6.4.2016

This will be an odd review considering that I've awarded the 330 five stars because I'm not finding it an easy camera to adapt to.However, I fully acknowledge and appreciate that the quality of its build, imaging and range of features is superb in a camera of this type and price.In the following review .... well, to be honest, it's more a collection of thoughts, impressions and experiences rather than a full-blown technical review .... I will at times be comparing the FZ330 to the Canon SX60HS which was my primary camera. As of now, I think the FZ330 will replace it.A brief bit of background will set the following thoughts into a context to help you to decide whether what I write is helpful to you or not :- I've been interested in photography since the mid 1970's when,age 30, I bought a Pentax 35mm SLR which I used in conjunction with a Weston V lightmeter. I used that setup (plus a wide angle and a zoom lens) for well over 20 years before moving on to a Fuji S7000 digital camera and eventually the Canon SX60HS. My primary interests are in macro, landscape and 'candid' work. In the latter category, I have been asked to take informal records of guests and gatherings at 6 weddings with results that have often elicited the comment that my informal 'captures' have subsequently evoked better memories than the albums created by formal wedding photographers. For five of those occasions I used the S7000 and the SX60HS for one. I mention all that to validate my claim to be an experienced, 'intuitive' amateur rather than a technically proficient amateur. Of relevance to those and all following comments are the facts that I prefer to concentrate on getting photographs rather than navigating endless menus. I have no real interest in movies because stills are my main interest. I sometimes use my digital camera(s) for tabletop animation. I use Photoshop if I want to apply effects and have no interest whatsoever in doing that 'in camera'.Right - on to the cameras themselves rather than me ...The 330 takes stunning images. I became aware of that from the moment I started trying it out. I'm not a great fan of superzooming but the quality and stability of the 330 lens and system was a revelation. Equally, it's usefulness for macro work was just as good. To my admittedly ageing eyes, the image quality of the 330 seems slightly better than for the SX60HS and it's zoom is definitely MUCH better - albeit not as far reaching as the Canon. If you're a dyed-in-the-wool superzoomer then maybe the 330 isn't for you. But if you value stability and image quality then it should be a camera that you consider very carefully.The 330 has a touchscreen. This works very well, even with a screen protector fitted to it. The SX60HS does not have the same type of screen, so this was my first experience of using one. I know that touchscreens are currently the 'in' thing (along with increasingly ridiculous amounts of zoom) and although it's easy to use, I personally found that using it intruded on the process of taking a photograph. The EVFs of both cameras work exceptionally well and give very clear images in their own right. (The precursor to the SX60Hs, the SX50HS had a famously awful EVF). Perhaps because of my history using the old Pentax, I still prefer to work with a viewfinder when and where I can, so both the 330 and SX60HS allowed me to do that with ease. The 330 has an advantage in that it detects whether you are using the viewscreen or the EVF and switches between them automatically when you put or remove your eye from the EVF. That is a very useful function.The viewscreen for the Canon is pleasingly uncluttered by mini-icons whereas the 330 screen often has many of these in view - although they can be removed at a touch of DISP button. With the 330, of course, the icons become active controls when you use the main viewscreen. At first, the camera is as intuitive to use as the Canon if (as is likely) you begin by using the 'Intelligent Auto' function. You can, in fact stay with that setting for quite a long time as you familiarise yourself with the camera.To demonstrate this, I am uploading 4 photos. All were taken during the writing of this review. All were taken within 4 minutes from inside a room on a rather dull day. I used the IA setting without any subsequent tweaks, changes of setting or use of any software other than a resizer to reduce the image and file sizes so that Amazon would accept them. I'll leave it to you to decide how well the 330 works at the basic level of Intelligent Auto. In the future, I will try to remember to upload a few additional images.