Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30By: Dave EtchellsPanasonic's latest in the Lumix lineup, with an eight-megapixel sensor and high quality long-zoom Leica optics. <<User Report :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 4:DesignReview First Posted: 01/18/2006 |
Design
Like the DMC-FZ20, the Panasonic's FZ30, combines the confident looks of a traditional 35mm SLR with an impressive Leica 12x optical zoom lens that lends a professional air. Measuring 3.37 x 5.54 x 5.44 inches (86 x 141 x 138 millimeters), the DMC-FZ30 is a little bigger than the FZ20, and weighs approximately 1.64 pounds (746 grams) with the battery and memory card installed. The Panasonic FZ30's use of lightweight metal panels helps keep the camera's weight down, somewhat compensating for the heft of the rather large lens. While it definitely won't fit into your shirt pocket, an accompanying neck strap makes it easy to tote, but I'd also recommend picking up at least a small camera bag to protect that Leica lens.
The front of the camera includes a 12x Leica zoom lens (with ridged focus and zoom rings for manual adjustment), a front adjustment dial, and a bright light emitter that serves double duty as the autofocus assist and the self-timer countdown indicator. The built-in, pop-up flash is just above the large lens, and is released by a sliding switch on the left side of the Panasonic FZ30's lens barrel (as viewed from the rear). A large handgrip on the right side features an indentation for your right forefinger, and is covered by a rubbery, textured wrap that clings to fingers.
The right side of the Panasonic FZ30 (as viewed from the back) features an eyelet for one end of the neck strap, as well as the SD/MMC memory card compartment. The hinged, plastic door slides toward the rear before opening to reveal the card slot.
The opposite side of the camera features the other neck strap eyelet, as well as the diopter adjustment dial on the side of the electronic optical viewfinder. A sliding Focus switch on the side of the lens barrel controls the auto and manual focus modes, with a Manual Focus (MF) button just below it for quick adjustments. The flash release switch is just below the FZ30's flash compartment, above the focus switch. Also on this side of the camera, beneath a hinged, plastic door, is the connector compartment, which houses the Remote Control, Video Out/Digital and DC In connector terminals. The compartment door opens from the rear panel, and features a pressure hinge that snaps it both smartly open and securely in place when closed.
The Panasonic FZ30 's top panel features a Mode dial on the right, along with the Shutter, Image Stabilizer, and Burst Mode buttons, as well as the sliding power switch. Also on the top panel is the pop-up flash (released by slider on its side) and the hot shoe for attaching an external flash unit. On the far left of the top panel is a series of small holes for the microphone.
The majority of the exposure controls are located on the camera's rear panel, along with the electronic optical viewfinder (EVF) and swiveling LCD monitor. The LCD monitor lifts out from the rear panel, and can swivel 180 degrees so that you can face it toward the camera and then close it for protection against scratches. You can also angle the monitor up or down, to help frame shots at odd angles. Lining the right side of the panel are the AE Lock, EVF / LCD, Display, Menu, and Erase buttons. A secondary control dial is at the top of the right side, and a Four-Way Arrow pad is in the lower right. The Panasonic FZ30's arrow pad accesses a variety of camera settings and features four arrows for navigating through camera menus and reviewing images. A small speaker rests just above the arrow pad, and a textured thumb grip reinforces the large handgrip on the camera's right side.
The Panasonic FZ30's bottom panel is flat, with a flip-open door to access the battery compartment, and a threaded metal tripod mount at the center of the lens. The tripod mount is far enough from the battery compartment to allow quick battery changes (something I'm probably more sensitive to than most users, given the amount of on-tripod shooting I do).
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