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Panasonic Lumix DMC FX35

by DCT on October 20, 2008

Panasonic DMC FX35S

LatestReview and Sample Photos by InfoSync (added 20 October’08)

Panasonic Lumix DMC FX35 10.1 megapixel digital camera and it features a 4x optical zoom, 25mm wide angle, and a 2.5 inch LCD.

Overall Rating: 14 votes, average: 3.36 out of 514 votes, average: 3.36 out of 514 votes, average: 3.36 out of 514 votes, average: 3.36 out of 514 votes, average: 3.36 out of 5 Loading ... Loading ...

Read More Reviews – (updated 24 August’08)


InfoSync
“Perhaps the most electrifying feature on the camera is its 25mm equivalent wide angle lens, which lets you capture more in your pictures without having to smash your back up against a wall in order to fit the entire Italian side of the family in the shot.”
Rating:  
LetsGoDigital has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“Although the 10 Megapixel deliver more resolution and offer the creative photographer sufficient pixels to make crops or other editions; the signal/noise ratio and the fight against noise continue.”
Rating: ½½½½½
DigicamReview has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The camera has a compact and stylish metal body, available in a number of colours. The camera feels very well built, with pleasing switches, and is fairly comfortable to hold. It features things you may not need such as face detection, intelligent Auto, but it turns out that these can be useful features.”
Rating: ½½½½½
StevesDigicams has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The Panasonic Lumix FX35 is a very stylish wide angle digicam with outstanding shooting performance. The 4x optical zoom with the 25mm wide angle lens and 10-megapixel imaging sensor really compliment the iA shooting mode and O.I.S. system. The only thing holding these camera back is the noise that is present in the dark areas of all the photographs, no matter what the ISO setting.”

Rating: Not Rated
ThinkCamera has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is an excellent compact and a perfect holiday camera. From class-leading ultra wide-angle shots at 25mm with little distortion, to longer zoom shots at 100mm – the range covers the majority of snaps you’d ever need, and image quality’s pretty solid throughout.”

Rating: ½½½½½
TrustedReviews has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The Panasonic FX35 demonstrates just how much technology can be squeezed into even the tiniest camera bodies. It combines terrific build quality and aesthetic design with a class-leading wide-angle lens, decent performance, exceptionally good low light performance. Only the slightly annoying high-ISO noise prevents it scoring 10/10 in this area. If you are looking for a feature-packed luxury compact with wide zoom and image stabilization then the FX35 is one of the best on the market.”

Rating: ½½½½½
ImagingResource has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The Panasonic FX35 is a well-built digicam with an impressive piece of glass, the Leica DC-Vario Elmarit that starts at a very wide 25mm equivalent and extends 4x to 100mm. Unfortunately that was where the fun stopped. The Panasonic FX35’s menu system is painful to use, and basic functions like digital zoom are awkward or simply not functional. The Panasonic FX35 packs some smart photo technology inside, and if that was all anyone ever needed, it might make the grade. But that’s not all anyone needs, really. iA mode is a better Auto for many situations, but none in which you want to control the camera. Ultimately, it comes down to image quality, and the Panasonic FX35 compromises just a little too much, with soft corners in images, and odd demosaicing that produces a grainy appearance across the image.”

Rating: Not Rated
BusinessWeek has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“Panasonic takes full advantage of its in-house technology with its Venus Engine IV image-processing chips. The zippy processor let me shoot a series of pictures with very little lag, a feature that sports- or nature-lovers should really like. Company engineers say the upgrade from Venus Engine III also cuts down on “image noise,” which is the digital equivalent of grainy film in analog cameras. While I’m no camera expert, it seemed to work well, particularly with challenging low-light situations and higher ISO exposure settings.”

Rating: ½½½½½
Cameras.co.uk has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“This camera ticks most of the right boxes. Picture quality is very good, the camera is stylish and it is also easy to use. The camera also has the widest lens I have tested for a compact camera. It will also slip into a pocket.”

Rating: ½½½½½
PCMag has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“On our resolution test, the FX35 registered 1,950 lines—slightly below average for a 10.1-megapixel camera. Still-life shots were muted and not as bright as I’d like to see, and flash shots were consistently dark. Images showed almost no barrel or pin-cushion distortion, but in general, I wasn’t impressed with the image quality.”

