In spite of the fact that winter premieres of Panasonic compacts are entirely devoted to ultrasums, the company took time-out in the race of the magnification of optics. As a result, the camera with the most powerful optics in the Lumix lineup remains the FZ72, introduced to the general public last summer, while competitors for “farsightedness” have gone ahead.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72 compact camera
20MP 20-1200mm 60x 3″ $420
Yet, it is difficult to see the difference in detail of the images of distant objects after 50x because the compact optical systems and small sensors do not allow to see the full extent of all the nuances. And in fact this camera is unlikely to be worse than those with 60″ zoom+.
An important advantage of the FZ72 optics, in fact, is not the maximum focal length, but the minimum. Very few compacts can offer 20mm at a wide angle. The camera already allows not only to fit spacious landscapes and work more effectively in cramped rooms, but also to approach the transfer of perspective artistically.
Panasonic has been very successful lately in developing professional videographic niche with its “system” cameras and camcorders of micro 4/3 format. Some of the groundwork in this area also went to the older Lumix ultrazoom. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the unexpectedly high picture quality sorry, without the fast 60p mode , versatility of optics, adapted to work with video, a special zoom-microphone of complex design, which prevents the recording of noise. Besides, the camera offers a manual control over the shooting and a possibility to apply a lot of digital effects to the clips.
The FZ72 is equipped with a hot shoe for external accessories, can record RAW and has a wide range of manual controls. At that, Panasonic designers didn’t count on professionals: there is no popular flip-down screen, and the built-in electronic viewfinder lacks size and resolution.
This Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72 compact camera seems impressive, but I’d like to know if it performs well in low light conditions. Can anyone share their experience using it in dimly lit environments or capturing nighttime shots?
What are the standout features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72 compact camera, and how does it compare to other cameras in terms of image quality, zoom capabilities, and ease of use?