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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Equipped with a tremendous reach (18x zoom), a sharp lens, and an 8 Megapixel resolution sensor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is the perfect travel companion. It has an Auto Mode with lots of Scene Modes for easy operation by novice users, and for advanced users, it has full manual modes and supports a RAW image format.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
The latest super-zoom with an eye-level viewfinder from Panasonic, the FZ18 packs an 18x zoom lens and an 8.1 megapixel resolution sensor in a compact body. Despite such an ambitious zoom range, the lens produces minimal distortion and retains good corner-to-corner sharpness. The wider end of the zoom range is great for capturing landscapes, while the tele-end will facilitate closer view of distant mountains. Click (here) for more details.
For easy operation it also offers an Intelligent Auto Mode, where the camera sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery.
For advanced users it offers full featured manual controls and the option to shoot in RAW image format (RAW images contain more data and require post processing on computers to convert them to popular JPG format. One can use image editing techniques before JPG conversion to maximize image quality.).
The sharp & versatile zoom range, good battery life, rich feature set catering to both novice and advanced users make it the best in class camera overall.
A minor upgrade, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28, with increased resolution and a slightly wider angle view lens, was recently released and should perform similarly.
Comparison with Canon PowerShot S5 IS
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is a better and more versatile travel camera with its lower distortion and reduced color fringing problems (red or purple halos around high contrast edges in images), wider angle view with a larger zoom range, and RAW mode.
Comparison with Nikon Coolpix P80
The Panasonic FZ18 has lower distortion, better corner-to-corner sharpness, less image processing artifacts, and a RAW mode.
Pros
- +Versatile zoom range (18x)
- +Superb lens (best in class)
- +rRch feature set catering to novice and advanced users
- +Good battery life
- +RAW mode
Cons
- -Image processing could do with less noise reduction
- -Default contrast is a bit too high
Where to buy
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18
Specifications
- Zoom: 18.0x
- Resolution: 8.1MP
- Size: 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in.
- Battery Life: 400 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
- Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Price | $999.95 | $510.00 | $577.94 | |
| Size (W x H x D) | 4.6 x 3.0 x 3.5 in. | 4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in. | 4.3 x 3.1 x 3.1 in. | |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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8.1 megapixels | 8.0 megapixels | 10.1 megapixels | |
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Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)
This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
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0.4 - 0.5 sec | 0.5 sec | 1.1 - 1.4 sec | |
| Power to First Shot Time | 3.1 sec | 1.7 sec | 2.9 sec | |
| Max Video Resolution | 848 x 480 pixels | 640 x 480 pixels | 640 x 480 pixels | |
| Max Video Frame Rate (max resolution) | 30 frames/sec | 30 frames/sec | 30 frames/sec | |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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28 mm | 36 mm | 27 mm | |
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Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
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504 mm | 432 mm | 486 mm | |
| Optical Zoom | 18.0x | 12.0x | 18.0x | |
| Auto Focus Assist Light Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/2.8 | f/2.7 | f/2.8 | |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/4.2 | f/3.5 | f/4.5 | |
| Aperture Priority Mode Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 207000 pixels | 207000 pixels | 230000 pixels | |
| Battery Type | Proprietary Lithium Ion rechargeable | AA-size (x4) | Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable | |
| Battery Life | 400 shots | 450 shots | 250 shots | |
| Image Quality | ||||
| lens quality | good | above average | above average | |
| colors & fine details | good | good | above average | |
| shadow details | above average | good | average | |
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
This camera is the latest upgrade in Canon’s highly successful “S” series of super-zooms with a unique swivel LCD. It has an 8 megapixel resolution sensor and a 12x optical zoom lens.The camera features full manual control options.
‘The camera offers a superb movie mode and can be safely considered as a camera & camcorder rolled into one, which is a great convenience when traveling.
The swivel LCD is great for shooting landscapes when using a tripod or taking over-the-head shots of tourist attractions at crowded places.
Battery life is great and image quality is good.
Comparison with Nikon Coolpix P80
The Canon PowerShot S5 IS has a better movie mode, which permits zooming while recording, a swivel LCD, a better corner-to-corner sharpness, and the capability of using an external flash and conversion lenses (via an adapter).
Pros
- +Swivel LCD
- +Ability to zoom while recording movies
- +Sses AA size batteries
- +Good image quality
Cons
- -Wide end of lens could be wider
- -Fringing problems at high contrast edges
Where to buy
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Specifications
- Zoom: 12.0x
- Resolution: 8.0MP
- Size: 4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in.
- Battery Life: 450 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
Nikon Coolpix P80
The P80 marks Nikon’s entry into the super-zoom category. It offers an 18x zoom lens with a wide angle view and class leading resolution.
The camera comes with many useful features like Face-priority autofocusing (i.e. Face Detection), In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, and D-Lighting (to brighten up details in shadows).
However the images appear to be over-processed, with rough edges and noise reduction artifacts.
Comparison with Sony Cybershot DSC-H50
The Nikon Coolpix P80 has a wider angle and higher zoom lens and less fringing problems.
Pros
- +Versatile zoom range (18x)
- +Rich feature set
Cons
- -Image processing could do with less noise reduction
- -Poor battery life
Where to buy
Nikon Coolpix P80
Specifications
- Zoom: 18.0x
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Size: 4.3 x 3.1 x 3.1 in.
- Battery Life: 250 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50
The Cyber-shot DSC-H50 super zoom is the top of the line camera from Sony. It features a large 3-inch tilting (up & down) LCD screen so you can shoot comfortably from nearly any position, at low and high angles.
Other helpful features include a new D-Range Optimizer (DRO) plus a mode that applies a high image correction algorithm to retrieve more picture details in bright highlights and dark shadows.
However, image quality suffers from higher distortion (bending vertical straight edges) caused by lens and color fringing problems. Even though noise control options are available, the lowest setting still applies excessive noise reduction, which results in images which are devoid of fine details, especially at higher ISOs.
Pros
- +Good zoom range
- +Good movie mode
- +Rich feature set
Cons
- -Color fringing problems
- -High distortion
- -Images lack fine details
Where to buy
Sony Cybershot DSC-H50
Specifications
- Zoom: 15.0x
- Resolution: 9.1MP
- Size: 4.6 x 3.2 x 3.4 in.
- Battery Life: 300 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
