Home > Digital Camera Blogs > Panasonic FZ18
Gail's Panasonic FZ18 Blog
FZ18 ~ overall impressions
Instead of being the "jack-of-all-trades/master-of-none" digital camera I imaged, the FZ18 does a lot of things well. Very well.
While I loved my Canon S2IS, Canon still does not offer a S Series camera that starts at wide angle. Well, the FZ18 starts at 28mm equivalent and extends to 504mm. That's a whopping 18X mega zoom!!
It took me some time to decide to buy the FZ18. Like other photo enthusiasts, I was disappointed in the performance of similar cameras such as the Olympus 550UZ and Sony H9. I thought all wide-super zooms would have more problems than I was willing to accept.
But comments by early purchasers of the FZ18 suprised me. And the quality of their photos, particularly in good light, surprised me even more.
I expected a lot of lens distortion, but it is almost non-existent at both ends of the zoom. The FZ18 appears to do better at high ISO numbers up to ISO 400 than a number of Panasonic digicams that came before it.
If you're a pixel-peeper, though, you may observe noise in some photos even at ISO 100. Shots taken at ISO 800 and above are rarely useable. (In my film days, I never shot over 400 ISO (ASA) anyway)! If you take a lot of low light photos without the flash, the FZ18 is may not be the camera for you [More info ].
I've never had so many key features so quickly and easily accessible; and this is so important to me as a photographer! The FZ18 is a delight to use and hold.
Panasonic FZ18 Features
The Panasonic FZ18, an 18X super zoom, is packed with features that will delight many photographers.
My FZ18 Settings
Setttings I've found most suitable for general photo-taking with the Panasonic FZ18.
My Picture Adjust Settings
An explanation of my Picture Adjust settings for the Panasonic FZ18.
Hints, tips, observations
Tips and techniques for using the Panasonic FZ18.
Likes & dislikes
What I like and dislike about the FZ18. There is a lot more to like than dislike!
Discussion links & support
Links to support and other helpful information for owners of the Panasonic FZ18.
FZ18 Joystick
The Panasonic FZ18 joystick gives you near-instant access to keep camera settings.
Intelligent Auto Mode (iA)
Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode comes in pretty handy for point-and-shooters.
SilkyPix
Links and thoughts about using SilkyPix, a RAW development program.
FZ18 & Canon S compared
A comparison of the Panasonic FZ18 and the Canon S2 (and other S Series digital cameras).
FZ18 Beginner's Guide
Using the Panasonic FZ18 doesn't need to be as difficult as it first seems.
FZ18: Beyond Auto Mode
Learn to use the Panasonic FZ18 beyond fully automated modes
FZ18 low light tips
Tips for using the Panasonic FZ18 in low light.
FZ18 issues
Many initially believed the FZ18 was a perfect digital camera. It isn't.
FZ18 High Angle mode
The FZ18 High Angle mode makes the LCD easier to see when the camera is held above your head.
