Comments Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 - Digital Camera - review

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Pihrana

2:00 AM on 28 July, 2009

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Man Alive. I want this Camera even if my bank balance wont. Its pretty much a do it all device. Are we talking over 300 notes or what?

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CliffSmith

4:22 AM on 28 July, 2009

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There's no news on pricing for this or Panasonic's three other new cameras yet, and there probably won't be for several weeks, but I'd guess it'll launch at about the same price that the FZ28 did, around £290.

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TheLostSwede

6:07 AM on 28 July, 2009

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Wow, I'm impressed, that's the quickest I think I've ever seen a review of a just announced product appear on TR :D

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anand

7:27 AM on 28 July, 2009

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With CCD sensor size 2.33 it is hard to believe that it is getting 10/10 for image quality. Wait one month for Fuji's S200EXR with Super CCD sensor size 1.6 and EXR technology.

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Geoff Richards

8:28 AM on 28 July, 2009

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Lars, you cynic - there's even a video review! ;)

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farki80

9:24 AM on 28 July, 2009

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Even my five year old compact had a larger sensor size than this...

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Darfuria

1:44 PM on 28 July, 2009

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It always amuses me to see how often Exeter cathedral has scaffolding around it.

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Harry Fowler

7:43 PM on 28 July, 2009

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What about the Fujifilm Finepix S9600 for best review. That's an absolutely awesome camera. I've owned one for a year now and haven't even considered upgrading to an SLR. I know they're generally better and more flexible, but I'm living off a student budget :)

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Paul15

10:17 PM on 28 July, 2009

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As an owner of an FZ18, I'm rather dissapointed they kept to a small sensor. I would like to have seen a reduction of noise at the higher iso settings. Is there a reason manufactures don't produce a compact with a larger sensor even if it means a larger body size? On a simialr theme isn't it possible to produce a dslr but with a macro and large zoom lens that is found on compacts.

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Noodles

10:21 PM on 28 July, 2009

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@Darfuria

It amuses me more that I have never ever seen anyone working on said scaffolding in any review!

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Geoff Richards

12:08 AM on 29 July, 2009

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Cliff rubs them out in Photoshop for consistent test shots (I'm joking of course!)

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Ron1

8:34 AM on 29 July, 2009

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Being a relative newbie and a 'point and shoot' person with a Sony DSC-P120, would I be better to go for this or the TZ7?

Any advice appreciated.

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James Morris

11:51 AM on 29 July, 2009

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@Geoff He always manages to catch these English workmen on a tea break somehow. No idea how he manages that!

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BarryWard

3:35 PM on 29 July, 2009

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I have the fz28 and am VERY happy with it. I am most impressed with it's macro capability, matching that of my old SLR which I no longer use. The only thing I wish was better was noise on higher ISO levels. There's little to seperate that and the new model- I wonder if some would just be happier paying less for the earlier model.

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CliffSmith

5:14 PM on 29 July, 2009

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Now that you mention it, I don't think I've ever actually seen anyone working on that scaffolding. A friend of mine is a stonemason working on the restoration project, but I only ever see him in the pub across the green. No wonder the job's been going on for so long; it probably also explains why the cathedral took 300 years to build in the first place.

They should have got Polish builders in, it would have been finished in a couple of weeks.

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StElmo

6:33 PM on 29 July, 2009

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I noticed in the local Gazette the Council has put out tenders for scaffolding restoration.

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Tony Walker

4:39 AM on 30 July, 2009

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@Ron

TZ7 is a truly wonderful camera - I own one. You can't go wrong with it.

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Tony Walker

4:41 AM on 30 July, 2009

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@ all the naysayers

If they've done as good a job with the sensor and optics on this as they have on the TZ7 then it will be one fine camera indeed, regardless of sensor size.

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lensmann

9:01 AM on 30 July, 2009

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@Pihrana: Park Cameras has it on pre-order for £320, putting it in the entry-level DSLR price range where most other bridge cameras also seem to be ending up nowadays.

