Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7, FZ38 and GH1 comparison Test Video (V2)

[CannaS88]

AFFARE!!!

Vendo nuovissima Panasonic Lumix FZ38 di appena un mese! Mai uscita di casa, batteria caricata soltanto 2 volte, una centinaia di scatti, per passaggio a modello superiore! Con custodia, filtri e accessori per un valore totale superiore ai 400 euro!

Contattatemi se interessati o chiamatemi al 3349395300

[davidhitchins]

Well done in many ways but all samples show quasi-static shots, like video photos. It would have been nice to see how the cameras handled movement - even just a passing car in the street. The inability to produce smooth motion (no global shutter) is the biggest defect with consumer/pro-sumer HD cameras today.

[nbnserge]

Which program do u use to edit and paste different video files ? thanks

[ghough12]

@nbnserge this was put together in sony vegas home studio platinum edition if i remember correctly.

[rymdskrotet]

I must say that this is the most serious test of superzooms imagequality I've seen on the web so for. Thank you very much for taking the time to make this movie! It would have been intresting to add a couple of cameras, for ex. let say.. the Canon models, SX20, SX200 etc. But you cant have it all.. =) Thank you , once again!  //Future FZ35/38 buyer! =)

[ghough12]

@rymdskrotet Thanks for viewing and your kind comments. The FZ38 has been discontinued, although it may be instock at some suppliers until they run out. The FZ45 or the FZ100 replaces this. I have the FZ100 and like the articulated screen and the 24x optical zoom. More thorough tests needed to determine the real image quality compared to the superb images from the FZ38.

[ogatobranco]

Panasonic cameras look a lot more sharper and fluid in motion picture.

IMHO GH1 provides the best result in terms of image quality (look at that DR), however lacks the versatility of the TZ7 and FZ38.

TZ7 looks a bit sharper than FZ38 and D5000 video quality looks quite bad, luckily still quality is a lot better.

@ghough12, on the beginning, when you're speaking, the image looks quite 'cooked', over sharpening halos and some sort of NR applied too strongly... did you post-processed that part?

[ghough12]

@ogatobranco Yes the Nikon D90 image was very soft and had sharpening plus unsharp mask applied to try to get a better result ( but obviously overdone ) I was really dissappointed with both the Nikons video quality especially as it was mjpeg and about 40Kbps data rate. With the lack of manual control also makes this camera virtually useless for anything but studio, stage managed lighting IMHO.

[TheMarabouStork]

im going to buy the FZ38 but im worried incase a new model comes out just after I buy it..

[ILMORUZ]

@TheMarabouStork I think it could be true!!! FZ18 was introduced in summer 2007, FZ28 in 2008 and FZ38 in 2009 ... If the time schedule is confirmed (roughly a year for every camera refresh) i think that in august-september we have another Panasonic SuperZoom Bridge camera....

Maybe it's convenient to wait ... FZ38 could be offer in special discount!!

[Dr23rippa]

@TheMarabouStork There are two new models form Panasonic that are coming out in August. They are successors to the FZ38/FZ35 check the Panasonic website!!!

[TheMarabouStork]

@Dr23rippa yeah. the FZ40 and the FZ100. I just bought the FZ38 as it was only £212 and I guess the new ones will be about £350

[Dr23rippa]

@TheMarabouStork Yeah your right, there that expensive I would debate about a DSLR. Plus I compared the specs with the older FZ38 and the new one and there's nothing major to convince me to spend £350.

[kebabmonk1]

Quite obvious from this that the tz7 is the best with the nikon the worst i think for quality.

[ghough12]

@kebabmonk1 Yes, it is extremely dissapointing that the avi from the nikon is so poor in quality as the stills are really great. Even after sharpening the results aren't worth using - it's ok if you want a soft focus cinematic look but not for traditional video stream

[enzzopaiva]

the GH1 equivalent is 28-280 , not 14-140 ;D 2.0X

[ghough12]

@enzzopaiva yes, when i uploaded it i found i had not applied the 2.0 crop factor.

will annotate the video as several people have now pointed this out

[vanzemljak]

Im so sorry my friend but you are mistaken about 1:45 and other angles when u switch the cam's...No way that 2 mm can cut of so much tz7 vs. fz38...

[ghough12]

@vanzemljak The specification of the FZ38 is 18x optical zoom lens (27- 486mm equiv.), and the TZ7 12x optical zoom (25-300mm equiv), and these shots were taken at the minimum and maximum zoom from exactly the same location - what you see is exactly as you get from the camera!

