Panasonic FZ18

If a simple point-and-shoot compact just doesn’t cut the mustard, but a DSLR is a bit too much of a handful, then a high-specification superzoom camera may be right up your alley.

With superzooms, there are no extra lenses to carry around, yet you get to enjoy the solid build similar to that of a DSLR. The Panasonic Lumix FZ18 is the latest superzoom to hit the shelves and comes loaded with an impressive set of features. Most notable of these is the extreme zoom power – the 18x optical zoom takes you from 28-504mm. Panasonic’s reputation is pretty good when it comes to zoom power, starting way back in 2002 with the popular Lumix DMC-FZ1. But these days, with competition rife from the likes of models like Olympus’ SP-560UZ, how does Panasonic’s latest model shape up?

Panasonic has pulled out all the stops feature-wise, making for a very impressive spec sheet. Alongside that all-important 18x optical Leica zoom lens, it boasts an 8.1MP sensor and optical image stabilisation. There’s also a useful wide-reaching 28-504mm focal length, plus the handy ability to shoot in RAW format.

When it comes to build, this camera isn’t wildly different from its predecessor, the 12x zoom Panasonic FZ8. Admittedly, it’s a tad larger, but not to a degree that will affect the camera’s performance either way. This rings true for the weight too, coming in at 50g heavier than the FZ8. But, if anything, this gain makes it appear more robust and solid and it still remains one of the lighter models in its class anyway.

It resembles a DSLR in terms of shape, meaning it’s very comfortable to hold. As well as the 2.5-inch LCD, it features an electronic viewfinder central to the back of the camera, which is a welcome addition. On the back of the camera, the button layout is much like any other top-end camera, without feeling too overwhelming. There’s a mode dial on top that you twist round to access the shooting modes and playback. It also features a joystick, which can operate playback, exposure compensation, AF point positioning, etc. This is a speedy little control, which beats having to rely on the d-pad the whole time. Alternatively, the joystick is reserved for functions such as altering the contrast and saturation. Accessing and operating the menu is fast and easy to do.

All fixtures and fittings on the FZ18 are built to withstand heavy use. There’s a hardy compartment for batteries and memory card, plus a sturdy tripod bush for when you’re getting serious with your shots. It’s the little things like this that instil confidence in the camera and it does come across as a real soldier of a model. The zoom lever (located around the shutter button) is equally sturdy and reliable, and depending how fast you push it, will zoom at different speeds – a great feature for increasing control.
The lens is by far the best thing about this camera, being quick to operate and impeccably smooth. This is combined with a fantastic 11-point autofocus, which locks onto your subject almost instantaneously. There’s also an exceptional AF assist lamp that enables you to lock focus even in the pitch black, thanks to its three-metre range.

Panasonic’s version of image stabilisation is called Mega OIS. This is a very good system and stands out from other manufacturers’ versions. With such a long lens, this feature is a must and we’re pleased to report it works very well at full zoom. This makes handheld shots a breeze rather than a risk, and enables you to shoot at longer shutter speeds than normal. New to this camera is Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode, selectable on the mode dial, which takes the existing Intelligent ISO technology one stage further. It cleverly measures the scene you’re shooting and automatically employs one of the camera’s many scene mode settings in order to give you the best possible auto exposure. It certainly saves all that scrolling through scene mode menus to find the setting you want, and delivers the goods with minimal effort.

So, is everything a bed of roses with the FZ18? Well, image quality is a mixed bag, especially suffering in the hands of dynamic range. Granted, colour reproduction is near spot-on, but highlights go out the window and you can wave those blue skies goodbye as they pale into insignificance. Noise-wise the story isn’t brilliant either, with disappointing results at settings over ISO 200. This is a real shame, because in all other areas the camera really shines. On the positive side of things, the lens quality is above excellent, with no visible lens-related distortion at all. From corner to corner the pictures are bright, with no pin-cushioning, barrel distortion of vignetting in sight.

Overall, we’re quite smitten with this camera. It performs brilliantly and has a fantastic lens that really deserves shouting about. It’s a shame Panasonic didn’t fit this model with a larger sensor, which would have helped with noise and dynamic range. But as it stands, it still remains at the top of its class.