Rating: ½½½½½
DCResource has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“The FX35 takes good quality photos, though there are definitely some issues to point out. On the whole, photos were well-exposed, with pleasing, vivid color. Images are on the soft side, though it’s not too bad. Panasonic has made great strides in reducing the amount of noise reduction they apply to images on their newest cameras, and that shows on the DMC-FX35. However, you’re taking that problem and exchanging it for another: noise. You’ll see visible noise at the lowest ISO setting (100), especially in shadow areas. As is always the case, noise levels go up when light levels go down. Although it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be, noise reduction still rears its ugly head occasionally, smudging fine details (or everything, in low light). The FX35 also has problems with corner blurriness, especially at the wide end of the lens. These issues won’t be much of a problem if you’re making 4 x 6 inch prints, though you will see their negative effects when making large prints, or viewing the photos on your computer screen.”

Rating: ½½½½½
PhotographyReview has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“Overall, I think this is a great camera and I am honestly willing to trade a little image quality for great features and performance. And I wouldn’t describe the FX35’s image quality as “bad.” But the excellent image quality I’ve been seeing from other pocket-sized digital cameras makes the FX35’s image quality hard to swallow. The lens makes me want to love it and give it both thumbs up. But when I look at my final images I am often a little disappointed. On the other hand, as soon as I returned the camera I started to miss it. I am very conflicted about this camera! Please Panasonic – improve the image quality a bit so I can love the FX35!”

Rating: ½½½½½
LapTopMag has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“Panasonic crams a lot into the Lumix DMC-FX35, including an expansive zoom range that’s perfect for landscape photos and an innovative Intelligent Scene Selector. However, its overall picture quality was inconsistent, keeping the FX35 from being a top pick.”

Rating: ½½½½½
CNET Asia – 26 March’08 – reviews the Panasonic DMC FX35 and thought the focusing was a little slow. Here’s a summary of their review -
“It didn’t really at what ISO the review took pictures they thought the pictures looked slightly soft. The reviewer was impressed with the Intelligent Exposure mode which helps to prevent “blown highlights and blocked shadows” and best of all, it worked. About the only bobble was the auto focus was a little unstable in low light. When the reviewer took the camera outside the auto focus speed went back to fast.

Rating: ½½½½½
DigitalCameraReview – 26 March’08 – reviews the Panasonic DMC FX35 and thinks the LCD is hard to use in bright sunshine. Here’s a summary of their review -
“This is a fairly straightforward easy to operate digital camera. Image quality is good mainly because the lens overall is one of the best the reviewer has come across in compact digital cameras. Even at the wide angle setting there is very little distortion which is VERY unusual. Resolution, sharpness, and color reproduction were good straight out of the camera.”

Rating: ½½½½½
CameraLabs – 22 March’08 – reviews the Panasonic DMC FX35 and felt it’s a highly desirable digital camera. Here’s a summary of their review -
“Having the 25mm wide angle lens makes this camera a standout in the crowd. Image quality drops drastically at ISO 400 and even more at 800 with a loss of fine detail. the review points out the ISO 1600 should be used for emergency use only because of the exaggerated noise levels. With great features, a killer wide angle lens, and as long as you stay away form high ISO this camera should be on your short list.”

Rating: ½½½½½

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]

[Sample Photos at DigicamReview]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at ImagingResource]
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
CNET.co.uk has reviewed the Panasonic DMC FX35 and they write -
“On our resolution test, the FX35 registered 1,950 lines—slightly below average for a 10.1-megapixel camera. Still-life shots were muted and not as bright as I’d like to see, and flash shots were consistently dark. Images showed almost no barrel or pin-cushion distortion, but in general, I wasn’t impressed with the image quality.”
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyReview]
[Sample Test Photos at CNET Asia]
[Sample Test Photos at CameraLabs]

Specifications

[Official Panasonic Specifications]

Owners Manual

[Owners Manual]

Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new Lumix DMC-FX35, its first 10.1-megapixel camera with astonishing 25mm ultra-wide-angle LEICA DC lens and 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 25mm to 100mm on a 35mm film camera). Capturing almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to ordinary 35mm cameras, the DMC-FX35 records remarkable images with unprecedented width and depth.