[ogatobranco]

@vanzemljak at wide angles 2mm mean a lot... but at tele end 2mm are nothing... since focal lengths are proportional (50mm x 2 = 100mm and is effectively the same as double the size of stuff on the image) if you compare ratios like 25/27 you could say the difference in view size is more than 7% ... quite significant in my opinion...

[Eyun]

wow very great video! im getting a tz7, can't wait

[ghough12]

@Eyun Yes it is a great camera, it has just been replaced with the TZ10 which adds manual control over the video - but apart from that its the same. Good lick when you get it.

[zaraki888]

I have a question about the lumix tz7. There is no explanation in the manual about how to use it...I don't understand how to make nice pictures and to film. The automatic part makes really ugly shots. I don't get it at all.

[ghough12]

@zaraki888 In iA mode you will get good images - you don't say where you are taking the images - a rock concerts? dark rooms etc. With more information i might be able to help!

[zaraki888]

@ghough12 Hi, thank you for your help. I take the image in my house. When it's cloudy outside most of my images are very ugly. The colour is weak and the quality seems so bad. Especially when I put the pictures on my pc and if I zoom in I can see the bad quality. Is this really worth the price of this camera or did I do something wrong?

[fortboyard1234]

The equivalents of the cams with interchangeable lenses arent correct..

That 14mm is in full frame equivalent, m4/3 has a crop factor of 2, that makes it a 28mm on a fullframe cam (those 25 and 27 are on fullframe eq.).

The D5000 has a crop factor of 1.5, which makes it a 27mm on fullframe cam.

[ghough12]

@fortboyard1234 Yes, when I uploaded the finished video i noticed that I have not completed the equivalent part of the captions so you are right the 14-140 becomes 28-280, however as these were min and max zoom positions for each lens I didn't redo the video - as they say a picture tells a story. Well spotted

[Juanod09]

Panasonic Lumix FZ38 (28.7x zoom has electronic) series camera is really bad in terms of image quality, because a lot of noise. Much noise is caused by small size sensors (1 1/2.5)

Fujifilm S 200 (14.3 x optical zoom) also has a small sensor size but they have a technology that can overcome the noise, the Super CCD. The Best camera but expensive.

[criticaltinker]

when will the FZ series create a 1080p version? are there any rumors of FZ35/38 successor?

[ng95680a]

Ill get the fz38 it kicks butt

[goyasunlight]

Is it possible to use the colour settings: B&W, Saturated, natural, sepia etc in HD mode for the FZ38? Same question in regards to exposure, aperture control in film mode?

[ghough12]

@goyasunlight , yes you can use any of the colour modes whilst using hd video mode. Control of the aperture, shutter and iso can be done whilst in video mode also. The fz38 is a very dynamic camera and gives great scope for manual creativity in video.

[ghough12]

@enaton The fz38 has an incredible lens and stereo mike. The evf of the fz38 is more suited framing rather than the lcd screen. Video wise the two cameras perform almost identically but you have a lot more control over the manual settings - that's why the TZ10 has superceded the TZ7 because of this lack of manual control. Money wise there is little difference but the FZ38 gets 5* and the TZ7 4* for me.

[phrubala]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 is most practical for me. Most powerfull in the smallest body.

I own TZ7

[Rohhaut]

Excellent video!

There are so many great cams out there... I own the FZ38 and now I know this camera is it! Well, if the GH1 would cost less than it does now, I'd get it.

[uktubedude]

I think the DMC-TZ7 and the FZ38 were both outstanding in these tests.. but for sheer price and portability it just has to be the TZ7!

[ghough12]

Yes, thanks for your comments. The TZ7 ia a great "pocket camera" . The new version with manual controls, the TZ10, should be outstanding

[goku8384145]

is it just me or did that FZ38 seriously kick some royal *** in those tests! I just bought that camera and now Im glad I did. I have just seen I can get a 2.0x teleconverter/photo lens thing for it for around £50 so that will give me around 972mm lens :) and its still cheaper than the GH1

[ghough12]

Yes the FZ38 is a great camera with a great optical system. Good luck with the 2x convertor.

Graham

[promoloco]

which has better sound ZS3 or fz38, canon SX20 and recommend it? HX1 would recommend the sony? these 2 last distorted sound when recording loud concerts? of all cameras which record sound without distortion at concerts or weddings? inteeresa me much the sound, that panasonic is good, but put a person with one HX1 sony fz38 and the sound inside a house the voice of a child with clear sound sony panasonic opaque sound as if you cover their microphones. sorry poor ingles.

[ryanonpiano]

Great review. Can I ask your opinion, I noticed the noise in your TZ7 video at the very end, sorry when I say noise I mean the sound of like mechanical noises which I also get with my TZ7 which can be very annoying but I think its something to do with the auto focus working away and you can only hear when in a quiet room or place.

