Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7, FZ38 and GH1 comparison Test Video (V2)
A sequence of video sequences shot in parallel with the TZ7,FZ38 and GH1 to give comparisons of image size and quality at either end of the zoom range. Shot under a variety of outdoor and indoor lighting conditions these sequences should give enough information to enable an informed opinion to be made about the various parameters of each of the cameras. In addition to the Panasonic Lumix camera sequences a parallel sequence shot with the nikon D5000 with standard kit lens are included. It is possible to make benchmark conclusions about the Nikon quality from this video. The opening sequence is shot with a Nikon D90 with f1.8 50mm lens set at f2.8 to give some opinion as to the D90 video quality with a prime lens. Hand held stabilisation shots are included at full zoom on each camera. Sequences were shot outdoors and indoors under tungsten and fluorescent lighting to compare AWB operation.
Duration : 0:6:28
[youtube 1ARdlee9kiw]
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
The FZ38 feels …
The FZ38 feels small and like a toy when you first pick it up. When you use it you will see that it gives fantastic stills and video. (see my west highland way video for stills taken with it) I have a Nikon D90 and Nikon D5000 with a lot of nikon ED lenses and i would say the FZ38 can match them for most of my casual work. There is a very slight delay from shutter release to picture take but nothing to worry about. It can also do bracket exposure and shoot raw as well as jpeg
at £265 in UK.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
@ghough12
Is the …
@ghough12
Is the FZ38 good compared to other DSLR cameras about the same price? The picture quality compared to like Nikod D3000 Olymus E-450? Is it fast to take the pics with?
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
All in all price …
All in all price considerd I think the T Z 7 is the one to buy, thanks for your video showing the differances
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thanks for the …
Thanks for the comment, however, can you translate into english for me?
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Ein guter Eindruck …
Ein guter Eindruck von verschiedenen Kamera`s,ich habe die FZ38,nun bin ich doch froh,dass ich mich dafür entschieden habe,obwohl die TZ7 auch gut ist,aber weniger Spielraum im Zoom-Bereich,und hat 12fah Zoom,die FZ18x.Danke für die Präsentation.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thanks for this …
Thanks for this fast response…
I have seen other videos and noticed that the tz7 has some focussing issues when zooming in and out fast.
In february i am going to the philipines and i would like to shoot some good videos and i think i will keep the fz38 but on the other side the tz7 is much more compact and also you can add an underwater case (i am a diver) but this is also very expensive…
hmhmhm…
thanks anyway
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
There is little …
There is little difference in video quality, however the FZ38 has the extra zoom, faster lens and more manual over-ride options to enable you to get better video quality. I agree it is bigger and the eyelevel evf isn’t as good as say the GH1 but overall the FZ38 is a very capable device for its size and weight. The TZ7 does give some excellent stills however it doesn’t give you the option to shoot in RAW mode. The TZ7 has a bright 3 inch lcd but early models suffered from a very loose mode wheel
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thank you very much …
Thank you very much for this excellent video.
Is there any difference in video quality between the fz38 and tz7? I have bought the fz38 but i am a bit unhappy about the big size and i am considering to buy the tz7 instead. What do you prefer?
Thank you very much!
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Low level light …
Low level light comparison video now posted. 10, 50 and 120 lux. at 50 lux both cameras produce acceptable results – If you are filming concerts etc the FZ38 has the advantage of being able to lock the auto exposure (AEL) so your video will not suffer dramatic up/down lighting fluctuations as artists move in/out of bright lights. The zoom range is better and with stabiliser mode on you will get good results I’m sure
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
coz, i’m looking …
coz, i’m looking for a non-slr cam that’s perfect for concert shots/vidz.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
ok, will wait for …
ok, will wait for it, thanks!
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thanks for …
Thanks for commenting. There is the obvious difference in size/portabilty between the two. The fz38(fz35) is better optically and produces beautiful still and video, even in low light. I will try to find some time to do a comparison video in low light.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
thanks for the vid, …
thanks for the vid, just what i need since i’m torn between tz7 & fz38. hope you can do a comparison for night time or low light shots/vids. thanks!
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
for me the FZ35/38 …
for me the FZ35/38 wins….
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Just needs the …
Just needs the costume I guess. Thanks for watching!
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Many thanks, yes I …
Many thanks, yes I am sure you will enjoy the FZ38 it is a very capable device for stills ( see my west Highland Way Video for shots taken with this camera) and 720p HD video. Enjoy.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
this guy looks like …
this guy looks like palpatine from starwars xD
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
brilliant video …
brilliant video youv done..thanks…..got the fz38 today as christmas pressie from my girlfriend….well pleased ..especially after watching your video…
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
As technology is …
As technology is advancing all the time its a sure bet panasonic must have more models in the design/production workflow. They seem to have concentrated on the GH/GF1 range and the true compacts like the TZ7 so i might guess the FZ38 is “safe” at the moment – its a great camera
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Great test, just …
Great test, just what I was looking for! I’m thinking about buying the fz38 but do you think panasonic will release a follow-up of it soon that is worth waiting for?
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
very very good test …
very very good test, i own fz38 and i absolutely love it !
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thanks for your …
Thanks for your comments, I used avchd on all the panasonic, whilst the nikon is only mjpeg. From my recent evaluation between mjpeg and avchd I have established that the format that works for me is mjpeg. In distant shots things like tree foliage and grass are resolved with too far pixels i.e. the compression is too hard in this situation. Complex images do better as the algorithm doesnt compress this. I used grass valley edius 5.2 to edit. Continuous focus works quickly in all the panasonics.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Interesting to see …
Interesting to see the cheaper cameras do relatively well. Perhaps the differences would have been greater if zooming/refocusing/etc while filming. Which format (AVCHD/MJPEG) did your record in for each camera – and which video editing package? Cheers.
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thank you for …
Thank you for commenting, much appreciated
on January 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
nice work…thanks
nice work…thanks