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TomBarry

3:24 PM on 30 July, 2009

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How can this be the best of breed if it doesn't have a hot shoe?

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lindsey

5:21 PM on 2 August, 2009

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@Cliff - advice please... this review is tempting me to upgrade from Lumix DMC-FZ30 (which serves me v. well), mainly due to the video features which I use occassionally but not enough to want/afford a separate camcorder. Thoughts?

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Malderon

2:16 PM on 4 August, 2009

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Im hoping that maybe I can grab a clearance bargain on the FZ28 when this starts hitting stores.

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John Shewsbury

11:03 AM on 5 August, 2009

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I owned FZ28, bought it in February 2009 after reading Cliff Smith's review and another review in www.steves-digicams.com

FZ28 is indeed a powerful super zoom bridge camera, maybe just loss a little bit on points to that Canon SX10 but FZ28 still win on price.

I rather buy an extra additional add-on lens for my current FZ28 rather than upgrading to FZ38 (at least not for this year)

However, if I suddenly hit a lottery, I don't mind upgrading to Panasonic G1 - the red color...

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Angel

11:00 PM on 5 August, 2009

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Hi,

I currently have a Panasonic DMC-TZ1 which I love. I have taken fantastic photo's with this, however I am thinking about upgrading and saw the FZ28 today.

If I was to upgrade should I go for the FZ28 or the FZ38? I have also seen second hand FZ28's on ebay and was considering buying from there as I don't have a lot of cash to throw around at the moment.

What would you suggest? The full whack of cash or the second hand?

Thanks for your help in advance.

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AndyfromVA

3:56 PM on 6 August, 2009

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I own the FZ28 and I like it very much. But I'd rather have the new camera. While I'm not all that interested in the new video capability, it's nice to have if you need it. But what really attracts me are its improved optical image stabilization ability, faster auto focusing and improved low light picture quality.

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CraigGordon

12:23 PM on 11 August, 2009

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I have had the FZ28 for a year and it has changed my photography. I very seldom use the manual settings and get excellent results consistently. I will probably get the FZ38.

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TGS

3:00 PM on 22 August, 2009

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Many of the comments about the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 seem to be based on assumptions of what to expect from a compact camera because of the relatively small size of the sensor. The size of the sensor can be an issue, but you also need to consider lens quality and the processing software in the camera. These two factors can far outweigh the impact of a relatively small sensor. We bought this camera for our business several months ago after doing extensive research on DSLR and super zoom models. Based on our limited budget (i.e. $560 CDN maximum) we narrowed our selection down to the Nikon D60, Pentax KM and the Pansonic DMC-FZ28 (all are 10 mega pixel cameras). We took an SD chip into a number of retailers and did some test shots of identical subjects. The main use for this camera is to shoot still objects in our mini studio so image quality was our #1 priority. We took some shots of an outdoor brick wall (an ideal subject btw since you can check for barrel distortion and image softening in the corners very easily.) Since we have an HP Z3200 large format printer we were able to take 100% crops from of images from each camera, print them on a 17" x 22" format and compare the printed results. We found that the Panasonic outperformed both the Nikon D60 (with kit lens) and the Pentax KM (with kit lens) with less barrel distortion and almost no loss of image clarity in the corners of shots etc. The jpegs that came off the cameras varied tremendously in terms of size with the Panasonic doing less compression than the other two. The Nikon D60 produced jpegs about 2.4 to 2.6 MB in size, the Pentax KM produced 3.4 to 3.6 MB images and the Panasonic produced 4.8 to 5.1 MB images. The quality of the Leica lens on the Panasonic is simply superb and the macro feature is fantastic. We get excellent images, especially when using a macro tripod in our mini studio. The Venus IV processing engine does a wonderful job and produces excellent quality jpegs. We have shot in RAW and find it easy to use and modify with the provided software. Jpegs produced from RAW are about 11 to 12 MB in size. If you want to get the absolute best results from the Panasonic you will find it is superb when shooting at ISO 100 using the aperature priority setting and shooting at f5.6 to f8. Very crisp, detailed images. The biggest thing to determine before you buy a camera is to clearly identify your needs in terms of use. We bought this camera to shoot primarily close up work in our mini studio, using a tripod, with our objective being outstanding image quality. The Panasonic DMC FZ28 delivers this in spades! We ended purchasing the Panasonic DMC FZ28 on sale for only $370 - about $200 less than either the Nikon D60 or the Pentax KM. Suffice to say it has been an OUTSTANDING investment for our business.

