Panasonic Lumix FZ8: Courtesy of Panasonic Canada We generally tend to review the digital SLR camera systems simply because they’re the ultimate in terms of capabilities, speed, image quality and technology. Even so, the digicams with built-in lenses outsell the D SLRs by a vast margin because they’re more portable, affordable, and convenient. Most models feature only a 35-105 mm or similar lens however, and that’s not particularly useful for sports and action photography. Far more versatile, the “super zoom” cameras generally include 10x or 12x zooms, such as the Leica 36-432 mm f/2.8-3.1 lens that’s part of the new Lumix DMC-FZ8 that I tested. Features and Characteristics Announced at Panasonic’s international press conference in Paris that I attended, this camera offers some valuable upgrades over the very popular DMC-FZ7. The most noteworthy include: - Resolution of 7 (vs. 6) megapixels - A new Venus III processor with superior noise reduction for greater fine detail in high ISO images - A RAW capture mode - Higher resolution LCD monitor and larger, higher resolution electronic viewfinder - Manually selectable ISO of 1250 at full resolution, and ISO 3200 in 3-megapixel resolution - An entirely new Intelligent ISO mode Although Panasonic announced eleven new Lumix cameras on Jan. 31, 2007, the DMC-FZ8 was the first model to become available for testing. Because of its fast (wide aperture) 12x optical zoom lens, this one is substantially larger than the other five and is the only one with an electronic viewfinder or EVF. That’s a useful amenity because it provides an accurate view of the subject on a bright, crisp high resolution LCD finder. The Lumix DMC-FZ8 is a full featured camera intended to satisfy those who want maximum versatility but cannot justify the cost, size and weight of a D SLR kit plus optional telephoto lenses. It’s equipped with large, analogue controls for great convenience and it boasts extras such as high speed continuous autofocus, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and Panasonic’s highly-rated MEGA OIS (optical) image stabilizer. That device provides two modes: “Shoot-only” (activated just before a photo is made) and “Always On” (to also stabilize the preview image). I found the Shoot-only option proved to be particularly effective. That mode allowed me to take sharp photos at a 300-mm equivalent focal length at a 1/60 s shutter speed instead of the 1/300 s required with cameras not equipped with a stabilizer. The DMC-FZ8 includes a typical Auto ISO mode that sets a high ISO—up to ISO 1250 in dark locations—for fast shutter speeds. That helped reduce the risk of blurry photos caused by camera shake while I was touring dark castles in France; the fast shutter speed also freezes subject movement, of course. Like all of the new Lumix models, the DMC-FZ8 also boasts a unique high-tech option: Intelligent ISO Control. When this capture mode is selected, a microcomputer detects whether the subject is moving and at what speed; it also evaluates scene brightness. The microprocessor then calculates a suitable ISO level for the specific conditions. In order to maintain optimal image quality, the system does not set an excessively high ISO. Evaluation The DMC-FZ8 is a fast, reliable camera that’s similar to a D SLR in feature set and operation but it’s much smaller, lighter and surprisingly affordable considering the wide aperture Leica DC 12x zoom lens. Although it’s certainly not tiny, the camera did fit in a large side pocket of my ski jacket, unlike any D SLR camera with a lens. It’s great for multi-purpose use and ideal for subjects that require a long telephoto lens. The combination of optical image stabilizer, high ISO options, motion detection ISO and a superior autofocus system maximizes the odds of sharp images in both low light and in action photography. On a cloudy/bright day in Paris for example, the Intelligent ISO system boosted the ISO by only one step, from ISO 100 to 200, when I was shooting a group of motorcycles. On an overcast afternoon, however, the system set ISO 400 when I was shooting approaching cars. Combined with the most suitable autofocus options—High Speed AF, single, large focus detection area and continuous AF for follow-focusing—the resulting shutter speeds were adequate for sharp photos of moving subjects. This Panasonic camera produced unusually pleasing JPEGs even at default settings, without any overrides, in most circumstances. Image quality in RAW capture is even better but the files require processing with the Silky Pix converter software. Most of my JPEGs needed no real work in Photoshop although Auto Levels plus a bit of sharpening produced the best possible results. The ISO 100 and 200 images exhibit snappy contrast, pleasing exposure, deeply saturated colours, a fine, tight grain pattern and high resolution, suitable for stunning 8.5 x 11” prints or good 11 x 15” prints.   