Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 review

Lightweight shooting, heavyweight performance?

Panasonic’s latest addition to the hybrid super zoom scene would suit the budding beginner. Boasting 12 MP coupled with well-labelled controls, means that in theory high-quality results should be easily accessible.

Out in the field, the Panasonic FZ38 definitely delivers. The ridged mode dial rotates with satisfying clicks at each stop. On offer is the handy Intelligent Auto option for beginners, which effectively alters the settings to cater for any shooting situation. There are also a variety of subject program modes available, including landscape, portrait, sport, and macro modes to name a few. Each one is illustrated with an identifiable image, so as to not stagger the shooting process. Along with these settings that will no doubt entice the promising photographer, this camera will also grow with the user as the mode dial also features the advanced program, manual, aperture and shutter priority modes.

Looks-wise, the FZ38 closely resembles its predecessor – the FZ28, and the even older FZ18. The only apparent difference is the stereo microphone situated on the pop-up flash. There’s also the ability to capture HD movies at 720p, which is to be expected from a new hybrid. However, as most are only armed with mono sound systems, this certainly gives the FZ38 an edge for any aspiring videographers. There is also a new Creative Movie shooting mode, enabling you to select the aperture and shutter speed manually. This is particularly helpful when recording fast motion, as the shutter speed can be adjusted accordingly.

Fire up the FZ38 with the sliding, pill-shaped power button and the camera springs to action with an understated whir in just a second. The rubber handgrip and thumb rest lend a more reassuring grasp to the lightweight plastic body. However, its portable, compact nature means that it isn’t the most comfortable camera to hold, especially in larger hands.

The back of the camera harbours controls that are equally dainty, but not easily knocked. The menu is simple to navigate using the well-defined D-pad, as well as being clearly visible in bright light with white text over a black, high-opacity background. Using the scene modes, the menu options are displayed on one page; however, there are five pages to scroll through when applying the manual settings, which can be a bit tedious.

On the plus side, manual operation is undisturbed by the joystick, positioned within reach of your thumb. This can be moved vertically and horizontally to alter shutter speed, aperture, or focus. The 2.7-inch LCD screen is great for composing images and viewing the clear, crisp results afterwards. Alternatively, there is an electric viewfinder in case the user is faced with incredibly bright light, rendering the LCD difficult to use. This is to be avoided whenever possible though, as the image flickers and stutters when moving the camera to adjust a shot.

With an 18x optical zoom, the FZ38 hasn’t advanced from its predecessor and therefore isn’t quite up to par, with competitors like Nikon offering up to 24x. However, as digital zooms notoriously degrade image quality, this isn’t such a bad thing. We found photographs captured using the telephoto end of the zoom range retained a lot of detail with minimum lens distortion, and the camera still felt well balanced. There is a built-in image stabiliser, which does appear to reduce camera shake effectively, especially when zooming in close to subjects. Also of note is the extremely quiet shutter release, which would be useful for covert wildlife photography.

At the wide end, the hybrid records rolling landscapes beautifully. An extensive choice of scenarios is available in scene mode, such as sunset, candlelight, and baby. In practice, these didn’t make an apparent difference to the results and took time to flick through. There is a gimmicky frame option lurking too, which threatens to impose tacky hearts or birthday balloons on your images, cheapening the camera somewhat.

Whilst we would like to have seen more of a variation from its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38 is undoubtedly a good choice for those who aren’t quite ready to make the leap to a DSLR. The inclusion of the creative P, A, S, M modes means the user will not be demanding a replacement once their skills advance. Producing pleasing results, it doesn’t disappoint as a camera or a camcorder.