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Hamish

12:51 AM on 29 August, 2009

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Well I've just bought one. (FZ38). Unfortunately none of the bundled editing software works in 64bit systems. The most important, Silkypix, software for editing raw2 files will install and it looks quite flash but it will create a lot of anomalies in every picture you load. If you go to their website you will find, in very small print that it doesn't work in 64 bit - I wish they'd told me before I'd spent 1hr trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. I have 64bit because I'm running 8gigs of ram. I have 8gigs of ram to handle the processing of large image files. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 HD Edition refused to install telling me from the start that it didn't work in 64bit - honest at least. Even Photoshop CS4 doesn't yet support raw2 for the FZ38 and until it does I shall not be able to get the best from this camera - disappointing.

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Convert1

10:43 AM on 1 September, 2009

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What is the difference between the FZ18 - 38 range and the FZ30-50 range besides a few minor spec differences and one major size difference. Is the FZ30-50 range supposed to have better image quality because of its slightly bigger sensor even though it has lower MP/cm2. To me the compactness of the FZ range is attractive but I have access to a FZ50 at a bargain price.... but who needs to lugg that heavy thing around the bushveld. Confused by all the different ranges - please help???

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Hamish

11:41 AM on 1 September, 2009

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Oh dear, I put the bundled software problems down to vista 64. The software doesn't work on my netbook running xp either. In fact the results are exactly the same. MediaImpressions 2 can't convert the rw2 files singly or in batches and silkypix renders each picture with the same granular anomalies as it did in vista. Panasonic pull your finger out because at the moment there doesn't seem to be any software at all that will handle the FZ38's rw2 files.

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Hamish

11:22 AM on 4 September, 2009

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Ok - to those of you who haven't read my previous comments - I've just bought an FZ38 and had a lot of problems with the software that came bundled with it.

It seems the problems were down to a lack of information rather than faulty software.

MediaImpressions2 has partial functionality in Vista 64bit and XP 32bit. You can download jpegs and rw2 files from your FZ38 and store them on your hard drive. You can preview them as thumbnails or as full screen pictures but you can't convert or save them.

Silkypix works on my XP 32bit netbook and my Vista Home Premium 64bit desktop. In Silkypix you can preview your rw2 files as thumbnails and batch convert them to jpg's or other formats. The granular appearance of my early photos was due to a high ISO setting when the pictures were taken. I've been told that I can reduce noise in these pictures with Silkypix but I've read the manual, the bit about sharpness and noise reduction anyway but I'm still none the wiser. The software looks very pro but the terms are not familiar - they talk about "applying, loading and saving tastes" - a taste can be a lot of different parameters, and "developments" which can be saved with lots of other features. What I'm trying to say is that it's very complicated and I still haven't figured out how to make any observable changes to the picture I've loaded. Photoshop, Paintshop Pro even the Gimp are all fairly straightforward. Silkypix is a bit bewildering - maybe it's great - I'll keep at it.

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peterbiddlecombe

4:12 PM on 9 September, 2009

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FZ8-38 and FZ30-50 ranges: The single crucial difference for me (just bought the FZ38) is that the zoom starts at 27mm (35mm equivalent) rather than 35mm. As I'm still pining for my old SLR's 18-35 wide angle zoom lens, 35mm as the widest angle would be unacceptable for me. There's also more range at the other end, though for me the difference between 486mm and 420mm is far less important. Other difference: the 30-50 range's newest model (50) came out in September 2006, and the FZ8 in 2007, so the x8 range has whatever technical advances have been added in the last 3 years.