(---- UPDATE April ---- I've just added some images to demonstrate the zoom. I deliberately chose a few quick shots in which the purpose of the zoom isn't immediately obvious. All were handheld in a slight breeze. All zooms are maximum. They are as follows:Canal and path - but there's a tiny black bird on the far bank. The zoomed shot is of that bird.Bridge over canal and power lines in sky. Tiny bird on one cable. The zoomed shot is of that bird.Tangles branches of tree. Two collared doves on one branch. The zoomed shot is of the pair.2nd shot along canal with path on right. The zoomed shot shows what is happening at the lock gates.View through arch of bridge over canal. Tiny white marker in distance. The Zoomed shot is of that marker.It is at this point that my own experience, preferences and idiosyncracies come into play - the 330 has a multitude of options, functions and settings. For me - and I stress that personal point of view - these can quickly become intrusive. However, the 330 does allow you to assign your favourite settings to several function keys as well as C1, C2 or C3 modes and this is a boon. The Canon and, let's face it, pretty well modern bridge and DSLR cameras work in the same way. However, the 330 does seem to be extremely well designed in this respect. It's just that as yet I haven't mastered everything. The Canon is not as well provided with the option to assign as many different preferred settings or modes. Whereas the Canon has C1 and C2 modes accessible via the mechanical wheel, the 330 has just one 'C' on its wheel and you choose between C1, C2 or C3 by using the touchscreen. (There may be another way but as yet I haven't found it).So - at the moment, I'm finding that the 330 has a fairly steep learning curve after my experience of the type of menu systems that Canon use. I'm finding that by pressing a button at the wrong time or for the wrong reason, the camera can plunge me into a menu screen that I wasn't expecting. This can become very frustrating but is something that will no doubt become easier and clearer with use and practise..On the other hand, I am coming to the opinion that the 330 - once understood - will be by far the better camera. It focuses faster than the Canon, especially where zoom is concerned and the EVF gives a brighter image AND is auto switches depending upon whether you are choosing to use it or the main viewscreen. One slight problem with the EVF is that if you have the touchscreen exposed, your nose rubs against it and can leave smears.I therefore end by repeating my belief that the 5 star rating for the 33 will be fully justified once I have got past my remaining difficulties in learning how best to use and control it. I'm not going to down-rate it simply because I still have a lot to learn about how best to use it. My experience does suggest that if you are new to digital cameras or are upgrading from a model which had fewer functions and features, then allow plenty of time to get to know how to best use the 330. However, my experiences thus far also suggest that this is a brilliant camera and that alone provides the motivation to carry on using it and learning how best to use it.My final comment is that neither camera provides a full manual. In both cases I chose to upload the full pdf of the manuals to companies who print and bind them. The cost wasn't excessive and was very worthwhile. The companies I used were camera-manual.com and print-my-pdf.com. From the one I ordered a spine-bound manual and from the other a spiral bound manual. Of the two types, the latter is massively more usable. Both companies provided very well produced books of the pdf files.So there you have it - a mostly non-technical collection of thoughts and experiences which I hope will be of some use to you.Over the years, I found that Ex-Pro products are worth the money.Ex-Pro® Panasonic DMW-BLC12E, DMW-BLC12, DE-A79B, DE-A79, DE-A80 Dual (Twin) Battery Fast Charge Digital Camera Charger for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, DMC-G6, DMC-GH2, DMC-FZ200, DMC-FZ1000http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DMW-BLC12E-DMWBLC12E-Replacement-DMC-FZ1000/dp/B00H3IBQVY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00I used to keep an anti-UV filter attached at all times. I now prefer to use a clear protective cover:Panasonic Panasonic 52mm Lumix G Protective FilterThe only other type of filter I regularly use is a polariser:Zomei® Ultra Slim AGC Optical Glass PRO CPL Circular Polarizing Polarizer Lens Filter - 52mmGood cases that suit your personal needs can be tricky to find. For the moment I use one of these, but I'm finding a few problems with it:Mantona Premium Camera Bag black (quick access, dust cover, shoulder strap, for camera with lens and accessories)

