Panasonic LUMIX DMC FZ100 Review | 108 Data compared

Overview and Pros Cons and Verdict Despite its top-tier feature set, the camera falls short in absolute image sharpness. Although it features a newly developed 15.1-megapixel MOS sensor (utilising 14 megapixels for photos) intended to boost light sensitivity and reduce noise, it fails to translate this high resolution into actual image detail. Lab tests reveal that it only achieves 1,048 line pairs per picture height, a performance that merely matches the 10-megapixel output of cheaper competitors like the Nikon Coolpix P100 and Fujifilm FinePix HS10. Another drawback appears during video production; despite a design meant to ensure quiet operation, noticeable mechanical noise from the zoom motor is captured on the stereo audio track. This issue requires serious videographers to invest in an external microphone. In conclusion, while the FZ100 is the most comprehensive and top-performing all-round megazoom camera on the market, it is also the most expensive—making the cheaper Nikon Coolpix P100 a strong alternative for users who want slightly better image quality and do not strictly need RAW shooting.

The Digitalkamera.de review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 highlights a high-speed, high-end bridge camera featuring a 24x Leica zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent) with effective Power O.I.S. stabilization, full 1080i HD video capabilities, and rapid 11 fps continuous shooting. However, the review identifies significant drawbacks, specifically noting that the small 1/2.3-inch sensor results in heavy image noise reduction, yellow-blotched artifacts, and soft details at ISO 400 and above, along with a lack of an automatic eye-level sensor.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 bridge camera scores a "Good" (2.0) rating from Computer Bild due to its exceptional 22.2x superzoom lens, which delivers an impressive 25-554mm equivalent focal range ideal for everything from wide panaromas to extreme telephoto shots. The review highly praises the camera's image quality—noting sharp details, strong contrast, and accurate colour reproduction from its 14-megapixel sensor—as well as its highly effective built-in optical image stabiliser, which allows for blur-free handheld telephoto shooting at 1/60 of a second. Performance-wise, it stands out with a rapid 0.4-second shutter lag and a blistering burst mode that captures over 10 frames per second (up to a 15-frame limit). Additional strong suits include its sharp 7.49-centimetre articulating flip-out screen, a rear control dial for quick manual adjustments, and the ability to record Full HD (1920x1080) video with stereo sound and full zoom functionality while filming.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is a bridge camera equipped with a 14.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 24x optical Leica zoom lens spanning a 25-600mm equivalent focal range. The camera's main strengths lie in its fast wide-angle autofocusing (0.14 to 0.19 seconds), a powerful optical image stabilizer, and high-speed burst shooting of up to 11 frames per second. It delivers high-quality Full HD video recording at 1080i50 with silent optical zooming, a dedicated video button, and a stereo zoom-microphone. Users will also benefit from comprehensive manual settings, RAW format support, a fully articulated 3.0-inch display, a hot shoe for external flashes, and compatibility with modern SDXC cards. However, the camera suffers from notable image quality limitations, where aggressive noise reduction creates soft JPEG images starting at ISO 200/400, resulting in poorer performance than its predecessor, the FZ38. Shooting in RAW preserves more detail but introduces visible noise at medium ISO levels. Additional performance drawbacks include a sluggish startup time of 3.36 seconds, prolonged processing delays after bursts, and the fact that its maximum 11 fps speed drops significantly to around 4.5...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is a high-featured bridge camera designed to bridge the gap between compact models and entry-level DSLRs, packing an impressive Leica lens that covers a 24x optical zoom range from 25mm to 600mm at an f/2.8 maximum aperture. Operating with a 14-megapixel resolution, the camera excels greatly in speed and video production, offering rapid continuous shooting speeds of up to 11 frames per second at full resolution and a highly praised AVCHD 1920x1080 video mode that rivals standard camcorders. It is further equipped with a 3-inch fully articulating display, an electronic viewfinder, complete manual controls, and uncompressed RAW format capabilities to comfortably accommodate amateur and sports photographers alike. Despite its comprehensive, pro-level feature set, the camera struggles significantly with image noise due to its small 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor paired with a high pixel count. Reviewers note that while it performs well under excellent lighting conditions, image quality sharply deteriorates at higher ISO sensitivities when shooting in low-light environments. Additionally, potential buyers should consider that the camera matches entry-level DSLRs in both weight (approximately 496 grams) and...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 is a versatile bridge camera featuring a 14.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and a powerful 24x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 25–600mm focal range in 35mm format. Designed for enthusiasts looking for manual flexibility, it offers full manual controls (P/A/S/M modes), RAW image support, and high-definition AVCHD video recording at 1920x1080 pixels. The camera scores highly for its physical features, including a flexible, fully articulating 3-inch LCD monitor, a hot shoe for attaching external flashes, and exceptional packaging and features, which earned it a perfect 10 out of 10 in the equipment and scope of delivery category. Additionally, its autofocus is remarkably snappy, measuring at 0.34 seconds at wide-angle and 0.4 seconds at telephoto focal lengths. However, the review reveals significant performance limitations regarding image quality, culminating in a mediocre overall score of 59.5 out of 100 points. While the wide-angle image resolution is decent at ISO 100 (1385 LP/BH), it noticeably degrades at telephoto zoom lengths (1189 LP/BH) and drops further to 1175 LP/BH when sensitivity is pushed to ISO 400. Image noise is another major...

However, the review highlights distinct trade-offs, particularly regarding image performance. While the new 14-megapixel sensor manages to keep image noise commendably low, its actual resolving power and overall image resolution fall short when compared directly to the older 12-megapixel FZ38. Additionally, while using the optical zoom during video recording is functional, the mechanical zoom motor is audibly picked up on the camera's internal audio track. To counteract this audio drawback, users must rely on connecting an external microphone via the dedicated input. Ultimately, despite the slight dip in resolution, the camera is highly recommended for its exceptional speed and feature-rich design.