The new DMC-FX35 integrates 720p HD (high-definition) recording capabilities for capturing motion pictures alongside its primary function as a stills camera, allowing users to watch both still and motion images in impressive HD quality. The DMC-FX35 comprises a variety of additional shoot-assist functions on top of Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode with conventional Mega O.I.S which suppresses hand-shaking, and its Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. New Intelligent Scene Selector Function chooses the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting the most frequently used setting from modes Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. New Face Detection System automatically detects human faces to set the focus of potential shots and insure the best possible exposure. Unwanted red-eye effects caused by the flash can now be digitally corrected, and newly added Intelligent Exposure Function controls ISO sensitivity to partially increase the exposure of darkened areas in shot, allowing users to capture scenes suppressing extreme brightness or darkness in images.

Quick AF System allows the DMC-FX35 to pre-determine focus on a subject without pressing the shutter button halfway, to maximize results for every shooting opportunity. In IA Mode the multi-capable functions of the DMC-FX35 adapts to changes in a variety of shooting environments allowing users to capture images automatically without the need to adjust settings every time conditions alter. This allows for simple, accurate image reproduction in any situation with the reassurance of capturing clear, beautiful stills.

High-performance image-processing LSI has entered its fourth generation, to be reborn as Venus Engine IV, assuring higher-quality images with an advanced Signal Processing System. The DMC-FX35 boasts a 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD with Intelligent LCD function introducing control of light detection and brightness levels in 11 steps, to ensure the clearest possible images are achieved.

Slideshows of captured images now offer a background music option so users can enjoy watching pictures with a musical accompaniment to enhance the mood of a screening.

The DMC-FX35 will be available in silver and black, each with a distinctive finish or texture according to its colour.*
*Availability of models and colours may vary depending on the sales area.

1. 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle 4x Optical Zoom (25-100mm) f2.8 High-Quality Leica DC Lens and 10.1-Megapixel CCD

The 10.1-megapixel DMC-FX35 boasts a 25mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT high-quality lens with 4x optical zoom, offering f2.8 brightness. Comprising 7 elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit surpasses Leica’s stringent standards and delivers exceptional optical performance. Newly developed unevenly thick concave meniscus aspherical lens with high refractive index, allows the 25mm ultra-wide-angle to achieve high optical performance, encompassed in a slim design and lens unit. The 25mm ultra-wide-angle lens records almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance compared to other ordinary 35mm cameras and in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom capacity to 7.1x by using the central part of the CCD.

The Easy Zoom** feature shifts the lens instantly to full 4x optical zoom power at the touch of a dedicated button, and with a second touch, the zoom ratio is further extended to 7.1x by activating the Extra Optical Zoom function.

**When the picture size is set to 3 megapixels or larger, the photo is automatically resized to 3 megapixels. When the lens is shifted back to the wide-end, the picture size is set to the original size automatically. The original size is maintained for photos smaller than 3 megapixels.

2. Great photography is not only for Professional Photographers anymore — Intelligent Auto Mode

Panasonic has incorporated its Intelligent Auto mode into this model in pursuit of easy operation and more accurate shooting,,further enhanced by an Intelligent Exposure feature and digital red-eye correction function. Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) compensating for unsteady captures and Intelligent ISO Control to detect and suppress motion blur are built into all Lumix cameras, and lead the way as the industry’s most advanced technology to counteract blurring. Image stabilizing has been further advanced in the DMC-FX35 by detecting accuracy and correcting misdemeanors thanks to new image-processing LSI, the Venus Engine IV.

In addition to these two anti-blurring technologies, Panasonic continues pursuing the ideals that anyone at any technical level of photography would strive to achieve, the ability to take beautiful pictures with ease. This is what incorporating the DMC-FX35’s Intelligent Auto mode aspires to. Increasing the number of scene modes is one step and taking advantage of them is another, but the DMC-FX35’s Intelligent Scene Selector develops this further. This function automatically sets the appropriate scene mode from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Macro, Night Scenery and Night Portrait mode.

Face Detection System helps the camera to recognize human faces and sets the focus and exposure automatically in relation to these, with up to 15 faces being located simultaneously and red-eye effects can be digitally corrected.

The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focusing on the subject without users having to press the shutter button halfway, to get the best results from any potential shooting opportunity by minimizing the AF time.

