Product Reviews

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is the update to the popular FZ8 super-zoom, featuring a wider and 18x optical Leica-branded zoom with image stabiliser and an 8.1-megapixel resolution sensor.

With an expanded focal range, running from a wide-angle 28mm up to a 500mm super-telephoto, the new lens provides the greater coverage to compete with rivals such as the Olympus SP560UZ, plus the new Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd. Other similarities include the handy Face Detection AF and AE mode, excellent 1cm macro and sensitivity ranging manually from ISO100 to a DSLR-like but searing ISO6400.

Looking a lot like the maker's new 10megapixel DMC-L10 DSLR but in a smaller and lighter package, the DMC-FZ18 has arguably better ergonomics than its rivals. In terms of build, the Panasonic doesn't seem quite as well put together as the competition - the hinged cover over the USB connection and power socket, while handy, adds to the slightly

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cheaper feel. The Panasonic has the superior optical image stabilisation (OIS) system compared to the CCD-shift based Fuji or Olympus models - and it boasts a rechargeable lithium battery. This not only delivers more shooting time than its rivals' alkaline cells but also slashes 50g off the weight.

In use the FZ18 has the slightly larger, if somewhat grainy, electronic viewfinder, and with 210k pixels, the slightly lower resolution main 2.5in colour monitor. That said, it's superbly bright and legible in strong sunlight, though it is prone to reflection which can be a pain at times.

As well as full manual and semi-auto control, the DMC-FZ18 boasts Panasonic's Intelligent Auto (iA) feature, directly selecting the appropriate shooting mode and settings based on the subject.

It's remarkably reliable, choosing face-detection when taking a portrait, switching to macro for a close-up or adjusting ISOs when subject motion is detected. This not only combats the shakes but also helps to keep ISOs and the inevitable coloured speckles as low as light levels permit.

It's not all good news though - the DMC-FZ18 has its shortcomings. While it easily delivers pin-sharp shots at 28mm with minimal distortion and fringing, we noticed a few focus inaccuracies. And it's a trait that's compounded at longer focal lengths. Noise is noticeable at ISO100 too.

Overall, however, we would say that it is currently the most convincing of its type. It's not perfect but you sure get lots of bang for your buck.