Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8: Review

Posted to Digital Cameras 2010-01-20

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 review:

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 is a 12.1 megapixel, 4.6X zoom digital point-and-shoot camera. The zoom range starts at a true wide angle of 28mm (35mm equivalent) and the camera features a large 2.7 inch color LCD display. The Lumix DMC-FP8 uses SD memory cards for storage, and can capture full HD video at 1280 x 720p and 30fps.

Other features include a startup time of only 0.95 seconds, face recognition technology, high-speed autofocus and an Intelligent Auto Mode. The lens features optical image stabilization, the camera can take consecutive shots at 2.3 fps and features 27 scene modes. The camera can take up to 380 photos on a single battery charge, and comes with Panasonic's PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 software.

Rating:

3.4 out of 5

Value

At its current street price, the DMC-FP8 represents an excellent value in a 12.1MP point-and-shoot camera. It has most of the same features as the competition, yet is priced considerably less. It has a comfortable zoom range with a truly useful wide angle, automatic face detection technology, fast power-up times, and dual image stabilization. In addition, the HD movie mode is more capable than some of the competition. And battery usage is better than most of the competition. About the only thing to complain about is lack of a viewfinder, but we've become used to this with recent point-and-shoot models.

Performance

The DMC-FP8 delivers better than acceptable performance for a camera in its price range. Startup time is best in class, and shot to shot times are decent. The dual image stabilization ensures blur-free photos, and the face recognition technology means everyone is in focus. The true wide angle zoom factor, coupled with a usable 4.6X telephoto range, opens up a lot of picture taking possibilities. And the camera takes excellent quality images when set to full (Intelligent) auto.

Summary

If you're in the market for a full-featured, compact point-and-shoot camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 definitely deserves a look. At its current street price, it offers the same features as the competition for a better value. The camera has a very good build quality, as is usual from Panasonic, and a useful zoom range. All in all a very good offering from Panasonic.

Pros

12.1 megapixel resolution
2.7 inch color LCD
4.6X zoom range (28mm wide angle)
0.95 second startup time

Cons

Lacks a viewfinder