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Milad

3:19 PM on 20 September, 2009

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Guys I need your help here. I do mountain climbing and love landscape and wildlife photography a lot. I've been going through tens of reviews on the net and have narrowed my choices to Lumix Fz 38 and Fujifilm Finepix s100. Here are my expectations from the camera:

1. to perform well in low light conditions. (I've seen that fz 28 totally kills the colors in low light- my brother has one)

2. to take very Sharp images.

3. video is not important to me at all. I've got my Samsung omnia cell phone for that. and it's always with me.

4. weight isn't that important either.

The thing is I can get both cameras for about 450 $ over here (I live in Iran and pannies are a bit too expensive here). Your help would be appreciated.

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Zero

8:41 PM on 22 September, 2009

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What Box does this not tick! Am going to say internal memory for the laff even though its nothing to be bothered about.

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mrsonewattle

10:43 AM on 1 October, 2009

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Does this camera have a filter thread, and if so what size? I am considering this instead of the Canon SX20IS that I have just returned as the image quality and autofocus were so bad.

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peterbiddlecombe

12:23 PM on 7 October, 2009

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Yes to the filter thread - 46mm. Unticked boxes: maybe a movable LCD screen.

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DaveD

11:04 AM on 20 October, 2009

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I'm currently using a Panasonic DMC-TZ5 that I've owned for about a year or so. I love the quality of the images, but I'd really like to have a longer optical zoom. I like the 28mm wide-angle lens too, and the macro is fantastic, for my needs. I'm wondering if I should move up to a super-zoom type of camera, such as the DMC-FZ38, or splash more cash and go for a digital SLR. I travel a lot, so a compact body is quite important to me too.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

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Maxxximus

8:32 PM on 20 October, 2009

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@DaveD. Have you ever considered the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (aka ZS3)? It's got a zoom from 25 - 300 mm, and is very compactly sized.

I 'downgraded' a month ago from a Nikon D90 (!!) to a FZ38, and have not regretted it so far. Although, I must say, the D90 is a fantastic camera, but it's so big and heavy, and if you don't want to carry around several lenses, the zoom range is very limited. So, I decided to get the FZ38, and have already shot some really nice pictures. Nevertheless, I have to get used to the fact that the FZ38 is slower than the D90, but then again one cannot compare these two cameras. I like the movie function of the FZ38, especially as you can now also use the zoom during filming, and it's so small and light that you can carry it around almost without noticing.

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KurazsIosif

2:25 PM on 28 October, 2009

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Hi. I want to buy my first real digital camera, the one that i had and broke was a crapy konica-minolta 4MPS one from 2004 (also compact).

I want to use my camera mainly for family pictures. And pictures on trips, and inside spaces (of objects closer then 20m) with low light. (Preferably using built in flash)

I love taking pictures of landscapes wile i travel (pretty often, short work related travel) I often found with my old camera, that not everything of the landscape is in sight, and was angry because i couldn't upgrade it with wide angle to fit more in one picture.

From all the reviews i found this to be the best image quality camera, of all price ranges. 10/10 (i wonder: compared to what image quality ?) I cant believe that a camera that costs more then 2000 euros has the same image quality than this Panasonic FZ38.

i have some main thing that aspect from my new camera:

1. it should start up fast, so i wont miss the moments that need to be captured, (my little daughter growing up so fast)

2. it should capture nice clean pictures using built in flash inside the house.

3. it should have a visor, for grater image stabilizing, and in bright sun light, one cant see the lcd.

4. it should have energy saving capability, so battery lasts longer between longer pauses from one picture to other.

5. it should have fast focusing, for the same reasons as in point 1.

6. it should be in my price range of maximum 500 euros

optional prefered:

1. should be powered with AA sized rechargeable

2. should be possible to fit an external flash

3. should be possible to remotely take a picture, for example, a picture of all the family members including the person who should take the picture

PLS help me find the right one. I wont buy other camera until this one gets broken, as my last one.

THX guy's.. i hope there are more experienced ppl out there who can chose more wisely then I could.