24.2.2016

An extraordinary camera. My daughter is a keen wildlife photographer, to the extent that we had considered a DSLR or Compact System Camera -- but despite the attraction of the larger sensors, getting a long reach on something like that make the system big and heavy to carry around all day. Having had a chance to take a few thousand pictures so far, she wouldn't switch back to her previous camera (a cheaper but still good Panasonic bridge, the FZ72) for anything!Our main conclusions:Paired with a teleconverter and adapter tube, the reach is even more amazing. Panasonic DMW-LT55E 1.7 x Tele-Conversion Lens For Lumix FZ100, FZ48, FZ45 and FZ38 Panasonic DMW-LA7GU Adapter for DMC-FZ200The sensor struggles at high ISO.She's capped it at 400, and produced very nice results.The camera can shoot RAW and comes bundled with a decent editing program (Silkypix).The wide, fast, lens allows for a huge range of useful shutter-speeds in decent light."AF+MF" mode has been a revelation to her. It's enabled from a menu. Once it's on, AF does its thing and then a well-positioned thumbwheel on the left side of the barrel enables you to tweak focus very, very, precisely (with picture-in-picture zoom on the viewfinder, and focus-peaking).She hasn't really experimented much with 4k photo bursts, but sees the possibilities. "Normal" bursts run pretty fast even when shooting in RAW.Battery life is a little down from some other cameras; order a spare and keep it charged!The eyecup is excellent (she couldn't use the viewfinder on the FZ72 due to her spectacles getting in the way).The touch-screen is brilliantly designed. Opened out, it can be used like a laptop touchpad while looking through the viewfinder.Her summary: it's been designed by a photographer. All the settings you might reasonably want to change are easy to find "in the field."UPDATE: 6 months and some 15,000 photos later. My daughter is still absolutely delighted with the camera. On one or two occasions, she wanted a longer reach for a small-bird shot, and we fished her previous bridge (FZ72) out of the bag... she couldn't believe how slow and inaccurate it felt by comparison with the 330.Further conclusions:It really isn't great at indoors/low-light photography, and the flash is underpowered. Not a problem for her type of pictures, but worth knowing.4k burst is a bit too gimmicky for her, and leaves you with very little room for cropping if you want really nice pictures. You can extract frames from a "normal" video in-camera, which works better.The range of options in the menu is really huge, and it is time well-spent looking through them. "Silent" mode (electronic shutter, and no beeps) is extremely useful during shows/presentations etc, as well as with easily-scared animals.Still the best buy for wildlife photographers in this price range.I've added a few more recent pictures just because I'm very impressed that this combination of young photographer and bridge camera can produce them!

5.8.2016

This is my first bridge camera - I normally use a Canon DSLR with a selection of lenses but increasingly I have found that carting around a load of camera gear on holiday is a pain. I therefore wanted something more compact with the potential for decent quality point & shoot, yet still with the capability to choose my own settings. This camera has delivered on these aims. I was a little wary of the 12MP and small sensor size but the results belie these limitations. I was attracted by the Leica lens which is capable of f2.8 through the range. The zoom is incredible - I know that there are bridge cameras out there with close to 1000mm but the 600m range of this camera is surely enough to cover most needs.

15.11.2016

Purchased this camera from another store but I like it so much I thought I ought to write a review. As a bit of background about me, I have professionally photographed weddings and sold landscape photographs.This camera saves me from take a DSLR and bunch of lenses around with me. But the photographs fall apart if you allow the ISO to go above 400. Just so long as you accept the low light reservation/ISO limit you will be fine. I use my phone which does a better job in low light.The advantage of the lens, which goes from wide to long, is impossible to underestimate. I use it mainly as a snapshot camera to take family and general views on holidays. I can take pictures of everything and the quality is very acceptable during daylight.

28.3.2017

This is an excellent camera. I am delighted with it's image quality and rugged construction. I studied many professional reviews before deciding to buy it, and also looked at many owners comments as well. I am using it as back up to a Nikon D5200 DSLR. The Nikon is a lovely camera, but when I need a bit of zoom I do not like changing lenses out in the sort of weather we often get in South Wales! I have been using a Canon SX 50 HS for this purpose, and it has performed very well over the last three years. However, the controls on the back of the camera are very fiddly for someone with large hands, and it has a famously pathetic EVF. I did consider buying the SX 60,

29.1.2017

I have always been impressed by the Panasonic superzoom FZ series cameras - my first camera was the FZ8. I've since had various SLR's/Bridge cameras but just didn't use them as often as I would have liked.So I have just bought back into the FZ range and am absolutely delighted with it ...-Viewfinder: superb-Screen: touch functionality is brilliant and you can disable it if it's not your thing-Handling: feels just right in the hand - I tried the FZ1000 and it wasn't nearly as comfortable-Lens sharpness: brilliant and better in my view than the standard telephoto lenses you typically get for SLR's-Photo quality: very good with natural colours - I use the camera mainly for bird pictures in good daylight and have it set to ISO capped at 200 in aperture priority at F4 for best results,

26.9.2015

I have been using this camera for a few days now and it is a BIG upgrade on the previous model. Once you have used the EVF on this model you just cannot go back to the EVF on the FZ200. Likewise, the high definition capacitive touchscreen elevates the camera to a different league alongside the Lumix G Series cameras and once you have got used to working that way it is indispensable. The same goes for the 4K photo modes, especially the pre-burst mode that allows you to take pictures of events that happened BEFORE you pressed the shutter.Handling is virtually perfect: it has a good size and weight without being cumbersome, the 5-axis image stabilisation is much better than the anti-shake system on the FZ200 (which was already good)

