Panasonic ZS8 Review – Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8
I purchased Panasonic ZS8 after my older camera was broken, and I was in doubt for about a week over whether to buy a dSLR camera. (sold at $239.99 here)
I needed a camera that I can still carry around in my pocket and don’t need any huge bag around. I was certain that this Panasonic ZS8 was a perfect compromise in quality and dimension.
The small downside is, at long end of its zoom range, there can be reduction of the performance of the lens, but slightly, moreover even if you are at ISO 100, you will probably loose some fine details of the noise reduction. Also this camera version does not include the GPS feature which the ZS10 has. (but ZS10 is about $100 more expensive!)
Clock Set of Panasonic ZS8
Now what I love is, this Panasonic ZS8 is very easy to use, has an amazing wide angle lens that will give you sharp results in really optimal shooting conditions and a smooth almost stepless 2 speed zoom.
The optical zoom is also great, because you will be able to extend it even further optically with the resolution reduction, from eight to five or even three megapixels. The most important is the excellent battery life.
The automattic intelligent mode is very simple to use, and spot on for nearly all of objects, you will be able to brighten your settings whenever you are indoor or leave it so it will automatically point and shot.
The focus is noticeably fast and accurate, and all of my photos are looking clear, having natural color and excellent exposure.
The Panasonic ZS8 LCD screen is in a perfect size to allow you viewing your images once they are taken. I love its excellent EVF and the HD resolution of the screen.
Appearance wise, the Panasonic ZS8 has a solid build quality combined with an efficient compact package.
It has a comprehensive controls range, quick to take action, and the menu design is user friendly as well as great designed. There are a few settings in this camera, for instance baby setting if you have a kid or family, and other features that allow you to customize your camera setting as you wish, without dSLR’s complexity.
For more creativity, this Panasonic ZS8 has wide range of “in camera” image modifications, and it is astonishingly solid to handle, you just can slip into any of your pockets.
Furthermore, this pocket camera has usable raw mode, which is approximately four seconds shot to shot with your fast card, and it gives good movie result at 16:9; 30fps and VGA.
Panasonic ZS8 Review – Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 Specs
Specs:
- Point and shoot camera type
- 16x Optical Zoom
- 4x Digital Zoom
- 14.1 MP Sensor Resolution
- 3″ LCD TFT active matrix display
- 1/2.33″ MOS Optical Sensor
- Zoom lens type
- 4mm – 69mm Focal Length Range
- 3 cm Macro Focus Range
- F/3.3-5.9 Max. Aperture Range
- Built-in Flash with 0.6m – 5m Effective Flash Range; Red Eye reduction, Auto Mode; Fill in Mode; OFF, and Slow Synchro
- 70MB Memory storange, supports SD; SDHC; SDXC Memory card
- Built-in mono microphone; Face detection
- 1920 x 1080 Max Video Resolution
- Connectivity: 1x Hi-Speed USB; 1x Composite Video Audio output; DC Power Input, and 1x SD Memory card expansion slot
- Size: 4.1 x 1.3 x 2.3 inch
- Weight: 6.6 Ounces
Panasonic ZS8 Review – Summary
I would definitely say, this handy camera works amazingly good for such a tiny bit of device. I can imagine if you want to have a better camera, you would either have to purchase a hell of expensive device or pay for a full on dSLR, for instance Nikon D5100.
I am very satisfied with this Panasonic ZS8 and certainly recommend to those who are considering purchasing a really good camera but small enough to fit in your pocket or bag.