Do this sound normal what I am saying.

Thanks again for great review.

[ghough12]

This sound during the stabilisation test is, I think, my neighbour driving onto his drive way and then opening and closing the door. I hear no sound from the TZ7 except during a zoom.

Graham

[mrrandom177]

Thanks for the video, its exactly what i was looking for !

I'm looking for a worthy replacement for my D40 and accosiated

[RomeoWhiteChannel]

Спасибо, очень качественный и наглядный тест! / Thank you, very good and obvious test!

[faisalfarooq541]

hello Graham.

thanks for sharing your video.its amazing.i am using G1 for stills and TG3E for HD videos.but am fed up carrying two cameras looking to buy one for both.what would you recommend between GH1 and FZ38.cheers

[ghough12]

There's a world of difference in price. the GH1 with kit lens is almost 4x the FZ38.

The GH1 gives you full HD and external mike input if you want better audio. If you have the G1 look at the GF1 with a 20mm pancake lens. You can then use your G1 kit lens on it. For the money the FZ38 is amazingly versatile once you get over the plasticky looks and feel. Depends really on your subject matter. I can recommend either.

[pumbumbler]

Since Micro 4/3 is half crop, isn't the 14-140mm lens equivalent to 28-280mm in your numbers?

[ghough12]

@pumbumbler

Yes, when I uploaded the finished video i noticed that I have not completed the equivalent part of the captions so you are right the 14-140 becomes 28-280, however as these were min and max zoom positions for each lens I didn't redo the video - as they say a picture tells a story. Well spotted!

[DavideoDesign]

thanks for sharing this, i went for the fz38 and its awesome especially for the price also it was the camera of choice winner in recent T4 Gadget mag review

[ghough12]

Thanks for your comment, more and more people are electing to buy this great lttle camera

graham

[howarth004]

All in all price considerd I think the T Z 7 is the one to buy, thanks for your video showing the differances

[MrTommi2009]

Ein guter Eindruck von verschiedenen Kamera`s,ich habe die FZ38,nun bin ich doch froh,dass ich mich dafür entschieden habe,obwohl die TZ7 auch gut ist,aber weniger Spielraum im Zoom-Bereich,und hat 12fah Zoom,die FZ18x.Danke für die Präsentation.

[ghough12]

Thanks for the comment, however, can you translate into english for me?

[suitman1000]

Thank you very much for this excellent video.

Is there any difference in video quality between the fz38 and tz7? I have bought the fz38 but i am a bit unhappy about the big size and i am considering to buy the tz7 instead. What do you prefer?

Thank you very much!

[ghough12]

There is little difference in video quality, however the FZ38 has the extra zoom, faster lens and more manual over-ride options to enable you to get better video quality. I agree it is bigger and the eyelevel evf isn't as good as say the GH1 but overall the FZ38 is a very capable device for its size and weight. The TZ7 does give some excellent stills however it doesn't give you the option to shoot in RAW mode. The TZ7 has a bright 3 inch lcd but early models suffered from a very loose mode wheel

[suitman1000]

Thanks for this fast response...

I have seen other videos and noticed that the tz7 has some focussing issues when zooming in and out fast.

In february i am going to the philipines and i would like to shoot some good videos and i think i will keep the fz38 but on the other side the tz7 is much more compact and also you can add an underwater case (i am a diver) but this is also very expensive...

hmhmhm... :-D

thanks anyway

[BlazeZoo]

@ghough12

Is the FZ38 good compared to other DSLR cameras about the same price? The picture quality compared to like Nikod D3000 Olymus E-450? Is it fast to take the pics with?

[ghough12]

The FZ38 feels small and like a toy when you first pick it up. When you use it you will see that it gives fantastic stills and video. (see my west highland way video for stills taken with it) I have a Nikon D90 and Nikon D5000 with a lot of nikon ED lenses and i would say the FZ38 can match them for most of my casual work. There is a very slight delay from shutter release to picture take but nothing to worry about. It can also do bracket exposure and shoot raw as well as jpeg

at £265 in UK.

[criticaltinker]

re: "slight delay from shutter release to take picture", is it because of shutter lag? if i'll buy a class 10 sd card, will it improve? maybe saving a large file to a slow sd card could be a factor of shutter lag? what do you think?

[ghough12]

The slight delay is between clicking the button and shutter firing - its almost instantaneous certainly less than 1/4 second. The delay between successive pictures can depend upon the write speed of the sdhc card as the internal camera buffer is exported to the sdhc. I use class 6 cards without any problems at full resolution and in video mode.