Even ISO 400 images made for outstanding 8.5 x 11” glossies, while ISO 800 allowed me to make beautiful, richly detailed 5 x 7” prints; ISO 1250 was less impressive, but still produced very nice 5 x 7” prints. Thanks to improved noise reduction (NR) processing, this level of performance was better than with the previous Lumix DMC-FZ7. I used the lowest NR setting so there is some visible “grain” but also plenty of fine detail, a perfect compromise in my opinion. (For the best results, I also avoided underexposure, especially at high ISO.) Unless you want an artificially smooth (plasticky) look that some digicam web sites prefer, it’s best to avoid setting a higher NR level. Serious photo enthusiasts usually want a DSLR camera—plus several lenses and accessory flash unit—and that’s certainly understandable. Still, this relatively compact all-in-one camera would be a fine choice for anyone whose children are involved in sporting events or as a backup to a D SLR system. Easy to use in Scene modes, it’s loaded with advanced features too, while the superb Leica DC 36-432 mm f/2.8-3.1 zoom with stabilizer is a real bonus. At a street price of $499, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 also offers excellent value considering its versatility, speed, high image quality and fine overall performance. Primary Features – Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 - Resolution: 7.2 megapixels (3072 x 2304 pixels) -  Capture Modes: Various JPEG Size/Quality options in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratio; RAW capture - Lens: Leica DC 36-432 mm f/2.8-3.1 equivalent - LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch, 207,000-pixel screen - Viewfinder: 0.44-inch LCD with 188,000 pixels - Features: Well specified for serious photography; also, 20 fully automatic Scene modes - Sensitivity: Auto or manual ISO selection to 1250; in 3-megapixel capture, to ISO 3200; Intelligent ISO mode with motion detection - Other Amenities: MEGA OIS image stabilizer; unusually fast and versatile autofocus system - Accessories: Lens hood included; accepts optional wide angle and telephoto converters, but no flash units - Power: Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, included - Size/Weight: 112.5 x 72.2 x 79 mm; 310 g - Street Price: $499 For additional information, visit the Panasonic web site at www.panasonic.ca. The Intelligent ISO shooting mode detects subject movement and sets an ISO that will provide a shutter speed that should prevent motion blur. (ISO 200 and 1/200 s) Intended primarily for problem-solving in low light when a tripod or flash cannot be used, ISO 1250 produced surprisingly good quality when the images were properly exposed. The DMC-FZ8 provided the very best image quality at low ISO but even images made at ISO 800 are very good, a definite benefit over older Lumix cameras. A combination of ISO 800 and the MEGA OIS stabilizer allowed me to make many sharp photos of night scenes in the City of Lights where a tripod is often prohibited. (1/8 s exposure with elbows braced on the concrete railing.) © Peter K. Burian Avoid underexposure and the DMC-FZ8 will produce decent image quality at ISO 1250, a level that was often useful for sharp images while I toured the palace at Versailles. (1/10 s exposure.) © Peter K. Burian Bio: A long-time Photo Life contributor, Peter K. Burian (www.peterkburian.com) is a freelance stock photographer and the author of two recent books "Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging" (Sybex), and "Magic Lantern Guide to the Sony A-100 (Lark Books, available in November). He is also a digital-photography course instructor with BetterPhoto.com. For more information visit www.betterphoto.com/online-photography-courses.asp (Photo Life Newsletter, March 2007, volume 2, number 3)