29.6.2017

Probably the sweet-spot bridge camera. I have owned, used and liked a variety of LUMIX bridge cameras (FZ38, 200, 1000 and of late the 330). I've also used a few APSC DSLR's - I mention this just to frame my comments. The 200 I used extensively and loved, replaced with the 1000, likewise, fantastic though I was never quite convinced it was better, I do understand the relative limitations/constraints of the small sensor in the 330 - if you anticipate a lot of low light work or wish to print large this is a negative. For me, the 330 is the 200 nicely developed, the 2.8 constant aperture is a great feature - OK, it's projecting onto a very small sensor but it works,

11.10.2015

The replacement to the FZ200 this model now adds features and benefits that make this another game changing camera from Panasonic. The OLED EVF is bigger, brighter and higher resolution and the comfortable rubber eyepiece means better viewing conditions - especially for spectacle wearers. The LCD now becomes higher resolution and touch enabled which allows for touch to focus/touch to shoot as well as menu choice. 4K photo mode enables up to 8M pixels stills at 30fps and the 4k UHD video mode allows extraction of up to a single 8M image from the video clip in camera. RAW shooters can now process a jpeg image in camera with a variety of effects.

17.4.2016

Excellent camera. Lens is sharp and the colour rendition is the best of any camera I have owned. It's particularly good on portraits. The 600mm zoom allows close up photos while the wide angle setting is great for landscapes etc. The macro setting gives very good close ups. Handling is good but I find it easy to catch the zoom button on the lens because I tend to hold the camera lens with my left hand. Exposure is perfect and there are lots of ways of choosing exactly how you want it exposed. Similarly there are lots of focussing methods. All work well. I've not used the video function much but the results so far have been excellent. Other functions such as panoramic photos all work well.

4.12.2015

brilliant camera. I have waited ever since digital cameras first came out (25 + years ago? ) for something this good. this is my 4th digital bridge camera & the first one worth having. Apart from its many other + points it has a shutter release speed & focus speed ( in reasonable light ) that is virtually instantaneous. Unless you have a very special need for a DSLR with the huge cost of extra lenses this will do everything you could ever want to do. I have taken shots of the moon using digital zoom at 2 1/2x to 3 x which show the craters ( when the sun is shining across the moons face ) which are very detailed at normal print size. they would not blow up much beyond whatever size they are on a 24" monitor,

23.7.2016

Excellent camera. I am a beginner with anything other than a point and shoot type of camera, and although you can use this camera in IA mode, I took a bit of trouble to get to know this camera. The menus are extensive but once the camera is set up, it is possible to access the "day to day" controls through the fn buttons and the 4 way dial on the back, for my photographic needs anyway. I've got nothing to compare it to, unlike some of the expert users who have also written reviews, but I find it easy to use and I am delighted with the quality of the photos it takes. I bought it primarily because of a holiday to Africa and took photos there mainly on aperture priority mode (as well as manual mode)

30.5.2019

I have had a few cameras in the FZ range and was looking to upgrade- unfortunately I also dropped my Fz72 and fixing it wasn’t a cheap option.I decided on the FZ1000 due to the sensor range and handle of it fitted me well.Having used Panasonic before someOf the options were easy to use, others I have a lot of learning to do.I have so far learnt much from this camera and have taken great photos.I particularly like the WiFi use - it’s a great way to send photos to your phone through an app and use as a back up option when away.I haven’t as yet used the video, as I take more stillsSo far a great all round camera,

28.1.2016

I had the predecessor, the FZ200, and always regretted selling it. The FZ330 (FZ300 elsewhere) is an improvement, mostly in the video department as it can now take 4K movies as well as slow motion. It's a complicated camera with no end of settings available; there must be half a dozen or more for the flash alone, but you can always put it on iA (automatic) and let the camera worry about the technicalities. The results are excellent - as good as any I've seen from a small sensor camera like this: sharp, well exposed, accurate colour. In good light it will keep up with larger sensor cameras like DSLRs, but in low light the photos can (and will) get a bit noisy, which is only to be expected.

7.10.2017

I've been using this camera for about a year now. (I didn't purchase at Amazon) Overall the camera is excellent. I've used it for Landscapes, Street photography and wildlife, capturing excellent results. The constant 2.8 aperture makes up for the small sensor in a lot of ways, the fast lens and zoom is excellent for wildlife.If you are looking for something for mainly shooting in low light you may want to look else where as I personally will only go up to 800 ISO and not that far most of the time, generally wont go over 400 ISOI mainly shoot in raw but the camera produces excellent jpegsMy wife has a Nikon DSLR but when we have been away she has now taken to using this Panasonic as she likes

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ330 - Reviews

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