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VidAthavale

6:13 PM on 1 December, 2009

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@Kurazs losif

The Canon SX20 IS ticks all those boxes.

the 10/10 score compares cameras to rivals in their class (compact, DSLR...). Compared to something like the Canon 5D Mark 2, the quality of the Panasonic is obviously not as good.

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Candle

5:20 PM on 10 December, 2009

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Hi I have read many times that it may not be worth upgrading from the FZ28 to the FZ38 but how about from the FZ18 to FZ38

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RedOrDead

2:03 PM on 15 December, 2009

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I am planning to become a returnee to photography. Many years ago I progressed from the fixed focus 35mm compacts through AF 35mm compacts to a Minolta SLR. Then stopped carrying it in my rucksack due to bulk and weight and the fact it was a real faff to keep taking it out when walking with a group. After taking it to a long awaitedholiday to find it didn't work I got a nikon coolpix 4600 digital compact (one of those new fangled digital thingies). I have never been impressed with it, or is that my ability to produce good images with it. Anyway I stopped carrying a camera at all for many years now but since I got a 5mp camera phone with a kreuznach schneider lens I have been snapping again. Enough background here's my question...

Is it better to get back into it with an all singing and dancing thing like the FX28/38 or should I save my money and get a standard compact? I want to get back to taking good landscape and summit photos again and would like to learn how to use digital cameras properly. I am thinking that one allowing the user to program the camera but still having a good intelligent auto mode would be good. I started off thinkin a £70 camera then moved to the fuji S1500 super zoom at £139.99 but as usually happens the camera salesman creeps my £150 max price up by temnpting with a for £10 extra wonder function. I might be able to stretch to afford the FZ38 but would rather not if possible. To this end please advise what would best suit me.

I need to take pictures of landscapes and people in landscapes. Plus groups in evening situations such as restaurants and house parties (of the civilised family type). I also need to have an easy carry with a case that can attache to my rucksack straps for ease of access. If I can't access it easily I probably will use it less. However I am aiming to improve my photography skills again in the digital format. I used to "take good photos" in 35mm according to ppl I know so want to do tha same with a digital.

Can you suggest the camera for me?

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Baggoid

6:18 PM on 29 December, 2009

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Can anyone tell me whether the FZ38 has self-timer please - i.e. for group shots that include the photographer?

Thanks

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CliffSmith

8:35 PM on 8 January, 2010

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Baggoid - Yes, the FZ38 has a self timer with 2 second, 10 second and 10 second/3 shot options. There are very few digital cameras that don't have a self timer, so it's not somethig I routinely mention in reviews.

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Quapo

12:19 PM on 19 January, 2010

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Hello Cliff. thanks on d presentation on FZ38 and the pictures exhibited but please, Can this camera take first plan while disfocusing the background and vice versa and or disfocus first plan and background but only the center plan is bright, typical of all SLR.I am at the point of buying one. Thanks

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Staras

10:01 PM on 24 January, 2010

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Does the FZ38 have dioptre adjustment for the viewfinder... if so what is the range? many thanks

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Staras

7:35 PM on 3 February, 2010

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To answer my own question - Yes it does have diopter adjustment. +4 to -4, so will be fine for the majority of glasses wearers. They will be able to tune the viewfinder and not need to wear glasses.

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ColmOscopy

5:02 PM on 11 February, 2010

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Hello. I contacted Panasonic by e-mail a couple of weeks ago. They didn't reply. It's a simple question, which I will repeat here below. I have a new Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. It suits my needs in every way except for when I come to process my video clips. Its AVCHD format refuses to talk to formats from other cameras, nor will it allow itself to be edited in Pinnacle studio 11 Plus, nor in Windows Movie Maker. I have made a dvd, which of course will not play back on anything except the latest Panasonic AVCHD player, hence I cannot play it back through my tv, nor is there any point in my copying it for family and friends to play on their various makes of dvd players. This really spoils our fun, especially as the editing software that came with the camera is nowhere near the high standard of Pinnacle Studio 11 Plus. I have tried various converter software packages such as MOVAVI 6, but they won't touch AVCHD. What's the solution please?

