The camera, installed with a new Venus Engine HD image processor, updates the DMC FZ-28, launched earlier in 2008, with improvements that include Face Recognition, an AF system twice as fast as the preceding model, AVCHD Lite HD video recording, and Power O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilization).
Features include a fast f/2.8 to f/8 lens, a 201,000 dots EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), a set of stereo microphones and a monaural speaker, a 2.7-inch 230,000 dots TFT LCD, a shutter speed range from 60 to 1/2000 second, ISO sensitivity from 80 to 1600 (ISO 6400 in High Sensitivity mode), and a pop-up flash. The camera measures 118 x 76 x 89mm and weighs 414 grams with card and battery.
Exposure selection include iA (Intelligent Auto) with Scene Detection, Face Recognition, and AF tracking for automated shooting, P (Program AE), A (Aperture Priority), S (Shutter Priority), and M (Manual Exposure) modes; My Color Mode, which allows for artistic color adjustments; Scenes for settings such for Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, and Close-up; and Scene Modes for Panorama Assist, Party, Candle Light, Baby 1, Baby 2, Pets, and a host of other selectable options.
While the camera is not exactly pocketable, its compact size fits well with smallish hands, and with its robust build, it should do well as a carry-around for family outings and occasional travel, and is equally competent as a very well-featured digital bridge for learning photography with manual controls.
A good start for less experienced photographers to capture well-exposed images is to shoot in the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which allows the camera to select the most suitable settings for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night Portrait, or Night Scenery. Beyond that, the camera is packed with enough features and options to keep you occupied with its well-endowed functions and capabilities to enhance your photography skills.
In the image quality department, the Lumix DMC-FZ38 is acclaimed for its ability to deliver excellent images consistent with its class as a 2009‑era CCD camera, especially at lower ISOs and in good light. Images, at higher sensitivities and longer zoom reach, however, may be slightly soft. and seen with visible noise.
The FZ38/FZ35 was updated to the Lumix DMC-FZ40/FZ45 in 2010, launched alongside the FZ100. The camera features a 25-600mm equivalent lens, similar to the FZ100, with a 14.1MP CCD sensor and a 230K dot 3.0-inch fixed LCD. The FZ40 also offers AVCHD Lite 720p HD video recording, manual shooting modes, and Panasonic's Sonic Speed auto-focus system that offers the industry's fastest focus times.
