Lumix - Digital Cameras by Panasonic

Lumix Camera, almost perfect...

Lumix, a division of Panasonic, produces some of the finest digital cameras on the market, while managing to quietly sneak under the RADAR of public perception. Perhaps part of the problem is they're too good, for their own good, to a point...

Notice: statements made by the lensmaster are not necessarily endorsed or certified by Panasonic / Lumix. No collaborative or cooperative relationship exists between the lensmaster / this lens and Panasonic / Lumix. No representation of association is claimed or intended.to be implied. Content of the material reached through links to Lumix / Panasonic is property of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. All other content is property of their respective copyright holders.

Decisions, Decisions, Why Lumix ?

When I research an item I'm interested in purchasing, like you, I turn to the on-line communities. I read and read, and then read some more. I scour the forums, news groups, and manufactures web sites for information and reviews about the item in question. I seek out the best bang for the buck. Brand loyalty plays a part in this decision process, but overall has only minimal influence on the final purchase decision. I follow this procedure whenever I make a major purchase, including when I bought my first (and current) digital camera in 2005. I did research on Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Lumix, and others. I had a budget of $700.00 to work with at that time.

In the end I purchased a Lumix DMC-FZ30. This camera has performed flawlessly since day one and I will recommend the Lumix line without hesitation. This particular camera is in a class known as a bridge camera. Bridging a gap between point & shoot cameras and digital SLR's. The Lumix FZ series, particularly the FZ30 and FZ50 models, are far to the SLR end of the bridge spectrum. They provide most, if not all, of the features of a digital SLR camera, but lack only the interchangeable lenses. In the case of the FZ series, you really won't miss changing lenses because, oh what a lens it is...

Disclaimer

Researching Lumix / Leica

While researching Lumix, what I found was both impressive and controversial. It all revolves around two characteristics of the Lumix line of digital cameras.

1. Leica - A legendary German optics company which manufactures some of the finest lenses and cameras on earth, bare none. Lumix cameras are equipped with Leica lenses. The FZ series of cameras sport an impressive LEICA DC VARIO ELMARIT Lens. A custom lens specifically designed for the Lumix camera application. A quality piece of glass by anyone's standards. Price a comparable, internally stabilized, auto-focus, zoom lens for a competitors digital camera body and you'll quickly see where some of the controversy starts. For instance: Good luck finding anything that even comes close to matching the specifications of this lens. It's custom, an equivalent doesn't exist, but if one did, lenses of this caliber alone can cost more than a FZ series camera! How can this be? Panasonic, a Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. powerhouse, that's how. They manufacture their own lenses, certified to demanding Leica standards. Opponents may say "It's not a real Leica lens". Proponents, and I, respond to the skeptics with: If Leica entrusts Panasonic / Lumix with their name and reputation, that's not only good enough for me, it's a resounding endorsement of Panasonic / Lumix by Leica. Pretty strong testimony to Lumix and Leica sharing the same high quality standards. (more about Leica on Panasonic at wikipedia) With optics this good, Panasonic has set the bar quite high, is the rest of the camera up to snuff? YES & NO, here comes more controversy...

2. Noise - Visual distortion in digital images akin to graininess in film photography. The forums were abuzz with claims of higher than acceptable image noise, especially at higher ISO speed settings. Excellent reviews showing real world examples, a series of test images taken at progressively higher and higher ISO speed settings revealed an increase in image noise. From none, to noticeable. Here's a snip from wikipedia: "The FZ30 has a reputation for taking noisy pictures, especially at higher ISO settings, though in all fairness, it is probably no worse than many other cameras on the market and many professional reviews have commended it for its excellent pictures at ISO 80 and 100." (more)

Noise removing plug-ins for Photoshop, or stand alone image de-noising software, could be used if high ISO speed shots need some help. There is no perfect camera. A camera is only a tool. Know the limitations of your tool. Create as you will accordingly. In my experience excellent noise free results are the norm using lower ISO speed settings.

See For Yourself...

Images by Lumix (noise, what noise?)

Photography @ Flickr captured using Lumix Cameras.

Lumix - Digital Cameras by Panasonic

Lumix Camera, almost perfect...

Decisions, Decisions, Why Lumix ?

Researching Lumix / Leica

See For Yourself...

Images by Lumix (noise, what noise?)

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Taking It Up A Notch

Why Buy a Lumix Through This Squidoo Lens ?

50 % Donation to JDRF

Lumix / Leica @ Amazon.com

Lumix / Leica @ eBay

current Lumix / Leica auctions

Lumix @ Flickr

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Lumix @ Flickr

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Lumix Batteries @ Amazon.com

Original Equipment & Equivalent Replacements

2 GB SD Memory for Lumix @ Amazon.com

high speed 50x - 150x

Lumix @ Flickr

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1 GB SD Memory for Lumix @ Amazon.com

high speed 60x - 150x

Lumix Accessories @ Amazon.com

Even More Optics for Lumix @ Amazon.com

Lumix @ Flickr

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3rd Party Lumix Reviews

unbiased & in depth

Blogging Lumix

5 Random Lumix Posts from Google

Photographer Feedback

Lumix @ Flickr

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Reader Feedback - Your turn to talk Lumix

Anyone May Comment

Lumix Poll

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More Reader Feedback

2nd Opinion - More Camera Suggestions

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