Newly incorporated Intelligent Exposure Function increases exposure only in under-exposed areas by detecting the brightness level part-by-part in the picture. For example if the background of an image includes sky, the DMC-FX35 automatically adjusts the aperture and shutter speed to keep the setting slightly under-exposed. This prevents a washed-out,dullness common with some cameras, as it brightens the area by only increasing the ISO in that area. If the background of an indoor portrait receives insufficient lighting from a flash and becomes dark, the ISO sensitivity is raised only in the low-lit area to make the image brighter without causing graininess in the subject’s face, resulting in a well balanced picture.

The multi-capable functions are automatic and allow for shooting without the bother of adjusting the settings every time conditions change as the powerful Intelligent Auto Mode does all the work..

3. Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography in the High-Definition Era

All Lumix cameras have the ability to take 1920×1080 pixel HD (high-definition) photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new DMC-FX35 even records dynamic HD motion images in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability,, users can enjoy watching still and motion images in stunning HD quality by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

The DMC-FX35 allows for slideshows to be formatted complete with music. This brand new function allows users to choose pictures and match music that best suits the selection from natural, slow, urban or swing and upload in a simple fashion. By doing so users have the ability to enhance tone and add personality and uniqueness to their slideshow with a variety of slide change effects. If compiled with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, users can watch these on a large-screen HDTV aided by an optional component cable.

4. High-Speed, High-Quality Image-Processing LSI further evolves into the Venus Engine IV

New image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. Parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the previous Venus Engine III, is more sophisticated in the DMC-FX35. The luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated and only the low-frequency noise is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Colour information regarding the change point between colours is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus colour bleeding is dramatically reduced. This improvement not only produces clearer images in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also accurately reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. The Venus Engine IV also elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., preventing hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur.

The DMC-FX35’s multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine IV, supports an incredibly fast response time. The shutter release time lag is an incredibly fast 0.005 seconds at its quickest and such a quick response time makes it easier to capture those sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. In burst shooting mode the DMC-FX35 can snap 2.5 shots per second at full resolution.*** In High-Speed Burst shooting mode,**** it fires off an incredible 6 shots per second but users can also get unlimited consecutive shooting,***** which allows for continuous image capture until the memory card is full.
The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that allows the DMC-FX35 to record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.******
*** Max. 5 images in standard mode/ 3 images in fine mode.
**** In 2-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording.
***** The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.
****** In 3-megapixel (4:3), 2.5-megapixel (3:2), 2-megapixel (16:9) recording

5. Advanced 2.5-inch large intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot high resolution for easy shooting and playback

The DMC-FX35 incorporates a large 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen for clear playback of shots and footage. Intelligent LCD function detects light conditions and automatically adjusts LCD backlighting (a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine and by adjusting frame rates when shooting in low-lit situations) as well as using the pixel mixed readout method to ensure the clearest possible image is captured. Detecting precise lighting conditions and automatically controlling brightness levels with a total of 11 steps, allows this function to produce the clearest possible image in any situation.

The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, for example when shooting over a crowd.

6. Other Features

The DMC-FX35 features a variety of functions to provide convenient solutions and experimental fun for users to enjoy whilst capturing beautiful images.

The energy-efficient Venus Engine IV contributes to the long battery life of the DMC-FX35, making it possible to shoot around 290 shots on a single battery charge******* despite the large, bright LCD. A total of 21 scene modes help users to take more beautiful pictures in a wide range of situations and environments.

The Title Edit function which allows text to be input as additional information to accompany images such as the names of children and pets, as well as travel places can be useful when compiling a photo album for example. A Text Stamp function allows this text to be added to photos and printed off. Around 50 MB of internal memory is built-in to back up SDHC/SD Memory Card recording and copying.

All new Lumix cameras incorporate a REC/PLAYBACK mode switch which helps photographers to switch instantly between recording and playback modes, while always knowing which mode the camera is in. The GUI (Graphic User Interface) has been upgraded with a more futuristic design and colour while maintaining the visibility of characters.

The major features mentioned above can be quickly understood with the newly installed slideshow program called Demo mode.

The DMC-FX35 is compatible with an optional marine case (DMW-MCFX35) enabling users to shoot underwater for example whilst scuba diving,
******* Based on the CIPA standard

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