level with the massive 18x zoom lens on board the DMC-FZ18

Pros: Excellent telephoto lens, Good all-round image quality

Cons: Not the fastest

Verdict: It can use face detection, adjust the ISO and even activate the image stabiliser for you - although we'd recommend simply leaving this turned on all the time