Announced almost exactly a year after the launch of the FZ20 (the model it replaces), the DMC-FZ30 (launched in July 2005) is the latest flagship model in an ever-growing range of 'super zoom' cameras from electronics giant Panasonic. Like its predecessors the FZ20 sports a Leica-branded DC Vario-Elmarit zoom with a whopping 12x optical range (35-420mm equiv), though this time without the constant F2.8 aperture. It also boasts Panasonic's tried and tested Mega Optical Image Stabilization system and the Venus II engine.

Much of what made the FZ20 such a popular camera remains, however, there are some significant changes, many of which address concerns voiced by users and reviewers of the FZ20. The FZ30 has a new 12x optical zoom lens which features a mechanically-linked zoom ring, manual focus ring (electronic), full internal zoom and focus (non-extending) and several improvements to the control layout.. Head over to DP Review's full review to learn more about this eight megapixel digital camera.



Link: DP Review