Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8
- Resolution: 16 MP
- LCD Size: 3"
- Shutter: 8 ~ 1/1600 sec.
- Price: $101 - $149/£142
Review
At the 2012 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) Panasonic unveiled two brand-new FH series cameras: the FH6 and FH8. The FH8 is the larger and more powerful of the two featuring a 3" display, 16 mp resolution, and a slightly larger profile. In terms of embedded features the two are nearly identical.
At first look we were not extremely impressed with the size, look, and feel of the FH8. It seems a bit thin and cheap, and the shutter button seems completely unnatural. It also might be a bit difficult for those with larger hands to hold comfortably. It does come in a couple of different color options if that's important to you.
During our tests we observed some of the best picture quality we've seen in a compact point-and-shoot. Colors were crisp, saturation was consistent, and noise issues didn't begin to appear until we got above 800 ISO. Even at that they were minimal.
Getting back to the controls, though the shutter button seems a bit unnatural the controls themselves are easy to use. Panasonic strove to create a good package of features and usability with the FH series and it appears as though they accomplished those goals.
Advantages: excellent picture quality; light weight; 16 mp resolution; 70 MB internal storage; very good price for the class.
Disadvantages: feels and looks cheap; so-so video; limited connectivity.
Price and Availability: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 is now available worldwide (DMC-FS45 in Europe); US price: $101-$149; UK price: from £142
Release Date: April, 2012
Ratings:
- Megapixel Count: RATING 4.5/5
- Lens: RATING 4.5/5
- Shutter Lag & Sensor Size: RATING 4.5/5
- Flash: RATING 4/5
- Memory Card: RATING 5/5
Basic Specifications:
- Resolution: 16 mp
- Kit Lens: Leica 5x xZoom lens
- View Finder: None
- LCD Size: 3"
- ISO: auto, high auto (1600-6400), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
- Shutter: 8 ~ 1/1600 sec.
- Max Aperture: F2.5 - F6.4
- Dimensions: 96 x 57 x 19 mm (3.78 x 2.24 x .75")
- Weight: 123 g (0.27 lb / 4.34 oz)
- MSRP: USD $149.99
- Availability: worldwide
Detailed Specifications:
- General Information: 720p HD video; Panoramic capture; simultaneous still shots and video recording; to exposure modes, 15 scene modes, five special effects filters; automatic and manual white balance.
- Image Sensor: CCD 16 mp
- Image Capture: JPEG; 8 res. options
- Video Capture: H.264, MPEG; 2 res. options
- Optics: 5x xZoom lens; aspherical lens; focal length 24 - 120 mm
- Auto Focus: yes; with Optical (MEGA O.I.S.) image stabilization, TTL contrast detection, face priority, subject tracking; 23 focus points
- Display: 3" LCD
- Exposure and Flash: ±2 EV (at 1/3 EV steps); built in flash with AF illuminator, red-eye reduction, slow sync, fill-in mode; 18' range
- Image Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC; 70 MB internal
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, composite video/audio
- Power: Li-ion rechargeable battery (680 mAh)
- Software: Panasonic PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.0 Standard Edition, drivers & Utilities