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Ed

5:17 PM on 11 February, 2010

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@Colm Oscopy: AVCHD is the defacto standard HD format. However, being HD, it is not compatible with any DVD player. Blu ray players, on the other hand should be able to play it. You should also be able to play it straight from the camera using the HDMI output.

As for editing the clip. I must admit to not being overly familiar with what's compatible with what but I do know that all major 3rd party video editing applications now work with the format. In particular, Pinnacle Studio 11 Plus should have no problems with it. Have you tried AVCHD clips from other cameras?

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ColmOscopy

5:53 PM on 12 February, 2010

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Thanks, Ed. yes the camera plays back directly through the tv, but I can assure you that Pinnacle Studio 11 Plus insists the camera's software is "unsupported." I have emailed pinnacle a couple of times within the last month. They have not replied. I have emailed Movavi a couple of times also but they too have not replied. I paid a Panasonic independant specialist to find an answer (he was also called Ed) but he came up empty handed also. Am I to believe that I am the one and only owner of a Lumix camera who has this problem? Why won't Pinnacle, Movavi, Panasonic reply to me?

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Idle

9:59 AM on 24 February, 2010

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@Colm Oscopy:- Can't answer for the FZ38, but had the same problem with AVCHD from my Panasonic SD9 — Pinnacle Studio (14) and Edius both refused to recognise the video.

Sony Vegas 9 Platinum (note Platinum, not the bottom-line offering) handles it nicely and not expensive if you buy it on-line.

Try the demo.

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Orlando

2:35 PM on 6 March, 2010

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Hi,

i'm new on digital câmeras, but I know how to control aperture, ISO, shutter spedd, etc. and would like to ask 3 things:

1)what is really better on DSLR camera (For example, Canon 500D) over this FZ38? I like take pictures from parties, and shooting specialy people. This is the mais reason i want buy a câmera: take pictures from people (family, kids, friends....) and catch their "expression". I want do it in every kind of light.

So, for this purpose, is it really better buy a DSLR or is this enough?

2) Is it posible get each frame from movies from this camera? It takes about 30f/s and I want use each..

3) can we have total manually control from this camera (aperture; shutter speed, iso, etc - independently)?

thanks and sorry for my poor english

Orlando

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Acetone

2:29 PM on 19 March, 2010

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What is the maximun class SDHC card will the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 take?

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cim

9:47 PM on 3 April, 2010

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if the panasonic make constraction a full metal body of this model , fz38 it would be priece double "600£"over because panasonic used high thec of this f38 ,it has realy execelent features.

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Starce

6:47 AM on 15 May, 2010

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Firstly, thankyou Cliff for your indepth reviews, they have enabled me to come to a conclusive decision on my next choice.

I currently have a Canon 400d slr, with 2 lense and gear, I do a lot of travel overseas and am tired of lugging a lot of weight around, other than my body.

I have researched several cameras, narrowed it down to Panasonic dmc tz10 & dmc fz35/38, canon PS sx210 is, Sony CB dschx5v. Went very close to choosing the Sony, but finally settled on the Panasonic dmc fz35 (as it is called in the southern hemisphere).

I have 6 grandchildren, and always seem to be at their hockey, swimming, football, the egg shaped variety, athletics, netball, surfing, basketball not to mention all the indoor activities, we have a wonderful life. Therefore the reason I have chosen the fz35

Do you agree on my choice?

regards

Starce, Perth Australia

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Todor

12:57 PM on 19 May, 2010

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So far I've used the Canon SX 110 IS.

I'm an amateur. I want to buy a Panasonic DMC-FZ38. Please Help?

Thank you very much

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Brettpal

6:11 PM on 21 May, 2010

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I have had a FZ-18 for the past 2 years, and today I have bought the FZ-38, so my girlfriend can have my FZ-18! First impressions are very good, just a few buttons in different places! even my after market batts for the FZ-18 work OK in it! Well done Panasonic, another winner! If you want a good solid performer, you wont get better at the price!

