Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 review

[sky2431]

Hi Gordon, would you please tell me how to get to continuous shooting mode in FZ 18?

[Koucna337]

Hey Gordon , Can u send me a contact email address ? Thanks Koucna

[Larrypint]

which one is better fz18 or fz50?

[yousurfer2]

do you know how big the file size is for movie? ie Gigabytes per minute

[CBEEBLE]

I've had this camera just over a year - my first digital camera as I found it very hard to leave my Pentax 35mm. It has been brilliant and provided a great intro to digital photography - but I still struggle in macro mode though... :( This is really helpful to see, as sometimes the written instructions make absolutely no sense and I get along by trial and error. Its finally nice to know what I'm doing...

[Chassidwithacamera]

Gift from my parents in California, they bought it about 4 mos before I went to visit them.

The battery, charger, lens cap string, and hood adapter missing from box.

We went to Costco (M----- Calif),even though Costco forgot to add these items there is NOTHING can be done,it was bought as a gift over 90 days ago.

Panasonic tells me that I am the SECOND Costco member to call that day with this.

Panasonic offers items for about $80, 6 wks later still waiting for back-ordered battery.

[Matty231]

just got one, very happy!

[monmon238]

hey Gordon,

just wanted to know if i tired to shoot pictures of the sun during midday (the sun was very bright)using this cam the fz18, would it damage the lense or the camera in general?

thanks.

[yaniv191983]

Gordon,

I had the same idea as you..i waited for fz18 until fz28 came into stores, hoping the price would reduce. and its a heavy price to pay. The initial trend was that the market tried to reduce the price difference bet fz18 and fz28, and now the fz18 is actually more expensive ! fz28 is 339 USD and there aint one fz18 below USD 350. :(

[dezialien]

wats the diff btw FZ18 n FZ28? specs/feature..seems identical...excpet FZ28 can zoom even in motoin picture? is that correct?? thanks

[yaniv191983]

the wide angle lens range is a little diff...the iso sensitivity is better..and you can zoom while video..thats all.

[dezialien]

thnks for the response...so...does tat mean it will b a wise choice to buy FZ28 which is cheaper thn FZ18 n better performer?

[yaniv191983]

It is a better camera..i got it a few weeks ago..and has become about $269 in america..not too bad. i say go for it. yes, it will be a wise choice.

[Oliversmummy]

Has anyone used the IA mode with a teleconverter lens? In the manual, the IA mode isn't included as an suitable selction when you add the extra lens - just wondered why?

[123Prangley]

What is the benefit of a RAW and a JPG file? Thanks.

[duner]

Good job on the review, it really helped me.

[hydrogenix]

Hi Gordon! First - thanks A LOT for this review and well... i need a little help... can you tell me please if the focus may be adjusted while recordieng movie? or well, before it starts recording... you know it's for video scenes where some object is focused and everything else is blured... Sorry my english =)

[clotus]

Great review and I bought one of these for my birthday recently, awesome auto focus and great shots.

[matthew123b]

hi im 12years old and I'v just ordered the fz 18 for just under £200 i did a lot of resurch on my computer to find a good choice. my uncle is a retired photogher and he recomended the fz7 as this camera is obserleat so you can get it for a good price. when i saw the fz18 for under £200 i managed to pusswade my perants to buy it for me. this video helped me alot in chosing this camera. So Thanks!

i wondered weather this camera a good choice for someone of my age?

Thanks again - Matt

[royraiden]

It doesnt matter how old you are

[gimmecoffee12]

when you use the joystick for the drop down menu, is there a way to activate that. i own the same camera but when i use the joystick nothing happens. please help

[cameralabs]

You just push it in first.

[gimmecoffee12]

i tried that and i got it

thank you

[nidhix]

hi gordon...i just spoke to my local camera store and he was trying to sell me the olympus 560uz over the panny fz18. i'm inclined towards the fz18 right now, especially the RAW format. any thoughts on that ?! thanks in advance !

[cameralabs]

I've compared them on the verdict page of my FZ18 review at cameralabs . com...

[nidhix]

hey thanks gordon..that really helped. the fz18 it is ! gonna pick it up tomm hopefully :)

[cameralabs]

You might want to hang on a few days as Panasonic has just announced its successor, the FZ28. So FZ18 prices may fall a little...

[weedfoxs]

wow thank you so much i think know i have a few options I'll keep watching u're videos!!

[cameralabs]

You're welcome! Don't forget the videos are just one small part of our bigger reviews which you'll find at cameralabs . com! Our forum is also friendly and useful if you fancy checking it out!

[uktech]

I just wish there was some firmware hack to use the Zoom when using video

[monkeyboy85]

Yeah i completely agree, the logic of not being able to use the zoom for video with all cameras escapes me completely

[uktech]

SOLD! I just bought one from EmpireDirect

[gimmecoffee12]

what's the difference between the two zoom buttons. the AF/[macro symbol] and the AF/MF???

[olgalucia51]

Would you recommend the Nikon Coolpix P80, Sony Cybershot H50 or this camera?

