Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.1 x 3.6 inches ; 1.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B003WJR694
• Item model number: DMC-FZ40K
• Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (215 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #582 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 20, 2010

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is a feature-packed, hybrid digital camera, combining a powerful 24x optical zoom and creative manual operations to offer photographers of all levels the opportunity to take crisp, artistic photos and High Definition (HD) videos. This 14.1-megapixel model features a 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens and a new image processing system which achieves high picture quality for both still images and videos.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Highlights

Intelligent Resolution technology
The Lumix FZ40 features Intelligent Resolution technology which leads to optimum signal processing, giving images outstanding natural clarity, specifically focusing on the finer details. The Sonic Speed Auto Focus (AF) and high-speed start-up found on the FZ40 are at the industry's fastest level, helping users to catch even the most fleeting photo opportunities.

Improved, intuitive manual and creative controls
The Lumix FZ40 has upgraded intuitive manual and creative controls including the new jog dial which helps to elevate the camera's operability. The jog dial is a focus button which allows users to change settings quickly including shutter speed and aperture, depending on the shooting conditions. Additionally, the new My Color mode which has been popular on Lumix G Micro System cameras is available in both still and movie modes, and gives users creative freedom with a suite of options, including new Pin Hole, Film Grain, High Dynamic and High Dynamic B&W.

Intelligent Auto (iA) mode
Panasonic's hallmark Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically selects the most suitable Scene mode and remembers previously-registered faces. And the intuitive system also includes POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.), featuring double the repression power compared to that of Panasonic's previous image stabilization system, MEGA O.I.S. This system helps to eliminate blur resulting from hand-shake, a common problem when pressing the shutter button while taking photos or shooting video.

HD movies in AVCHD Lite
Users can now enjoy easy shooting of HD movies in AVCHD Lite with double the recording time in HD quality compared with the conventional Motion JPEG format. Additionally, a separate and dedicated button located on the top of the camera allows users to instantly begin recording in video mode--so switching between capturing still photos and video is quick and seamless.

Additional Features

• 3.0-inch 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with 100% field of view
• High energy efficiency which extends the battery life up to 580 shots (CIPA) per charge
• New Video Divide function with which users can separate a video they've shot into two sections to shorten or delete any unwanted parts
• Wind Cut function blocks out noise from background wind when shooting in video mode

What's in the Box

• DMW-BMB9 Lithium-Ion Battery
• Battery Charger DE-A83BA
• USB Cable
• A/V Cable
• Lens Hood
• lens Cap w/ String
• Shoulder Strap
• Software CD-ROM
• 1-Year Panasonic Warranty

Product Description

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 Megapixel Bridge Camera - 4.50 mm-108 mm - Black DMCFZ40K Digital Cameras

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

401 of 411 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Camera for Active Travelers, September 18, 2010

By 

JamesC - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black (Camera)

I've owned the FZ-40 for 6 days.

As an active traveler, I have used several different cameras. You really can't go wrong with any of the mega-zoom point and shoots - they all have their pros and cons.

However, the Panasonic FZ-40 is probably as good as P&S's will get with the current technology. Some day someone will figure out how to get a bigger and better sensor to work with a mega-zoom lens, but until then, the FZ-40 is my choice.

This camera is easy to use, quick focusing, and has all the manual adjustments and flexibility you will ever need. It's well-designed and built for the active photographer. It also has a long battery life, but finding replacement batteries is a problem that Panasonic needs to clear up fast! Image quality is excellent compared to its competitors. Image stabilization is outstanding, even at full 24X zoom I don't need a monopod or tripod (I need one with my Olympus SP-800). The zoom is also quiet and smooth. ISO looks good up through 800. I'm still experimenting with macro shots - I'm not real happy yet, but it's probably me. I can't tell a lot of difference between normal and fine JPEG's, except for the file size. The EVF is very good - I can't live without a good view finder. I've tried zooming in the wilds with an LCD screen, and it just doesn't cut it!

All in all, I rate this camera as excellent. I considered the FZ-100, but decided I did not need, nor want, the extra features. Besides, I've always had good results with the small CCD sensors.

I've posted some sample pictures here in the customer images section.

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's GORGEOUS, October 8, 2010

By 

Bird That Flew (US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black (Camera)

I bought this camera to replace my older Panasonic DMC-FZ28, which I adored but is no longer useable due to recently succummbing to the dreaded "lens cap error" message of death. I told myself I'd never get another Panasonic because of it, but then I did some research and saw that several brands (including Canon) had this problem and that it seems to have been resolved in all the new models. I loved my old FZ28 so much that I just couldn't resist getting its newest relative (with a 3-year warranty this time...just in case). After having played around with my new FZ40, I feel I definitely made the right decision.

I generally shoot things like plants in my garden and my animals (cat, horses), though I do a fair amount of indoor shots as well. This camera performs very well where all are concerned. It is way better in low light than the FZ28 was, and the flash is not so bright that it looks like you've got a spotlight on your subject when you use it. The quality of the images in the LCD screen are incredibly crisp, and the big size makes it easy to review everything your shots. This camera comes with a rechargeable battery, which I vastly prefer over AAs (in my experience, rechargeable battery charges last way longer).

Most importantly, the pictures the FZ40 takes are flat-out awesome. Crisp, clear, detailed, just excellent. I was so excited to try this camera out that I wasn't being careful to hold the camera perfectly still when shooting. Even so, there was absolutely no noise or blurriness in any of the shots I took, even in low light without the flash. THAT makes me happy.

Only a couple teeny tiny things I don't love but that aren't a big deal: I don't love the lens cap. Basically, tension holds it in place at the end of your lens and it just doesn't seem really secure to me. I bought a holster-style camera bag for that reason, and hopefully it will offer a little extra protection for the lens when transporting. Also, the review feature on the FZ40 is a separate button instead of an option on the dial like on older models. I preferred it the old way, but it's no big deal.

All in all, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this camera. If that changes or if I notice anything noteworthy about it over the next few months, I'll come back to update.

169 of 178 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beware if ordering filters for this great camera, October 9, 2010

By 

Ian Jennings - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 24x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD - Black (Camera)

It's too early for me to give a full review as I've only had this camera for 2 weeks and took it on a vacation trip. First BEWARE. You need 52 mm filters for this camera, not 46 mm as Amazon suggests. Maybe the FZ35 had 46mm??? I've just had a 46mm polarizer delivered and it's too small.

The zoom is amazing. When using movie mode, I zoomed right in from wide to telephoto and the focus was spot on the whole way. The camera is so light, which is why I chose it over the Canon equivalent. The batteries are expensive, but lasted a week and I filled a 4 Gb card before i needed to recharge. You can keep your AAA battery cameras, far too heavy to carry around for my liking.

The manual focus override is useful. I'm struggling a bit with the various auto focus options on non-movie modes, so have been overriding until I learn more. the instruction manual(on CD) is a 233 pages long! The intelligent auto will suffice more often than not.

There are too many features though. Like cars, cameras are just getting too damned complicated. It's the 80/20 theory I guess. I'll use 20% of the features 80% of the time. I'm sure any 8 year old kid will be able to show me how everything works though! How old am I? My first camera was an Agfa Sillette, I used flash bulbs! I'll say no more......