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Todor

3:50 PM on 23 May, 2010

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Has anyone worked with RAV format?

What do you think about the results of RAV processing photos on Panasonic DMC_FZ38.

I ask for your opinion and thank you very much.

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Doug Sinnott

7:45 AM on 26 June, 2010

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I did have a FZ28,but sold it,as I found Panasonic had made the eyepiece smaller from my previous FZ18,and found it more difficult to use,and spoiled(for me) what was otherwise an excellent camera.

What size is it in the FZ38,as I do like to use the viewfinder in bright conditions,and close ups.

I am now selling my Nikon D40 outfit,as,due to the weight of the body and two lenses,I hardly take it out anymore,preferring instead my excellent little Lumix FX35,which just slips in my pocket,and takes excellent photoes,but only has a 4x zoom.

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Alan

7:36 PM on 3 July, 2010

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I am changing cameras, I have a Nikon L100 and I have made a short list of three cameras to choose Panasonic FZ38, Olympus SP800 UZ and Pentax X90, the nikon was a great camera, but it suffered a lot of blurring, it was probably me but I have made up my mind to change it. Can anyone help and tell me which of these three is the best.

Many thanks

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TonyBrooks

3:16 PM on 8 July, 2010

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Bought the FZ38 two months ago. So far I am very impressed particularly with the anti shake mechanism at high zoom. At first I couldnt get used to the small viewfinder but your eye adjust fairly quickly. I seldom use the screen to take phtos so the viewfinder is important to me. Havent really put it through its paces yet and have mainly left it on Intelligent Auto which seems very clever adjusting to many situations. Cant really fault the lens quality although again, I seldom want prints larger than 10 x 8 so you cant really tell the differnce between my old Nikon D50 and this camera at that sort of blow up size. It may be worse at larger sizes. But so far very pleased will take about four hundred shots at full charge.Menu is comprehensive yet mostly understandable. As a no nonsense high zoom lightweight general purpose camera I think its great. Wish I could do something about the movie transfer although I am not too upset as I rarely use this function.

Its downside. The movie facility cant be transferred to the computer I dont know why. Havent tried it direct to a TV havent had time. I didnt want the still phto sofware as I always use Picasa from Google but movies from this camera dont load into Picasa which is a great pity.

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backporchpicker

8:56 PM on 17 July, 2010

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Hello. I contacted Panasonic by e-mail a couple of weeks ago. They didn't reply. It's a simple question, which I will repeat here below. I have a new Lumix DMC-FZ38 digital camera. It suits my needs in every way except for when I come to process my video clips. Its AVCHD format refuses to talk to formats from other cameras, nor will it allow itself to be edited in Pinnacle studio 11 Plus, nor in Windows Movie Maker. I have made a dvd, which of course will not play back on anything except the latest Panasonic AVCHD player, hence I cannot play it back through my tv, nor is there any point in my copying it for family and friends to play on their various makes of dvd players. This really spoils our fun, especially as the editing software that came with the camera is nowhere near the high standard of Pinnacle Studio 11 Plus. I have tried various converter software packages such as MOVAVI 6, but they won't touch AVCHD. What's the solution please?

Hi

Depending on the quality of finished product you require, a solution I use for my Pan TZ7 (ie in AVCHD Lite format) is to :

Out of camera via T/V output lead into Avermedia av card (also used for VHS Tapes) to Pinnacle9 plus, capture set at best avi (easy then to edit) then make movie at 848x480 xvid and then sent up to Youtube.(or after editing just make DVD as usual)

Youtube sample link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDsGrHmC4tc

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backporchpicker

10:35 AM on 18 July, 2010

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further to above letter:

can also use the TV out AV lead through another camcorders AV in/DV out converter,with firewire to PC edit prog.Hope this info may help someone.