[cameralabs]

I can't say as I've not tested the H50 or P80. Sorry!

[PhotoRelax]

s3 and s5 0cm owned

[godsrightarm]

thanks for this review.

[cameralabs]

Did you look at the gallery pages on each review? There's several samples of low light images. And you'll also see noise performance at high ISOs in the noise sections of our results pages.

[cameralabs]

Hi, have a look at the results and gallery pages on both reviews at cameralabs . com to see how both cameras perform in low light.

[olgalucia51]

I'm thinking of getting this camera but does anyone know how to focus while your in movie mode? PLZ answer

[cameralabs]

As I recall, the focus is locked once you start filming.

[olgalucia51]

oh , thats bad

But thanks anyway :-)

[katindacity]

I am getting this soon, I couldn't wait for my birthday so I am getting it early as I am going to Greece in 6 weeks which will be a perfect place to get use it and try it out!

[prjeo]

it doesent zoom in when it is video recording :9 i have it and i cant do it .. can it?

[Andersonbmx]

what made me sad was panasonic released fz18 few months after i bought my fz8. why don't release just fz18 instead?

anyway, fz8 still a great camera.

thanks for the review. helped me some time ago!

[Boeing757basher07]

Hey Gordon, Ive watched many of your videos, id just like to say thanks for the brilliant Reveiws you've done. Keep them coming.

[cameralabs]

Thanks! Don't forget to check out the full reviews at cameralabs . com and also our friendly forum!

[Niloy135790]

This camera is incredible, mines came last week. The only problem i am having so far is that the menu doesnt come up when i flick the joystick to the right as mentioned in the video (5:03)

Can anyone help me with this?

[cameralabs]

You push the joystick in to see the menu... it should all be in the manual...

[Niloy135790]

thank you, got it

[IndiVoiceNow]

There always seems to be something missing in all the reviews and that is that nobody seems to review the software that comes with the camera. I find some manufacturers like SONY include some pretty good software while others don't have anything exciting.

[Craigvr]

would you say this is the best super-zoom camera for around $300?

[sunnysidedown04]

yep. no doubt. if you wanna see another review, check mine out. this is such an amazing camera.

[tcman306]

Hey i just had a question i think i am going to buy the Fz20 and it has 5 magapixels and this one has more and the 20 goes to 12 x bigger but the 18 does 18 times i am at a loss of which is a better camera. Not to sound like an idiot but ive read all the stats and youd think 20 is better than 18? Please reply thank you

[cameralabs]

I've not tested those others you mention, so can't comment. Sorry!

[tcman306]

ok thank you for the help. Due to the 18 do you recommend the fz line because i cant amagine they could be all that different.

[Boarder5566]

Ok thanks very much :)

[Boarder5566]

Hy Gordan I want too buy a camera but i cant choose. I don't know fz50 is better or fz18

[cameralabs]

Easy! Go to the verdict page of our FZ18 review at cameralabs . com and you'll find a comparison...

[ASAFYY]

zooming whille filming a video is very importent!!

[nepalipoudel]

hi gordan,

does the fz18 have zoom in movie mode? i mean while you are recording can you zoom in or out?

[cameralabs]

Once you start recording, the focus, zoom and aperture value are fixed. Sadly you can't optically zoom while filming, although optical stabilisation using Mode 1 is available. You can find out this and more if you visit the full review at the cameralabs website!

[EKARVELAS]

I have allready ordered 2x panasonic fz18 for

660euros.Very good camera with a great 18x optical zoom!!!

[csrussell]

Would you say this is the closest you can get to DSLR-like functionality for the price? I was looking at this and the Canon Powershot S5 IS and have been torn. The S5 has amazing video quality w/ stereo audio which is nice, as well as a shoe on top for a flash and a foldout screen. Downside is the color fringing... And they're at almost exactly the same price point.

[cameralabs]

The Canon G9 is probably closest to DSLR functionality, but none of them will come close to the low noise and quick response of a DSLR. Feel free to discuss this further on the Cameralabs forums....

[monmon238]

hi Gordan,

i want to buy either the fz18 or the fz8 and the difference in price right now is about $60, so is the difference worth it or not.

thanks

[cameralabs]

It depends how much you want the extra features of the FZ18! I'd say it's worth it for the wider lens alone - I've detailed the differences in the verdict page of my FZ18 review at cameralabs . com.

[crsh4]

Can i use lens hood always for FZ18?

Does it effect on the photos?

Sorry for english :)

[cameralabs]

You can leave the lens hood on all the time if you like, but obviously it makes the camera bigger.

[crsh4]

thanks for answer

[jinroh81]

is this camera good for low light and indoor photos?

[cameralabs]

It's the same as any other non-DSLR in this respect - it's ok, but if you want the best indoor or low light quality, then you need a DSLR. Look for the 'should I buy a DSLR' article in the features section at cameralabs . com.

[Stops321]

Great camera but I've seen a Nikon D40 for another £50. Which is best for me?