Hope this helps.

[criticaltinker]

thanks for your fast reply. I have FZ28 and a class 6 sd card. I can still feel the shutter lag. i will try class 10.

[charmedcutie01]

thanks for the vid, just what i need since i'm torn between tz7 & fz38. hope you can do a comparison for night time or low light shots/vids. thanks!

[ghough12]

Thanks for commenting. There is the obvious difference in size/portabilty between the two. The fz38(fz35) is better optically and produces beautiful still and video, even in low light. I will try to find some time to do a comparison video in low light.

[charmedcutie01]

ok, will wait for it, thanks! :D

[charmedcutie01]

coz, i'm looking for a non-slr cam that's perfect for concert shots/vidz.

[ghough12]

Low level light comparison video now posted. 10, 50 and 120 lux. at 50 lux both cameras produce acceptable results - If you are filming concerts etc the FZ38 has the advantage of being able to lock the auto exposure (AEL) so your video will not suffer dramatic up/down lighting fluctuations as artists move in/out of bright lights. The zoom range is better and with stabiliser mode on you will get good results I'm sure

[criticaltinker]

for me the FZ35/38 wins....

[FreshDumbledoreNr1]

this guy looks like palpatine from starwars xD

[ghough12]

Just needs the costume I guess. Thanks for watching!

[HCFC13]

brilliant video youv done..thanks.....got the fz38 today as christmas pressie from my girlfriend....well pleased ..especially after watching your video...

[ghough12]

Many thanks, yes I am sure you will enjoy the FZ38 it is a very capable device for stills ( see my west Highland Way Video for shots taken with this camera) and 720p HD video. Enjoy.

[u2ZOOTV2]

Great test, just what I was looking for! I'm thinking about buying the fz38 but do you think panasonic will release a follow-up of it soon that is worth waiting for?

[ghough12]

As technology is advancing all the time its a sure bet panasonic must have more models in the design/production workflow. They seem to have concentrated on the GH/GF1 range and the true compacts like the TZ7 so i might guess the FZ38 is "safe" at the moment - its a great camera

[79Gixso]

very very good test, i own fz38 and i absolutely love it !

[strawberrysubmarine]

Interesting to see the cheaper cameras do relatively well. Perhaps the differences would have been greater if zooming/refocusing/etc while filming. Which format (AVCHD/MJPEG) did your record in for each camera - and which video editing package? Cheers.

[ghough12]

Thanks for your comments, I used avchd on all the panasonic, whilst the nikon is only mjpeg. From my recent evaluation between mjpeg and avchd I have established that the format that works for me is mjpeg. In distant shots things like tree foliage and grass are resolved with too far pixels i.e. the compression is too hard in this situation. Complex images do better as the algorithm doesnt compress this. I used grass valley edius 5.2 to edit. Continuous focus works quickly in all the panasonics.

[sibbald]

nice work...thanks

[ghough12]

Thank you for commenting, much appreciated

[VNThongNhat]

Thank you for the excellent test,

To me, in terms of quality, they are pretty close.

I prefer Fz38 to others though, for its stability and range (and of course the price-value)

[ghough12]

Thanks for your comment, yes the FZ38 certainly is good value for money and the results are perfect for most situations using the iA mode.

[FiveSences]

I feel sorry for the Nikon d5000 copmared to FZ-38; however, it would have been fair and the competition would also have been intense if u had compared FZ38 with its rival Nikon P90.

Great and helpful demonstration.

thanks

[ghough12]

As the nikon d5000 basically had the same cmos sensor as the D90 I just wanted to show the results from the d5000. I use the nikon d90 with my lcd viewing adaptor so i can see the focus point better than holding the camera at arms length - its a heavy beast with the 18-200mm zoom lens. No footage from either the d5000 or d90 match the quality from, particularly the FZ38, or the ease of use of the GH1 for autofocus and aperture control whilst filming. Thanks for your comments

[ghough12]

MycroftatUtube, thanks for your comments. Yes the TZ7 is also a very capable device, surprisingly the GH1 at 4 times the price doesn't stack up in this test!

[MycroftatUtube]

The FZ38 seems to be the winner but the TZ7 is a remarkably close second considering it's half the size.

[ghough12]

rasheed, thanks for your comments and observations - the FZ38 is turning out to be a very capable camera for stills and video work

[rasheed215]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 looked the best to me!

[cleo2525]

by the looks of it the fz38 is the best, i got mine few weeks ago and i couldnt be more pleased with it im glad i got it

[shielatheaus]

The FZ38 looks a fantastic buy!