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kate59588

7:44 AM on 3 August, 2010

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AVCHD Lite is a subset of AVCHD format, which identifies devices that are capable of 720p/30fps recording only. Comparing with Full HD, the 720p/30fps video is recorded in the normal AVCHD 720p/60 format, but every other frame is duplicated, resulting in thirty actual frames per second.

I suggest you convert mts to mpeg.

http://www.pavtube.com/guide/convert-avchd-lite-to-mp4.html

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backporchpicker

10:06 AM on 6 August, 2010

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@backporchpicker 17th July

should read;

"Out of camera via T/V output AV lead into Avermedia Ezmaker PCI card" etc

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Auntienoo

2:22 PM on 13 August, 2010

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Do you know yet when you might be reviewing the new FX45? The extra zoom would be interesting to me as I want a new camera for a holiday (hoping to see wildlife!) and wondered if the excellent image quality on the FZ38 will stand up with the extra zoom.

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Kunal

9:01 PM on 19 August, 2010

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This is do it all camera for sure and the iauto works well but you will have to play with the settings for a little while to get the 10 on 10 picture or video. I have one. I would advise to read a but about shutter/aperture/exposure etc to get the most. Its a real good camera and feels just right in the hand. Zoom is great. Battery life execellent if you shooting alternate pics and vids... inbuilt stabiliser is a marvel.

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Boysie1944

10:09 PM on 21 August, 2010

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I have just purchased a Panasonic DMC-FZ38 from a well known and respected on-line store, following Cliff Smith’s recommendations and seeing other review-type web-sites. I am approaching 70 years of age and have grown up with modern ‘stuff ‘ and don’t think of myself as a ‘technophobe’. I’ve decided that in my ‘twilight years’ I will take up photography once again. But I am bewildered by all the settings that are available on this camera.

So far I’ve used it on ‘Auto Mode’, if that’s the right word for it and it seems to have worked so far. I’ve only had it for a day. I went to our nearest camera dealer to try and by a protective filter for the lens, but to no avail. Is it 46mm? Also they did not seem to know about the HDMI lead which I need for playing back on my 37” Panasonic plasma screen. I did manage to buy a Maxell 8GB SDHC card for it from Argos for ½ price @ £16.99, but even then I wasn’t sure if I should have bought a ‘quick’ version (15-20 mbs, just because of the HD capabilities of the camera! They just don’t tell you these things, do they!

I tried phoning Panasonic but they were closed. I expect they will be expensive anyway, so any ideas where I can purchase these items at reasonable prices?

Many years ago I had a 35mm SLR camera and never experienced any problems with it. It was a Chinon (Dixons own brand I believe) body (with aperture priority) and a Pentax standard lens + 80-200 zoom lens, all manual with no auto-focus etc. (Can’t remember the make of zoom but it was a good brand). As long as I used a tripod with the zoom (I think it was F5.6 minimum aperture), I always got good results with this system (usually using Kodak 100, 200 or 400 ASA film).

Have I done the right thing in purchasing this camera or will I regret it in the long run and is all too good to be true? Sorry this seems a bit long-winded but I would welcome any suggestions apart from spending more money than I need to!

HELP ME, PLEASE! Thanks for readig this. Boysie 1944.

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M A K

7:21 AM on 27 August, 2010

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Hi, can anyone please tell about the Panasonic FZ100 , I'm waiting for a real good review of this camera and I also need to know that is there a Fuji 200EXR upgrade model available yet?, I'm just waiting some expert to to compare FZ100 with 200EXR or it's upgrade. I think just going after DSLRs these days is not feasible until a 25MP camera comes in a 1000$ price range from Canon or Nikon with some excellent rep. (I can save the lenses for it) so, I'm going to buy good super zooms every 2nd yr. have seen this FZ38 camera's result I must say not bad and can compare with entry or advanced level DSLR.

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pepys4x4

12:51 AM on 31 December, 2010

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I bought this camera from here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IKLJU0?ie=UTF8&tag=samchisblo-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002IKLJU0 a few month ago with $320, now I see the price is somethig about $240, it's a very good price, and of course, a very good camera, you will be satisfied with it ;)

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