Compare Prices : Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 - Expert Reviews

Pros: Fast 12x optical zoom lens ; convenient joystick control ; manual exposure controls ; optical image stabilization ; raw image capture

Cons: Noisy images ; so-so image quality ; ISO 3,200 hidden away in a scene mode

Verdict: A fast, long 12x optical zoom lens and easy-to-use controls help make up a little for the DMC-FZ8's image-quality issues.

Review summary: A fast, long 12x optical zoom lens and easy-to-use controls help make up a little for the DMC-FZ8's image-quality issues.

Pros: Fast 12x optical zoom lens ; convenient joystick control ; manual exposure controls ; optical image stabilization ; raw image capture

Cons: Noisy images ; so-so image quality ; ISO 3,200 hidden away in a scene mode

Verdict: Almost identical in body design to last year's DMC-FZ7, Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-FZ8 carries the torch as the smaller of the company's superzooms, not counting the even smaller DMC-TZ3, which doesn't include manual exposure controls and is targeted ...

Review summary: The 7.2 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ8 may not have the longest zoom on the block, but its 12x image-stabilized optical zoom has more than enough range to meet most photographers' needs. And while the telephoto lens may be the driving force behind your ...

Pros: Compact and lightweight, Easy to use for beginners, Advanced feature set for enthusiasts, 12x image-stabilized optical zoom lens, RAW mode, White Balance can be fine-tuned, Good speed, Selectable AF points, Exposure bracketing, Live Histogram and ...

Cons: Noise and noise suppression visible even at low ISO, High ISO image noise and noise reduction degrades image quality, Significant chromatic aberration at telephoto, Digital zoom is soft due to noise suppression, Moderate barrel distortion at wide ...

Review summary: Panasonic DMC-FZ8 Review - Like to get close to the action but can't afford an SLR? You want a small compact with a mighty lens, as Duncan Evans investigates.

Pros: That 12x optical zoom, Straightforward control layout, Thumbstick for extra control, Plenty of manual control, Fast and pleasing to use

Cons: Design is a bit bland, Zoom a little slow to start, Camera not quick to start up, Image quality mediocre

Verdict: There's one prime selling point of this camera and that's the 12x optical zoom which reaches to an impressive 432mm equivalent with the wide aperture only shifting from f/2.8 to f/3.