Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3 x 4.6 x 3.5 inches ; 12.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000TM7GD8
• Item model number: DMC-FZ18K
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (185 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,256 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 15, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Panasonic has expanded its Lumix family of digital still cameras with the introduction of the Lumix DMC-FZ18, an 8.1-megapixel compact camera with an impressive 18x optical zoom. In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle Leica D C lens, the DMC-FX18 is one of the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the revolutionary Intelligent Auto Mode, which includes Face De tection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Continuous Autofocus functions, allowing users t o easily capture clear, professional-quality images in any situation or setting.

When this powerful camera--which features image-stabilized optical zoom up to 18 x--is put into Intelligent Auto Mode, the multifaceted functions engage automatically, so there is no need to adjust s ettings every time conditions change. The DMC-FZ18's intuitive Intelligent Auto Mode comprises :

• Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently-used modes such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scen ery, and Night Portrait;
• Face Detection System, which helps the camera to focus, set autoexposure, an d detects up to 15 human faces, capturing them clearly and brightly; and
• Continuous Autofocus, which allows the camera to keep focus on the subject w ithout having to press the shutter button halfway and allowing for the best results out of a shutter chance by minimizing the autofocus time.

Similar to the entire 2007 line of Lumix digital still cameras, the camera sport s advanced countermeasures against blurring--the Intelligent Image Stabilization system tha t combines MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) to compensate for hand-shake and Intel ligent ISO Control to detect and adjust for motion blur caused by subject movement.

The Lumix DMC-FZ18 also is equipped with a 2.5-inch large, high-resolution LCD w ith 207,000 pixels, a 0.44-inch electric viewfinder with 188,000 pixels and f2.8 brightness, and is powered by the high-quality, high-performance Venus Engine III, which boasts shooting at IS O 1600 in normal recording mode.

The DMC-FZ18 has been redesigned to make the camera more stylish and easier to u se. The autofocus, autoexposure lock, and Macro buttons are now independent, to allow qu ick and direct operation. A metal-finished mode dial adds design strength, and an enhanc ed rubber grip makes the camera easier to hold. The redesigned body also incorporates the joyst ick made popular by the DMC-FZ8 model, which enables a host of settings, such as manual f ocusing and exposure, to be done quickly and easily.

Other advanced features of the Lumix DMC-FZ18 include:

• Custom Setting Mode that memorizes your frequent setting patterns for in stance use applied by simply selecting this function on the mode dial.
• 1920 x 1080 pixel photos ideal for full-screen viewing on a wide-screen HDTV .
• Six autofocusing methods including face detection, multi, three-point high-s peed, one-point high speed, one-point normal speed, and spot. With the one-point autofocus or spot autofocus method, the autofocusing area can be chosen from as many as 11 points with the joystick or cursor button.
• Advanced Scene Modes provide users more control over some frequently used sc ene modes, such as indoor and outdoor modes, when selecting portrait or sports mode and nature or architecture settings when selecting portrait mode.
• Bundled SILKYPIX Developer Studio 2.0SE software application for editing and developing images in the RAW file format.
• 27MB of built-in memory--perfect for backing up SDHC/SD memory card recordin g.
• Extra Optical Zoom feature extends zoom power to 28.7x at 3 megapixels.
• Compatibility with large-capacity SDHC memory cards.
• Title Edit Function allows inputting of text and additional picture informat ion.
• Picture Playback by category sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes, events, and motion pictures. Also, allows slideshow pla yback of images in the same category.
• Optional accessories including a teleconversion lens, close-up lens, ND filt er, MC protector, lens adapter, AC adapter, battery pack, soft case, and camera bag.
• Available in two colors: silver and black.

What's in the box
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 digital camera, ArcSoft MediaImpression and ArcSoft Pan oramaMaker software, USB driver, battery charger, battery pack, lens cap, lens h ood, lens hood adapter, AV cable, USB connection cable, strap, CD-ROM

Product Description

Experience the power of an incredible 18x optical zoom in a 8.1-megapixel camera that fits in the palm of your hand. From vast landscapes to super telephoto shots, the DMC-FZ18 gives you crisp, stunning images using a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens. For macro shots, the wide-angle setting lets you shoot all the way down to one centimeter from your subject, while the telephoto setting can be used up to one meter (3.28 feet) from your subject. With the Extended Optical Zoom function, zoom power is boosted to around 28.7x (in 3-megapixel resolution mode).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

356 of 356 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oustanding quality for the price!, October 15, 2007

By	Prog Rock Fan "Yes fanatic" (Atlanta, GA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've had this camera about 3 weeks. This is my third digital camera - supplementing a Pentax Optio S4i. I researched this class of camera (more versatility and better quality than a sub-compact, but not as expensive as a DSLR) for a couple of months. If you look, there are a ton of sites doing very helpful, detailed camera reviews, although as a brand new model, there is not yet much on the FZ18.

I wanted something that was point and shoot for my wife (she takes great photos, but does not want the hassle of making adjustments) but versatile for me. I used to have a film SLR, and understand the basics of controlling shutter speed, aperture, etc. I loved the idea of 18x optical zoom, the 28mm wide angle, and all the shake reduction/face finding, etc. I seriously considered the Sony DSC H5, H7, and H9; the Canon S5 IS; the Olympus SP-550UZ/560UZ and the Panasonic FZ8. The Sony looks and feels great, but the spec is not as good as the newer FZ18, and many reviews refer to the no-intuitive user interface and long learning curve. The Olympus and Canon offerings in this class just did not match the FZ18 specs, and the earlier model FZ8 was getting great reviews, so I went with the latest FZ18.

