Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18

Zitat: Recommended Pro: + 4x stabilised optical zoom. + 28mm equivalent wide angle. + 720p HD video. + Versatile LCD screen modes Contra: - Poor AF performance in low light. - No zoom while recording video. Lackluster image quality. - Lacking ´fun´ features of latest Canons. The Panasonic Lumix FS18 / FH5 is a 16 Megapixel compact with a 4x stabilised optical zoom and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. The FS18 / FH5 was announced in January 2011 alongside a 14 megapixel sibling, the FS16 / FH2, both models share the same lens and screen, and both shoot HD video at 720p resolution. The Lumix FS18 / FH5 is 20 percent slimmer than its predecessor, the Lumix FS11 / FH3, while also adding 2 Megapixels to its resolution. But the main difference between the new and old models is the lens, reduced to a 4x optical zoom here from the FS11 / FH3´s 5x lens. The extra reach has all come off the telephoto end of the range, so at least the 28mm equivalent wide angle remains, which combined with a very compact lightweight body and consumer-friendly features like Face detection and Intelligent Auto exposure with scene detection, this is a camera squarely aimed at casual snappers looking for quality images without breaking the bank.

Zitat: The Lumix is renowned for offering affordability and reliability, and the FS18 continues this tradition. It’s very easy to get big results from this tiny compact

Zitat: Sometimes it´s difficult differentiating between Lumix models at the entry-level point and shoot end of the spectrum, so similar are they - and in truth there´s nothing much here that we haven´t seen before from the brand, albeit with a lower pixel count. It´s a shame that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18´s zoom cannot be used when recording movie clips, but then the zoom isn´t the camera´s main selling point. Also pixel fringing is quite readily apparent and ideally you´d want to stick below ISO400 if shooting in lower light without flash. Alternatively there is the night shooting scene mode, the results from which can be quite impressive if you´re using a tripod or flat surface. Apart from the fact that it introduces fringing and blown highlights, it´s under clear blue skies that this camera excels, so the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18 is an inexpensive option for someone looking to slip a cheap-ish camera into their holiday bag that will deliver usable results without having to pore over a manual on the train or plane. In summary then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18 is a straightforward point and shoot for those users who want a camera they can pick up and start snapping with straightaway, rather than a model to trade up to in terms of expanded feature set and responsiveness. Still, the sub-£150 price point reflects this, and those spending a little won´t be expecting a lot. Whilst the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS18 is not a camera we can work ourselves into a frenzy of excitement about therefore, it is nevertheless another capable addition to the compact canon. For the money we´d suggest you can´t go far wrong and although the FS18 is no great shakes in terms of specification, all things considered it gets a Recommended verdict nonetheless.