I bought mine as a clearance model from a camera store in 2008. I LOVE this camera, but there are a few caveats of which one must be aware. These will be listed first, then I'll get to the good stuff... - Many RAW conversion software packages of the time did not read the earlier versions of the Panasonic Raw files (".raw," ironically enough), and many will still not read these files (Capture One is one of these that don't read them). - Because it is 2005 technology, one cannot use any SD memory cards higher than 2GB and NO SDHC/SDXC. - Although an excellent camera, it is misleading to label the FZ30 a Digital SLR as it lacks a mechanical shutter as well as lacking true TTL optical focus. The viewfinder houses an LCD screen. Now the good points: - If you desire a digital camera, with a superior lens, that FEELS like a 35mm SLR in your hand, this is the one. The sensor chip that records the images is noticeably noisy on any setting above ISO 125, BUT I have used this camera for studio shoots on ISO 80 (it's lowest setting) and gotten fantastic results. Most recently, as space for baggage was limited, it was taken on a european vacation and was more than equal to the task. - Because it IS older technology, memory cards can found on the cheap from Amazon/eBay. Same for extra batteries. - Capture One and other software packages that don't read the .raw files from the FZ30 WILL read .dng (Adobe Digital Negative format) which can be easily converted (with the raw files embedded) in Adobe Camera Raw. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 is a camera that is competitive in the arena of digital cameras today.Read full review
I purchased this camera because of its LEICA lens. I like everything about it. the Auto Focus and the Manual Focus features; the intuitive buttons so I don't have to refer to the manual; and the nice case it came in fits it perfectly. I'm very happy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this for my 16 yr. old grand daughter that loves photography. It is easy to use and I think the Leica lens cannot be beat. She is having a ball. It is a nice size, the pictures are terrific. It is a quality camera. I have purchased the point and shoot Lumix cameras and love them. I knew she would get quality from it. Not only can she easily use the manual settings but also the built in settings for when she is feeling a little less creative.
This camera seems to be the perfect in-between camera if you don't want to put all the money into a DSLR but want good control and functionality. I love the zoom and manual focus features plus the ability to change lenses/filters. I also like the long exposure setting and the ability to take infinite burst pictures. After extensive research, I saw that the noise in dark situations is a bit lower than standard and I do have to admit it is a little grainy, but otherwise its a great camera! The top resolution, 8MP, is pretty good quality and you have to zoom in pretty far to be unhappy with the quality although if you're zooming in a lot and editing small objects, you're probably going to want to move up to a DSLR. Look for an 8MP picture online to compare first. I'm not a huge photography hobbyist but I do like to take pictures on occasions and touch them up on photoshop. This was the perfect camera for me.Read full review
This is the third Panasonic Lumix I have purchased. My others are DMC-FZ4. The cameras are easy to use and take professional quality pictures, thanks in great measure to the Leica lenses. This one is somewhat larger than the others, and has more features. I purchased it for our daughter who had previously used one of mine on a college trip to Yellowstone. When she returned, the college used her photos in their next brochure because the quality was so good!
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