Bottom line - both my wife and I are very pleased with the FZ18. The first set of vacation photos are superb. My daughter was with us and borrowed the Pentax, so we have some pretty good side-by-side comparisons, and the FZ18 wins hands down on everything, except fitting in a pocket! Even then, it's pretty light, and with a 4Gig ultra fast card, has loads of capacity. I can highly recommend this camera as the current state of the art in this class. Easy to use for those who want a point-and-shoot, flexible for those who want more control, great specs, and superb quality photos. I even found the manual fairly easy to use - a rare treat with some sophisticated electronics!

You will read critics complaints about noise (speckles) when you push the limits of the sensor - unless you are always shooting in very low light conditions, and blowing the results up into huge posters, you won't be troubled by noise. If you are, the problem is common to all compacts (from my research), so if it concerns you, spend another few hundred bucks and get a DSLR!

One warning - this camera is available at a deep discount on a couple of sites - when I tried to purchase one from one of these, it became apparent it was a "gray market" camera from Japan. Not a great idea for a US user! I ended up getting mine through an Amazon partner - no problems at all, and a decent price.

138 of 138 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The FZ18 is a gem, November 22, 2007

By	Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Panasonic puts a great deal of effort into their Lumix line. And they keep producing winners. The FZ18 is, in one word, a gem.

There is little radical in the way of new design. The well-established basic Lumix FZ design remains intact. Not quite a pocket camera like the worthy Lumix TZ3 and smaller than the somewhat more sophisticated and substantially larger FZ50. Panasonic's Venus III engine is dependable, relatively fast and capable.

It is the new features of the FZ18 that make it a standout. The 18x zoom is marvelous: 28mm to 504mm in the palm of your hand. Mind-blowing is the only word for it. And the Leica designed optics are as sharp as any on the market and, in fact, sharper than most. Coupled with an 8 Megapixel sensor, you're set for just about any common photographic need. The FZ18 is not intended to substitute for a Nikon or Canon dSLR. It is an everyday camera. But it is fine for photographing tourist vistas, family events, the everyday things that are the subjects of most photos.

Color rendition is accurate, though not perfect. The inclusion of an ISO 1600 equivalent is nice producing noisy, but usable, shots.

Focusing is generally fast, with some hunting in low light on the long end of the zoom.

The image stabilization is, as usual with the Lumix line, superb.

The flash is adequate out to about 15 feet or so with rapid fall-off on the edges. There is no shoe for an external flash. Do not use the supplied lens hood with the flash: it casts a shadow.

One of the new features is a three-shot option on the self-timer, which is surprisingly handy. It takes three pictures so if Aunt Tilly thinks she had her eyes closed, you don't have to walk back to the camera to reset the self-timer. Works with the flash nicely.

There's a face detection feature and an auto-focus zone selector. I haven't quite decided on the value of either of these features yet.

You can save to RAW or RAW+JPG. Saving to RAW takes substantially more time than saving to JPG format. When shooting action, I suggest you avoid the RAW formats.

The controls follow the Lumix pattern to date and are well spaced. You have 12 selectable modes from the main dial, which is nice, and many more accessible from the menu screens. You can acheive full manual control of the camera which is unusual in a camera in this price range.

I have one criticism: the zoom control does not extend quite far enough off the main camera body. It is just a wee bit difficult to use. Not a big deal, but a bit of a bother. Zooming is smooth and fast.

Battery life also seems to be a bit lower than promised.

Overall, a great camera for anyone and beyond great for those who want the enormous zoom range of this camera. The additional wide-angle range on the low end is fantastic - and being able to zoom to 504mm is just awesome.

Jerry

134 of 135 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it gets before a dSLR, November 15, 2007

By	ubat (Sao Paulo, Brazil) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Having owned Olympus, Minolta and Canon digital cameras, I was somewhat reluctant to go through a new brand's learning curve, but on paper the FZ18 had everything I wanted, so I went for it. I use digitals mostly for wildlife and nature photography, therefore optical zoom, image stabilization, fast focusing capability and good handling of low-light situations were my main priorities. I didn't want to shift to dSLRs mainly because of weight issues; I was looking for a compromise, for something that would give me flexibility and quality without the hassle. I have to say that, after several weeks of subjecting this camera to everything that came my way, I am pleasantly surprised. The FZ18 is FAST, especially with a SDHC card (check that your card reader handles these, otherwise get a newer reader), and although I usually work with the optical zoom fully extended and no tripod, there has been no shake. This camera does well in low natural light, focuses ultrafast, colors are mostly true (sometimes it oversaturates reds a tad)and below ISO 400 there is no discernible noise -- I never use anything above that anyway. I have control over all the settings, too, but if I get lazy I can let the camera do all the thinking for me: it does equally well as a point-and-shot and as an advanced amateur camera. I like that I can extend zoom even more if I reduce resolution. Menus are intuitive and I've had no trouble learning how to handle them. The one thing I don't like much are the proprietary batteries: I'd rather be able to use AA's. But this is a minor setback, considering all the FZ18's qualities.

January 2008: After using this camera for a few months and taking a couple thousand pictures (bird photos: if you're lucky, one in ten is passable!), I stand by what I said before. But there is one issue that I perceived over time, and that has been annoying me. There is a tiny lag between pressing the button and the camera actually registering the image (optical zoom fully extended, maximum resolution). This tiny lag has made me lose a lot of pictures, especially of birds in flight. I've been trying to learn to compensate for it, but I can't say I've been successful -- understandably, since birds don't always fly predictable paths... This lag isn't bothersome when you're shooting landscapes or slow moving objects. I never perceived this with my previous camera, a Canon S3 IS, and I'd like to know from other users if they have noticed this in the FZ18 as well.