Photo Review Reviews section

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

8.5 Rating

An update to the popular GF1 that is smaller and features a redesigned interface with touch-screen controls.Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GF2 arrives in retail stores in January 2011, roughly 15 months after we reviewed its predecessor, the GF1. The new model, which will be available in black or white, has the same rangefinder-like styling as its predecessor but is targeted at everyday photographers instead of photo enthusiasts. Accordingly, its user interface has been simplified and a touch-screen interface replaces many button and dial controls.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3

9 Rating

The latest addition to Panasonic’s G-series micro four thirds cameras offers higher resolution, touch screen control and a lower price tag.Panasonic has reduced the price of its latest G-series camera, the Lumix DMC-G3, which is $200 cheaper than the model is replaces was upon initial release. Sensor resolution has been increased to 16 megapixels in the new model and full HD video recording capability is a step up from the G2. The G3 is also marginally smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

8.5 Rating

A lightweight digicam with an optically-stabilised 18x optical zoom lens, RAW+JPEG support and a full range of adjustments.Successor to the successful FZ8 model, Panasonic’s latest long-zoom digicam, the DMC-FZ18 sports an 8-megapixel imager and a massive 18x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens that covers an equivalent focal length range from 28mm to 504mm. Otherwise the two models are superficially quite similar, although the FZ18’s image stabiliser is accessed via the menu instead of through a dedicated button. Internally some sigificant changes have been made in the newer model.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100

8.5 Rating

A capable advanced digicam with a 24x zoom lens and support for Full HD video recording with stereo soundtracks.The Lumix DMC-FZ100 takes its place at the top of Panasonic’s FZ series of digicams, which are designed for photo enthusiasts and support raw file capture. Slotting in above the FZ35 (which we reviewed in November, 2009), it extends the zoom range and adds Full HD recording with stereophonic soundtracks.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX520

8.5 Rating

A compact, lightweight digicams with an advanced set of functions, touch screen control and above-average performance.The 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FX520 is Panasonic’s first digital camera with a 3-inch touch-screen LCD and a very compact camera for its advanced range of functions. While the touch screen may excite some buyers, photographers are more likely to be attracted by the P, A, S and M shooting modes and the wide-angle Leica DC lens, which supports 5x optical zoom and covers a focal length range of 25mm to 125mm (35mm equivalent).

FIRST LOOK: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

A feature-rich, customisable, G-Micro series camera designed for photo enthusiasts.The latest addition to Panasonic’s popular Lumix G Micro System range has been designed to provoke interest among photo enthusiasts. The new GX1, which will be available locally early in 2012, is the company’s most feature-rich and photographer-friendly model to date. Equipped with the 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor introduced in the G3, it boasts a new rangefinder design, a mode dial and several customisable controls.

FIRST LOOK: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

An advanced digicam with a fast, 18x zoom lens plus support for raw file capture and AVCHD Lite HD video recording capability.Panasonic’s new DMC-FZ35 Lumix camera replaces the popular FZ28 at the top of the super-zoom line-up and offers P, A, S and M shooting modes to please photo enthusiasts, along with AVCHD Lite HD video recording. This ‘First Look’ is based upon a pre-production unit supplied by Panasonic Australia; it will be updated with Imatest results and sample images once a production unit has been supplied.

Olympus Tough Lite 790SW

8 Rating

A slim, point-and-shoot digicam that is waterproof to three metres and also shockproof, crushproof and ‘snowproof’.Available in three colours (Arctic Silver, Midnight Black and Sunset Orange), the Olympus Tough Lite 790SW adds some new capabilities to the traditional Mju series features and controls it provides. It has a metal body that is built for demanding conditions and can be used at depths of up to 3m without a protective waterproof housing and also withstand being dropped from heights up to 1.5 metres. In addition, it can function at temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for anyone who participates in winter sports or travels to the colder parts of the world.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

9 Rating

A compact, rangefinder-style digicam with a fast, wide-zoom lens and support for raw file capture.Successor to the popular DMC-LX2 model, the Panasonic DMC-LX3 represents a significant upgrade to its predecessor. Panasonic claims to have improved ‘every component’ to deliver a camera that will appeal to DSLR photographers who want a capable compact camera with all the necessary features and functions as a complement to their main camera.

Olympus Mju 500

Featuring a weather resistant metal body, 5-megapixel CCD and large ‘HyerCrystal’ LCD monitor the Mju 500 is a third-generation model in Olympus’ premium point-and-shoot range. The lens tucks behind a snug-fitting circular barrier, leaving the camera’s front surface smooth and flat. The button controls are small but well positioned, with a low profile that doesn’t gather pocket lint or other undesirable detritus, yet in no way hampers ease of use.