Panasonic has added a new model ’super zoom’ Lumix cameras army through the FZ18. Based slightly on the FZ8, the FZ18 is a new thing with more zoom and flare for photographic lovers of all kinds. The optically stabilized lens has increased at both ends and now supports 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting the FZ18 into competition with Olympus’ SP-550UZ. The FZ18 squeezes more pixels onto its 1/2.5-inch sensor, although the increase has been fairly moderate from 7.3 to 8.3 megapixels. More features include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection and a new Intelligent Auto mode which integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection and Scene Detection into a ‘Super’ Auto Mode. The FZ8 was impressive when we reviewed it a while back, and the FZ18 isn’t stopping there with its zoom range and pixel count.

Primary Differences VS DMC-FZ8

• 18x optical zoom (28-504mm equiv.) - FZ8 has 12x (36-432mm) zoom
• Smaller maximum aperture at long end of zoom (F4.2 vs F3.1)
• 8.3 megapixel sensor (vs 7.2 megapixel)
• Face Detection
• Intelligent Auto mode
• Manually selectable ISO 1600
• ISO 6400 High Sensitivity mode
• AF/AE lock button and dedicated AF/MF button
• 1cm macro (was 5cm)
• Custom mode and extra scene modes (plus ‘advanced scene modes’)
• Five level Noise reduction (was three level)
• Slower continuous shooting (burst)
• Heavier and slightly larger