Archive for 2008

Introduction

The Panasonic Lumix series in one that has always interested me due to there reputation for great build quility and great functionalility they are widely considered to be some of the best devices available in the compact camera market, so will the DMC-FX35 continue this reputation or be a bog standard average compact?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35

 What’s in the box?

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 Device
• Mains Battery Charger
• AC Cable
• USB Connection cable
• AV Cable
• Software CD-ROM
• Strap

Panasonic DMC-FX35 Specification:

• 10.1m Pixels
• 4 x Optical Zoom
• 4 x digital Zoom
• Wide Angle 25mm lens
• 2.5” LCD Screen
• Optical Image Stabiliser
• 15 Face, face detection
• HD Movie capture with sound

General

The FX35 is very similar to its predecessor in the looks department however it is very much what is inside that counts and the FX35 is certainly an improvement and adds allot of features and functions which are welcome improvements and combine to create a great looking camera that performs in many departments.

The front is almost identical to the FX33 however it houses that fantastic lens for a camera of this size which is certainly a huge draw. The flash is housed above this and the self timer indicator to the left of the lens.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 front view (click images to enlarge)

The back is home to a great looking 2.5 LCD display, to the right of this is the menu/set button which is surrounded by four buttons used for features such as flash, brightness, etc. Below these are the display and quick menu buttons. The record/playback slider is housed above this. A simplistic back which works well with the overall sleek design.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 back view

The top is similar to many compacts on the market in that it houses the on/off slider shutter button which is housed within a great zoom lever which works really well and doesn’t look bad either. The mode dial is to the right of this the microphone and speaker complete the top of the device.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 top view

The bottom of the device is where the ever useful tripod connector is found along with the card/battery cover which flips open to reveal the battery and the SD card slot.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 bottom view

 The right hand side of the device contains the strap loop but slightly more exciting than that is the flap that houses the Component out, AV Out and DC In.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 connectors

Highlights

+Great Functionality & Features

+25mm Wide Lens

-HD Movies do not compare to a camcorder

Review

When I was asked to review this product I was very excited as although I had not used the FX35 predecessor the FX33 I had heard allot about the Lumix series and there fantastic build quality and overall functionality.

Right out of the box this camera looks great it is simplistic in design which works well and is small enough to fit into any pocket, the camera feels well built and sturdy and things such as the flip door hiding the connections does not feel flimsy and loose but feels very well finished. However you should never judge a book by it’s cover so lets find out the device performs.

Starting with picture quality the Panasonic is certainly above average it boasts 10.1m Megapixels which leads to great looking shots combined with the great array of features and functions for many different occasions where light may differ the camera offers modes for parties with low lighting, sports for moving subjects even a snow mode allowing for the crispest white snow to be picked up for those skiing holidays. All these modes allow for high quality clear sharp images to be taken in almost any setting or environment. Video quality is acceptable but is no competition for an HD Camcorder, playback on the actual device is not fantastic due to poor sound quality however when connected to a PC or Mac it looks and sounds perfectly acceptable for a compact camera.

The lens is obviously a huge draw for a compact camera such as this one, it is very useful when taking landscape shots and allows you to finally capture your entire extended family in one shot without cutting an entire generation off the side, it performs well overall with little shutter delay and is ready as soon as the device is switched on meaning you will never miss a moment again.

The device is fairly easy to navigate around given the large number of colour settings and functions etc. many of which I am sure you will never use it was surprisingly easy to find what I was looking for switch form still to movie is easy with the mode dial and functions such as the flash and adjusting exposure as well as controlling the self timer etc.. is similar to many compacts which means less time getting used to new controls and of course if you have owned or used the FX33 you will be at home as the controls are almost identical. The zoom wheel is a great and easy to use and it is little things like this that make this camera a joy to use. It also comes in helpful when looking back at your photos allowing you to zoom in on certain areas etc.

The optical image stabiliser works very well for a compact camera and is very useful for those who are a little shaky without a tripod which lets face it when at a party or event who isn’t. The face detection is also a welcome feature as it allows for more central images and is great at picking up those important people.

The software included on the disc is the sort you can expect with any digital camera included is arcsoft which is actually not bad as far as free provided software goes however I would recommend using software you feel most comfortable with and not feel complied to use the provided software just because it is there.

I personally hate cameras that run on standard batteries such as AA as they drain them before you even get the thing out of the bag well maybe not that quick but you get the idea. Well to my relief the Panasonic DMC-FX35 comes with a rechargeable 1000mAh Li-ion battery which performs well allows for around 300 shots to be taken from a 2 ½ charge of course it all depends on the frequency with which you use the device throughout these 300 shots etc. but overall a decent return with regards to shots from charge.

Conclusion

Overall the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a great addition to the Lumix series and a worthy upgrade from the FX33, with the added features such as the superb wide angle lens and the cameras ease of use and excellent choice of feature and settings to play around with to get that perfect 10m Megapixel shot every time or to capture those quick little video moments with sound. The range of settings Panasonic have given us on this model is great and allows for suburb results in all situations including low light and with the image stabilisation prevents any blurry shots which for those nights out may not be a great thing as now everyone can see you in your drunken glory. I think this camera would be perfect for anyone who attends allot of events such as music events etc. simply because of the image stabilisation however that is just one feature the large amount on offer here makes this a compact suitable for anyone from amateurs to the camera pro, a great camera with many draws and will certainly appeal to those of you looking for a higher spec compact camera.

Review by: Nick