After using a 2-Megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (upgraded to FZ2 firmware) for a while, I decided that I need a camera with higher resolution. Since I have SD cards and 55mm filters that I used with the FZ1 and since I liked the FZ1's features, menu system and overall performance, I decided to stay with the Panasonic FZ line instead of moving to Canon S2 IS.

Why not Canon S2 IS

The Canon S2 IS uses SD cards and I would have been able to use my leftover SD cards, but it uses four AA-sized batteries, meaning I would have to get my own rechargeable NiMH batteries and a charger, recharge them removing them one by one. They are (4 of them) heavier than the battery pack used in Panasonic FZ cameras, more prone to cold weather, take up more space. Also, you have to get an adaptor to be able to use filters with the S2 IS, whereas the cameras of Panasonic FZ line include a lens/filter adaptor and a lens hood.

The FZ line ships with a real travel charger that can charge the battery pack from 110-240V, which means you can use it in the US, Europe and elsewhere. And my 55mm filters work with all FZ-line cameras, whereas Canon S2 IS accepts only 58-mm filters and only if you buy an optional adaptor. I have 58-mm filters, but I use them with my Nikon N55 SLR.

I also like the Panasonic menu system better. And Canon S2 IS is currently more expensive than comparable Panasonic FZ5 or FZ4 and is even more expensive factoring in the lack of rechargeable battery, charger, lens hood and filter adapter. I might get Canon S2 IS later, if I find a good deal on it, and compare it with my current camera, but for now, I decided in favor of Panasonic.

On Resolution

I find that I need at least 4 megapixels. Let me explain why. Although I originally thought that 2 megapixels will be sufficient for regular 6x4 prints, I have recently changed my opinion. Although 6x4 prints from a 2-Megapixel camera (Panasonic FZ1) compare favorably with prints from an inexpensive film point-and-shoot, they seem to be not as sharp and detailed as either photos taken by my Nikon N55 SLR with a Nikkor 28-80 f/3.3-5.6 G lens using Fujicolor Superia Reala ISO 100 or photos taken with an old Chinon 35EE-II rangefinder using Fujicolor Superia ISO 400 film.

If you don't look closely or have poor eyesight, the 2-Megapixel prints look as good. But if you pay attention, you see that they don't, no matter what you do to them in Photoshop (Unsharp Mask, etc.). And they actually have sub-2MP resolution, since you have to crop them to remove either the top or the bottom of the frame, since they don't have the 3/2 aspect ratio, required for 6x4 prints.

The bottom line here is although 2MP is sufficient for 6x4 print if you are not picky, it is not if you are and if you see that an old rangefinder camera bought on eBay for $20 loaded with regular color negative film can provide better sharpness. It cannot provide other features of FZ1, however. Neither it nor Nikon N55 with my zoom lens are as compact, light, provide 600 picture storage capacity on one small memory card, provide instant preview, 35-420 mm zoom with optical image stabilization or have rechargeable batteries or an ability to use Photoshop.

So off I go to get a similar camera but with larger resolution. And my first attempt was Panasonic DMC-FZ4 - a camera similar to my previous FZ1, but with 4 Megapixels, flash output compensation and TIFF storage capability.

About FZ4

The Panasonic DMC-FZ4 is a 4-Megapixel digital camera with 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor, Leica optics with 12x optical zoom (35-420mm in 35-mm equivalent) with optical image stabilization with maximum apertures of f/2.8 at wide angle and f/3.3 at full telephoto. It stores images on an SD card in TIFF or JPEG format (JPEG Fine or JPEG standard).

The FZ4 is only available in silver color and is called FZ4S. Its cousin - Panasonic FZ5 is available in silver or black, and has larger LCD screen. I am currently in process of returning the FZ4 and getting an FZ5K in black color.

The FZ4 has a 1.5-inch LCD screen, which is on its rear panel and is not articulated, unlike the Canon S2 IS. The FZ4 is relatively compact and lightweight, features USB 2.0 connectivity that requires no drivers, unlike some Canon cameras I dealt with, and has a very easy-to-use menu system.

In addition to the aforementioned improvements over the FZ1 (and FZ3), the camera is also faster in operation and uses a faster and more feature-rich Venus II LSI processing engine that helps it virtually eliminate chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high-contrast shots.

The image stabilization now has two modes - Mode 1 and Mode 2. In Mode 2, the stabilization is engaged only when the shutter release is pressed, which makes the stabilization more efficient and less power-hungry. The images turn out to be sharper when the Mode 2 is used, but it makes it slightly less easy to confirm focus.

You can now see the histogram on the screen (LCD or EVF) while or after the picture is taken. This way you can confirm if there is any lost detail in shadows (histogram is clipped in the right) or highlights (clipped in the left).

The slightly reworked rear panel now has separation between Display button and EVF/LCD button. Previously, you would have to push Display repeatedly to cycle through the information displayed and to switch between the EVF and LCD. Now, it is much easier and less frustrating.

What It Looks Like

Product Rating

This review is also available at Epinions.com: Panasonic DMC-FZ4 Review on Epinions.com

My Reviews of Other Digital Cameras