Frequently Bought Together
Technical Details
- 14.1-megapixel resolution; 24x optical zoom with 25mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens
- HD movies in AVCHD Lite format; 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD
- Intelligent Resolution technology for outstanding image clarity
- Intelligent Auto (iA) mode; new My Color mode
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Product Details
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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
- 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
Available Warranties for This Item
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
407 of 417 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
93 of 94 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
173 of 182 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
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......
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......
Most Recent Customer Reviews
So In love with it!!!!!!
I love this camera. I have always had a point and shoot camera and every time I wanted great pictures I borrowed my mother's Panasonic. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Kristin
sturdy, fast and dependable
I've been using my FZ40 a year now, shooting more than 1000 pictures. Most landscape. Just perfect. the FZ40 gives me some wonderful colors. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Thomas Wlassak
Perfect for my trip to Hawaii
Battery last forever. Great pictures for my screen savers and family. I love this camera and am so glad for purchasing it. A must buy for the casual photographer.
Published 1 month ago by Shane
Great Camera
I love this camera. I have been using it since last summer and its performance is great so far. I took thousands of pictures in New York and all Europe and I am really happy about... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ozkan Ozkoldas
Awesome camera
This past Christmas, I purchased this camera for my daughter who is a bit of an amatuer photographer. At the least, she loves taking lots of pictures. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Eric V. Weber
Panasonic service is unacceptable
I did not purchase this particular model, but I have owned two other models, the FX500 and the FH27. The FX500 needed service twice within the warranty period. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mary Umbricht
Upgrade
Upgraded from the previously good but slow Panasonic Lumix. The new FZ40 is fast but they have made some changes I don't like. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Geene Mulvaney
Compact DSLR
This is the most amazing, coveted camera and lens I've ever wished to own and now do. The brand Leica has been beyond my possession for all my life and now I own my first. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Dooley
Weakest link determines image quality
Shot with a FZ30 for years ..... was a great camera in bright light.
Don't bother with this camera, the noise and very limited dynamic range of these cameras make them... Read more
Don't bother with this camera, the noise and very limited dynamic range of these cameras make them... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Glenn Soltes
One year of use
Very good camera, especially if you are not a professional photographer, but still loves fotografia. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Paulo
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