Looking for a good all round camera. In circumstances raging from landscapes to parties. Both have good auto (essential) and manual options.

Should I make the jump to an SLR? At only another £45 the D40 is tempting but is it a better camera or will I end up having to buy more lenses to get the versatility of the FZ18?

[cameralabs]

There's lots to weigh-up here and we have an article which explains it all! Go to the Features section of the Cameralabs website and read the article called 'should I buy a compact or a DSLR'

[Gasolari]

Does it zoom digitally while filming?

[cameralabs]

I don't have it anymore so can't say, but I know it doesn't zoom optically while filming.

[SuperChevy446]

hey nicw ork and one of the first i go to look at a camera

im a beginner and am thinking of buying this. i will mianly be using this to take shots os surfers from cliffs the beach thats why i like the zoom but is the actually photo taken quickly because i will need it to be almost instant

[cameralabs]

Hi SuperChevy, sadly, none of these superzoom cameras take the photo instantly. If you want the quickest response, you'll need a DSLR.

[buckbuck02]

Your videos are always enjoyable to watch,i learn more every time i watch.. thanks i am going to buy this camera now.! thanks a lot!

[kafferzulu]

i have...have,have,have!:D

[kenjiari]

can you not step back a little bit. You're too squeezed in the frame...it freaks me out!

[cameralabs]

Sorry! I stand that close so I can hold the camera close to the camcorder. If I stand back, the camera looks tiny and you can't see anything on it! I know the solution is to film cutaways, but it's all a question of time!

[toastm4n]

I read on the web that the FZ18 image quality is inferior to the image quality of the previous FZ8.. Can you confirm cameralabs? :-)

[cameralabs]

I wouldn't say it was inferior, but you can judge for yourself by opening the results and gallery pages from each review on the Cameralabs website and comparing them side by side.

[ajhw10]

I might buy this camera as an upgrade to my current HP M417 point and shoot. The 3x optical zoom, really isn't enough for me, and when I have to use digital zoom, i lose image quality.

This camera looks great and thanks for the fantastic review.

[cameralabs]

It's one of our favourite superzooms! Don't forget to check out the full review of it at the Cameralabs site!

[ajhw10]

I did earlier, and it was in depth and had many examples. Thank you!

[ajhw10]

Ihave a question... Does the noise really effect the picture quality that much and is it really noticeable?

[cameralabs]

This is something only you can judge for yourself - check out outdoor noise results page and the gallery page in our FZ18 review at the Cameralabs website...

[SukkeNL]

Hello,

Why should I get the FZ18?

and not the FZ8?

I doubt so much between these two.

I hope you can help me!

[cameralabs]

No problem! Check out the verdict page of our FZ18 review at Cameralabs and you'll find comparisons of the two!

[Biffo1262]

Just bought it - not as well built as the FZ20 (which I also own)in fact it's quite flimsy - no remote - no hot shoe - still a lot of noise. Those are the negatives - the rest is all positive. I paid £127 (no SD card with it) from QVC Warrington but I wouldn't pay the High St price of £220. It complements my FZ20 and uses the same auxiliary lenses.

[coobox]

I've bought it today.

AMAZING CAMERA

[cameralabs]

Great stuff! Don't forget we now have a photography tips site called dslrtips . com -our video tutorials may use DSLRs, but many of the techniques work with cameras like these...!

[mastergsan]

getting my one next week :D cant wait

[golfcharlie232]

I just got a FZ18 Camera after having seen your review on cameralabs and youtube. Well, thank you a lot cause i am definitely satisfied. I would even go so far as to say that's the perfect camera for those kind of prices. It is simply awesome ...

And the review is very good as well.

[handysmerf]

great review. thanks.

liked to see that zoom in motion

would have liked to see the macro but then ill goto the site and check it

[aPieceOf]

hey, gordon. great reviews as always :D

But I have a question, in comparison which lens do you think performs better(where nice big apertures are needed)? the faster 12x on the fz8(fz7, etc) or the much slower 18x on the fz18

[cameralabs]

Hi aPieceOf, do you mean in terms of low light or focusing speed etc? I'm afraid I don't have both side by side, so can't tell you definitively. There are owners of both on the Cameralabs forums if you'd like to ask there though...

[aPieceOf]

in terms of low light, i'll ask on the cameralabs forum, thanks for replying

[dombower]

i would love to hear about the video modes on these, i use the canon s2is for making lots of videos check my page, i even made a music video for a band in japan with it. i would love to hear about the fps and resolution and zoom effects etc thanks

[cameralabs]

For full details on the video modes, check out the Features page of our FZ18 full review at the Cameralabs website - the video details are at the bottom of the 'sensor and processing' section.

[handysmerf]

dude get a real digicam for that

[dombower]

i dont know of a digicam that is as small as cheap and as good and as easy to use than the canon s2is and takes photos as well.

[icy2527]

better than my fz8 except picture quality ,still a lot of noise.

[Phylmyc]

Thanks for this. I really enjoyed being able to see those controls in action.